On the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, stakeholders from various international organizations and the Government of Pakistan reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration and accelerating efforts to combat human trafficking. The event emphasized the protection of children and upholding the rights and dignity of those most at risk of exploitation.
Under the global theme “Leave No Child Behind in the Fight Against Human Trafficking,” the event was a collaborative effort organized 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 30, the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons raises awareness about human trafficking and advocates for the protection of victims’ rights. This year’s campaign urges accelerated action to end child trafficking and labor issues, highlighting that children make up a significant proportion of trafficking victims worldwide, with girls disproportionately affected.
During the event, UN agencies and partner organizations reiterated their commitment to addressing human trafficking through inclusive and collaborative efforts at all levels. The gathering provided a platform for sharing knowledge, strategies, and best practices through presentations, expert opinions, and discussions.
Key statements and insights
In his opening remarks, the Additional Director General of FIA, Abbas Ahsan, emphasized the importance of acknowledging the prevalence of trafficking in Pakistan and its impact on children, urging society and law enforcement to recognize and combat this issue.
Country Representatives from UNODC, ICMPD, ILO, IOM, SSDO, and FIA underscored the importance attached to the protection of children and stressed that targeted measures are essential to reduce their vulnerability to trafficking.
Dr Jeremy Milsom, Representative of UNODC Country Office Pakistan, highlighted the urgent need to protect children from trafficking, sharing that children account for one-third of trafficking victims globally, suffering unspeakable abuse.
Conveying the message of UNODC Executive Director Ghada Waly with the audience at the event, Shahida Gillani, Programme Officer for Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling, highlighted this year’s theme focuses on child victims which has tripled over the past 15 years. According to UNODC’s data, globally, children account for one-third of trafficking victims, suffering unspeakable abuse – whether they are forced into labor, sold off as brides, recruited as soldiers, or coerced into criminal activities, she shared.
Geir Tonstol, Country Director for the ILO Pakistan, stressed the importance of integrated approaches to child protection, noting that 3.3 million children are trafficked worldwide and urging expanded partnerships to combat this grave issue.
Vincent Matteau, Senior Programme Coordinator at IOM, emphasized the urgent need to combat child trafficking by establishing stronger partnerships and improving migration management. “IOM is committed to expanding safe and legal migration channels while addressing trafficking and smuggling through a comprehensive approach. This multifaceted strategy focuses on improving migration management, raising awareness, strengthening legal frameworks and victim support mechanisms, and facilitating safe mobility, return, and reintegration.”
Syed Kausar Abbas, Executive Director of SSDO, stressed the importance of a systematic approach to victim identification and referral, especially for vulnerable groups, and ensuring they receive tailored support. He called for increased prosecutions under the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act (PTPA), better labor inspections for child and bonded labour, and enhanced stakeholder capacity. Additionally, he stressed the need for greater public awareness and data-driven strategies to effectively address and prevent trafficking. SSDO is committed to implementing these measures and ensuring that all efforts to combat trafficking are comprehensively supported, he added.
Fawad Haider, Head of Office at ICMPD, stressed the need for collaborative efforts to safeguard children’s rights, emphasizing the importance of cooperative frameworks to combat trafficking and ensure victim protection. “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.”
Senator Ayesha Raza Farooq, Chairperson National Commission on Rights of Child (NCRC) said, “Today on the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, we gather to confront one of the gravest violations of human rights: child trafficking. This day serves as a reminder of the pervasive threat that traffickers pose to the safety and dignity of children and it also presents an opportunity for us to reaffirm our commitment for combating trafficking.
Ahmad Ishaque Jahangir, Director General FIA, underscored the seriousness of human trafficking, particularly child trafficking, as a human rights violation demanding unwavering attention and action, highlighting the FIA’s leading efforts in collaboration with partners.
The event underscored the collaborative commitment of UNODC, ICMPD, ILO, IOM, SSDO, and FIA to eradicating human trafficking in Pakistan and ensuring a future where every child is safe and free from exploitation.