Monthly Reflection

In 2013 the United Nations General Assembly designated July 30 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons to raise awareness, promote and protect the rights of survivors, and encourage collective action.

The Facts

Every country in the world is affected by human trafficking, whether as a country of origin, transit, or destination. Women, men, and children are exploited for sex, forced marriage, or labor. They are made to work in factories, on construction sites, in agriculture, and domestic servitude for little or no pay (UN Office on Drugs and Crime). According to the 2024 United Nations Trafficking in Persons Report (GLOTIP), 74,785 victims of human trafficking were detected in 2022, a 43 per cent increase from 2020. Much of the increase can be attributed to a 31 per cent increase in child trafficking. One in three victims was a child, most were girls. The majority were sexually exploited. Others were forced into child marriage or domestic servitude (GLOTIP, 2024).

Natalia’s Story

Thirteen-year-old Natalia was told by her parents she was moving to the U.S. with family friends to receive an education. Born and raised in a small village in Ghana, Natalia’s family was struggling to pay the school fees for their children and welcomed the opportunity for Natalia to receive an education. Shortly after she arrived in the U.S., the father began to abuse her, creating a constant environment of fear for Natalia. For the next six years she was forced to clean the house, wash clothes, cook, and care for three children, often working 18 hours a day while receiving no payment. She was never allowed to enroll in school, go outside, or even use the phone. One day, after she was severely beaten, Natalia saw an opportunity to run away. A neighbor called the police. She was taken to a local hospital which referred her to Polaris New Jersey. They met Natalia at the hospital and immediately coordinated emergency services including clothing, safe shelter, counseling, and case management. Within a month, Natalia was enrolled in school as she had always dreamed, living in transitional housing and beginning to feel like herself again. Natalia is one of the many examples of the resilience and courage of
survivors.

The reasons for child trafficking, are numerous and the fight against it ineffective. There is an urgent need for comprehensive action.

Act

1. Educate yourself and others.

• Identify the systemic causes of human trafficking.
• Familiarize yourself with the key indicators of human trafficking.
• Share posts from organizations like U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime on social media to amplify awareness.
• Support companies that have strong anti-trafficking policies and avoid products may use child labor.

2. Support anti-trafficking organizations.

• Contribute to organizations like the Alliance to End Human Trafficking.
• Offer your skills to organizations working in the field.
• Share their messages and campaigns on social media.
• Look for seminars, workshops, and online campaigns that focus on prevention.

3. Advocate for change.

• Prioritize the protection of children.
• Urge your elected officials to enact legislation to support survivors.
• Address the root causes of trafficking by supporting programs that fight poverty, ensure gender and racial equity, safeguard immigrants, and empower families.
• Amplify Talitha Kum’s efforts to transform the exploitation-based economy of trafficking to an economy of care and solidarity.