According to the 2024 Global Report on Trafficking in Persons by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), in recent years the United Kingdom has reported a consistent increase in trafficking victims. In 2023 alone, over 17,000 potential victims were referred through the National Referral Mechanism (NRM), marking a 33% rise compared to 2021. Nearly half of them were children, and a significant number were victims of forced labour and sexual exploitation.
This global phenomenon is the reason why 30 July is recognised as the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. A key date to raise awareness of one of the most brutal forms of human exploitation and to reaffirm our ethical commitment to its eradication.
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What is human trafficking?
Trafficking is a crime that involves the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of people, through the use of threat, force or other forms of coercion, for the purpose of exploitation.
In the United States, it is estimated that over 27,000 active cases of human trafficking were reported between 2020 and 2023, according to the National Human Trafficking Hotline.
Victims may be forced into sexual exploitation, labour, domestic servitude, forced marriage, or even organ removal. This is a grave violation of human rights and a modern form of slavery.
Why is World Day Against Trafficking in Persons observed?
In 2013, the United Nations General Assembly established 30 July as a global day to shed light on the human cost of trafficking and encourage state and civil society engagement to eliminate it. The day aims to raise awareness, promote concrete actions and support survivors, reminding us that every statistic hides a story of pain and survival.
How do trafficking networks operate?
Human trafficking networks often function as sophisticated, transnational organisations that adapt to local contexts and technological advancements. They exploit social media, messaging apps, fake job adverts, bogus modelling agencies or romantic manipulation to lure victims.
In sub-Saharan Africa, countries such as Nigeria, South Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo report high levels of trafficking, particularly of women and children for sexual exploitation, domestic servitude, and forced labour. Armed conflicts and displacement in the region further exacerbate the vulnerability of potential victims.
Once recruited, individuals are subjected to threats, physical violence, emotional manipulation or debt bondage. These organisations operate in the shadows with logistics and strategies that allow them to evade law enforcement and transport victims almost invisibly.
Who are the victims of human trafficking?
Victims can be women, men, girls and boys of any nationality, ethnicity or social background. However, most detected cases involve women and girls subjected to sexual exploitation, and men and boys coerced into forced labour.
Situations of poverty, violence, displacement, lack of opportunity, or discrimination significantly increase the risk of falling prey to traffickers.
How can we avoid falling into a trafficking network?
Protecting ourselves begins with being informed and cautious when faced with job offers or proposals that seem too good to be true. Authorities and NGOs advise these basic safety tips:
- Verify the legitimacy of job offers, especially abroad.
- Be wary of people who offer quick help with no references.
- Never hand over personal documents to strangers.
- Inform family or friends before travelling or accepting job offers.
- Learn to recognise emotional manipulation tactics, such as love bombing, and false promises on social media.
Prevention is the first line of defence. The more informed we are, the harder it becomes for traffickers to succeed.
How does society combat human trafficking?
Fighting trafficking requires joint efforts between governments, international organisations, NGOs and civil society. Actions include prevention and awareness, criminal prosecution, and victim support.
Many countries have airport detection protocols, educational campaigns in schools, specialist police units, and survivor support centres. Globally, instruments like the Palermo Protocol and the UN’s 2030 Agenda reinforce international commitment to ending this form of slavery.
Beyond 30 July: A long-term commitment
It is also essential to understand the connection between anti-trafficking efforts and the rights of sex workers. 2 June marks the International Sex Workers’ Day, a moment to reflect on the importance of protecting those who voluntarily engage in sex work, and distinguishing them from victims of exploitation and trafficking. This distinction is key to shaping public policies that are both effective and respectful of human rights.
Beyond 30 July, our commitment must remain active and strong. Eradicating all forms of human exploitation requires an informed, empathetic, and proactive society.
