
Human trafficking has become a major part of organized crime, posing serious risks to global security, democracy, governance, and human rights. Most traffickers operate within organized criminal networks, allowing them to exploit more victims for longer periods and with increased violence. Women and children suffer the most severe abuses from these crimes.
On July 30, World Day against Trafficking in Persons, the Inter-Agency Coordination Group, including UN Women, released a joint statement urging urgent action against these criminal networks. They highlighted the dangerous cycle created by the mutual support between trafficking and organized crime, which threatens national and international security. This cycle further:
- Weakens governance
- Undermines human rights
- Erodes the rule of law
- Damages democracy
- Stalls sustainable development
The statement calls for stronger global cooperation and focused efforts to dismantle trafficking networks. Experts emphasize that combating these crimes requires addressing both the traffickers and the complex structures enabling their operations. Protecting vulnerable groups, especially women and children, is essential.
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