Islamabad, 30 July 2024 — Stakeholders from various international organizations and the Government of Pakistan reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration and accelerating efforts to combat human trafficking. During an event organized to commemorate World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, the emphasis was placed on protecting children and upholding the rights and dignity of those most at risk of exploitation.

The event, under the global theme “Leave no child behind in the fight against human trafficking,” 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 30th, the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons aims to raise awareness about human trafficking and advocate for the protection of victims' rights. This year's global campaign urges accelerated action to end child trafficking and labour issues.

Children make up a significant proportion of trafficking victims worldwide, with girls disproportionately affected. Rising inequalities and globalization have fueled complex trafficking networks that challenge traditional legal frameworks, creating new forms of slavery. Online platforms further expose children to sexual exploitation and gender-based violence, enabling traffickers to exploit victims across borders.

The event aimed to raise awareness about the prevalence and impact of child trafficking and labour in Pakistan while highlighting the collaborative efforts and commitments of various organizations in combating human trafficking. It also recognized national partners and stakeholders making significant contributions to the fight against human trafficking in Pakistan. During the event, UN agencies and partner organizations reiterated their commitment to addressing human trafficking through inclusive and collaborative efforts at all levels. Moreover, the event provided a platform for sharing knowledge, strategies, and best practices through presentations, expert opinions, and discussions.

In his opening remarks, the Additional Director General of FIA, Abbas Ahsan, urged that our society as a whole and practitioners, including law enforcement, must acknowledge what constitutes trafficking; its prevalence in Pakistan and the impact it has on the lives of people, especially children.

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.

Jeremy Milsom, Representative UNODC Country Office Pakistan, invited Shahida Gillani, Programme Officer, Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling, to read the message of UNODC Executive Director Ghada Waly with the audience. Gilani highlighted in her message that this year’s theme focuses on child victims, which have tripled over the past 15 years. She also shared, “According to UNODC’s data, globally, children account for one-third of trafficking victims, suffering unspeakable abuse – whether they are forced into labour, sold off as brides, recruited as soldiers, or coerced into criminal activities.

Geir Tonstol, Country Director for the ILO Pakistan, said, "The ILO recognizes the urgent need to combat human trafficking, a grave issue disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable, especially children. With a staggering 3.3 million children trafficked worldwide, it is crucial for state systems to adopt integrated approaches that prioritize child protection. By leveraging forums like this, we can expand partnerships and collaborate with like-minded organizations to support Pakistan’s progress towards a fairer and more equitable society."

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, highlighted 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 labour 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, emphasized, “The theme 'Leave no child behind in the fight against human trafficking' underscores the critical need for collaborative efforts to safeguard children's rights and dignity. 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 of the 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 to combating trafficking.

Closing the high-level segment, Director General FIA Ahmad Ishaque Jahangir (PSP) emphasized, “Human trafficking, particularly child trafficking, is a serious human rights violation that demands our unwavering attention and action. In Pakistan, the FIA has been leading efforts to combat this heinous crime. Our work is significantly enhanced through collaboration with our esteemed partners. This joint event is a testament to our unified response and shared commitment to eradicating trafficking in persons.”

UNODC, ICMPD, ILO, IOM, SSDO, and FIA reaffirm their collective commitment to eradicating human trafficking in Pakistan and a future where every child is safe and free from exploitation.

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For further information or media inquiries, please contact:

UNODC: Rizwana Rahool, Advocacy and Communications Officer at +923018564255 or rizwana.rahool@un.org

IOM: Maha Akbar, National Communications Officer, maakbar@iom.int

ILO: Muhammad Numan, Communications Officer at +923035000041 or numan@ilo.org

ICMPD: Saad ur Rehman Khan, Project Manager, Migrant Resource Centres, at +92 327 7759 777 or SaadRehman.Khan@icmpd.org

SSDO: Naveed Ashraf, Communication Manager at +92 333 5346006 or Naveed@ssdo.org.pk