30 July: World Day Against Trafficking in Persons

United Nations (UN) observed World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on July 30 to raise awareness of the plight of human trafficking victims, and promote and protect their rights. The theme for this year was ‘Human Trafficking: Call Your Government To Action’.

Background

UN- International Labour Organization (ILO) defines human trafficking as trade of humans, most commonly for purpose of forced labour, commercial sexual exploitation or sexual slavery for the trafficker or others. It estimates that 21 million people are victims of forced labour globally which includes victims of human trafficking for labour and sexual exploitation. According to United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNDOC) Global Report on Trafficking in Persons, women and girls comprise 71% of human trafficking victims and additionally children make up almost one third of all human trafficking victims worldwide.

About World Day against Trafficking in Persons

This day was proclaimed by UN General Assembly (UNGA) in 2013 by adopting resolution A/RES/68/192 in 2013. This resolution had declared that the main objective of observance of this day is to raise awareness of situation of victims of human trafficking and for promotion and protection of their rights.

Month: Current Affairs - July, 2019