
On the World Day against Trafficking in Persons, July 30, UN Women and the Inter-Agency Coordination Group issued a powerful joint statement highlighting the deep link between human trafficking and organized crime. Human trafficking has emerged as a key part of organized crime worldwide.
Criminal networks operate with sophistication, victimizing large numbers of people, particularly women and children. These victims often suffer the worst abuses and exploitation for long periods. This rising crime threatens:
- Global security
- Democracy
- Governance
- Human rights
- Sustainable development
The statement warns that trafficking and organized crime create a dangerous cycle, which weakens the rule of law and undermines national and global safety. The call to action emphasizes:
- Dismantling the criminal networks behind these egregious abuses
- Preserving democratic societies
- Protecting human dignity
Tackling these interconnected crimes remains critical for governments and international bodies alike.