UN 
(UNITED NATIONS) – Bünyamin Sürmeli – UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres issued a message on the occasion of the Day Against Trafficking in Persons. “Human trafficking is a horrific crime that targets the most vulnerable in our societies,” Guterres said in a written statement.
“One third of trafficked persons are children.”
“On this World Day against Trafficking in Persons, we focus on the most vulnerable among us: children. Children, who make up one third of all victims of trafficking, are subjected to exploitation ranging from forced labor to being sold as brides, from being used as soldiers to being forced into criminal activities.”
Pointing to growing inequalities and globalization, Secretary-General Guterres said, “It has fueled complex trafficking networks that challenge traditional legal frameworks and create new forms of slavery. Online platforms further expose children to sexual exploitation and gender-based violence, and enable traffickers to exploit victims across borders.”
Addressing the problems caused by human trafficking, Guterres said: “The physical and psychological scars of these crimes linger into adulthood, robbing children of their innocence, their future and their fundamental rights. We must strengthen protection measures, including child-sensitive justice mechanisms, raise awareness, support unaccompanied minors on the move, care for survivors and help vulnerable families address the root causes of exploitation.”
Guterres calls for “cooperation
Secretary-General Guterres called for cooperation in his written statement, saying: “I call on Governments, civil society and the private sector, including technology companies, to intensify their efforts and cooperation to ensure that no child is victimized and no trafficker goes unpunished. On this day, let us renew our commitment to a future where every child is safe and free.
