Stakeholders from various international organisations and the Government of Pakistan reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration and accelerating efforts to combat human trafficking. During an event organised to commemorate World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, the emphasis was placed on protecting children and upholding the rights and dignity of those most at risk of exploitation.
The event, under the global theme “Leave no child behind in the fight against human trafficking,” was a collaborative effort organised by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), the International Labour Organization (ILO), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and the Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO), in partnership with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).
Observed annually on July 30th, the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons aims to raise awareness about human trafficking and advocate for protection of victims' rights. This year's global campaign urges accelerated action to end child trafficking and labour issues.
Children make up a significant proportion of trafficking victims worldwide, with girls disproportionately affected. Rising inequalities and globalisation have fueled complex trafficking networks that challenge traditional legal frameworks, creating new forms of slavery. Online platforms further expose children to sexual exploitation and gender-based violence, enabling traffickers to exploit victims across borders.
The event aimed to raise awareness about the prevalence and impact of child trafficking and labour in Pakistan while highlighting the collaborative efforts and commitments of various organisations in combating human trafficking. It also recognised national partners and stakeholders making significant contributions to the fight against human trafficking in Pakistan. During the event, UN agencies and partner organisations reiterated their commitment to addressing human trafficking through inclusive and collaborative efforts at all levels. Moreover, the event provided a platform for sharing knowledge, strategies, and best practices through presentations, expert opinions, and discussions.
In his opening remarks, the Additional Director General of FIA, Mr. Abbas Ahsan, our society as a whole and practitioners including law enforcement in particular must acknowledge what constitutes trafficking; its prevalence in Pakistan and the impact it has on the lives of people especially children.
Country Representatives from UNODC, ICMPD, ILO, IOM, and SSDO underscored the importance attached to the protection of children and stressed that targeted measures are essential to reduce their vulnerability to trafficking.
The theme 'Leave no child behind in the fight against human trafficking' underscores the critical need for collaborative efforts to safeguard children's rights and dignity. At ICMPD, we stress the importance of cooperative frameworks that facilitate cross-border and multi-agency collaboration to combat the trafficking of human beings (THB) and ensure victim protection. Our goal is to ensure that no child falls through the cracks and that every child is protected from exploitation and harm.shared Fawad Haider, Head of Office at ICMPD.
UNODC, ICMPD, ILO, IOM, and SSDO reaffirm their collective commitment to eradicating human trafficking in Pakistan and a future where every child is safe and free from exploitation.
