The United Nations Warns Against Growing Human Trafficking and Calls for Coordinated Global Action
Antonio Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, has called for a unification of international efforts to support victims of human trafficking, hold perpetrators accountable, and build a world free from slavery and exploitation. This message coincided with the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, observed on July 30.
Guterres condemned what he described as a “heinous crime,” asserting that it is a flagrant violation of human rights and represents one of the fastest-growing forms of organized crime worldwide. He explained that organized criminal networks manage this brutal activity, relying on deceit and coercion to exploit the most vulnerable groups in society, reaping enormous profits at the expense of their suffering.
The Secretary-General accused these networks of exploiting legal loopholes and infiltrating legitimate supply chains, taking advantage of migration flows and technological advancements, particularly in recruitment and remote control operations, which include activities such as forced sexual exploitation and digital fraud.
He emphasized the necessity to break the business model based on human exploitation, by combating impunity and cutting off illicit profit avenues, alongside enhancing law enforcement and delivering justice for victims. He also called for effective partnerships with civil society and the private sector, particularly technology companies, to raise awareness and provide effective reporting and protection mechanisms.
For its part, the International Organization for Migration called for joint action to confront what it termed “coercive criminality,” warning of an increase in cases where migrants and children are forced to commit crimes such as online fraud and drug trafficking under the threat and deception of organized networks.
