World Day Against Trafficking in Persons | July 30
Today, July 30, we observe World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.
The day sounds the alarm on human trafficking and calls on governments to act to stop criminals from exploiting people for profit.
What is human trafficking?
Human trafficking is a modern form of slavery. It is the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain labor or sex.
Traffickers use violence, manipulation, and false promises to trap their victims. Victims often face physical and psychological abuse, sexual abuse, food and sleep deprivation, threats to family members, and isolation.
The scale
According to the International Labor Organization, there are over 40 million victims of human trafficking worldwide. Nearly every country is affected. Women, children, and immigrants are among the most vulnerable. Factors like poverty, lack of jobs, discrimination, organized crime, and government corruption fuel the problem.
In the U.S. alone, up to 17,500 people become victims each year.
5 ways to #EndHumanTrafficking:
1. Learn the signs of trafficking from trusted sources like the U.S. Department of State
2. Report it. If you suspect someone is a victim, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888
3. Be a conscious consumer and ask questions about where products come from
4. Ask local officials what they are doing to combat trafficking in your community
5. Spread awareness online using #WorldDayAgainstTraffickingInPersons or #EndHumanTrafficking. Watch documentaries to learn more.
History
In 2010, the UN adopted the Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons. In 2013, the UN designated July 30 as World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.
Human trafficking thrives in silence. Today, let’s choose to see, speak up, and act.
#ENDHUMANTRAFFICKING
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