UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called on governments, civil society, and the private sector, including technology companies, to intensify efforts and collaborate to protect children from human trafficking and ensure that traffickers are brought to justice.
According to the UN Information Centre, the Secretary-General made this call in a message marking the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, which this year is themed “Leave No Child Behind in the Fight Against Human Trafficking.” He urged for a renewed UN commitment to a future where every child enjoys safety and freedom.
Guterres stated that human trafficking is a horrific crime targeting the most vulnerable groups in our societies. “On this World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, we focus our attention on the most at-risk group among us: children,” he said.
He explained that children constitute one-third of human trafficking victims, facing severe abuse, including forced labor, being sold for marriage, recruitment for combat, and coerced into criminal activities. The increase in inequalities and globalization trends have fueled complex trafficking networks that challenge traditional legal frameworks, leading to new forms of slavery.
The Secretary-General added that online platforms contribute to the increased exposure of children to sexual exploitation and violence, providing traffickers with opportunities to exploit victims across borders.
Guterres highlighted that the physical and psychological scars from these crimes persist long into adulthood, stripping children of their innocence, future, and fundamental rights.
He concluded by emphasizing the need to strengthen protective measures, including child-sensitive justice mechanisms, awareness efforts, support for unaccompanied children during transit, care for survivors, and addressing the root causes of exploitation by aiding vulnerable families.
