United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged for increased efforts to protect children from human traffickers in a statement marking the annual World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, observed on July 30.
Guterres highlighted that human trafficking is a horrific crime targeting the most vulnerable in our societies.
“Human trafficking is a horrific crime that targets the most vulnerable in our societies,” Guterres said.
“On this World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, we focus on the most vulnerable among us – – children.”
He noted that children represent a third of the trafficking victims who suffer “indescribable violations,” including being forced into labour, sold for marriage, recruited as soldiers, or coerced into criminal activities.
The UN chief pointed out that growing inequalities and globalization have fueled complex trafficking networks that challenge traditional legal frameworks, creating new forms of slavery.
He added that online platforms increase children’s exposure to sexual exploitation and gender-based violence, allowing traffickers to exploit victims across borders.
In June, the UN placed the Israeli military and Hamas on a global list of perpetrators committing violations against children due to the ongoing war in Gaza.
This development comes as Israeli bombardments continue across the Gaza Strip, particularly targeting displaced persons’ camps, as the conflict enters its ninth month.
Israel’s Ambassador to the UN, Gilad Erdan, criticized the decision by UN Secretary-General António Guterres to include the Israeli military in the list, calling it disgraceful.
UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric confirmed that Israel was notified about its inclusion on the list, which identifies entities that violate children’s rights during conflicts.
