Observe International awareness days and weeks during the year to educate the public about causes that are close to your heart. Mobilize political will and resources to address local and international problems. And celebrate global achievements that are a result of International awareness days.

While international awareness days came before the establishment of the United Nations, the United Nations embraces awareness days as a powerful tool for advocacy. The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed The World Day Against Trafficking in Persons in its resolution A/RES/68/192 and takes place on July 30 of each year. This day is a time to recommit ourselves to knowing more about human trafficking and the pain people experience as a result of this human rights violation.

Trafficking in Persons and the effect it has on those caught in this grave violation of human rights is outrageous.

Recently, Personalized Cause viewed This Is Life with Lisa Ling, and an episode in which she explored sex trafficking and massage parlors. Check out the episode here: The Secret World of Massage Parlors – IMDb.

What is Trafficking in Persons?

Supported by the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC), the color blue and heart image represent the sadness of those who are trafficked. In addition, it reminds us of the cold-heartedness of those who buy and sell fellow human beings. As this campaign recognizes, this is a very big issue across the entire world.

Therefore, trafficking in persons is a serious crime and violation of basic human rights. According to the United Nations, every year thousands of men, women and children are victimized by traffickers. This happens in their own countries and countries abroad. Almost every country in the world is affected by trafficking, whether as a country of origin, transit or destination for victims.

Sometimes, victims of trafficking are hiding in plain sight. It is important to keep our eyes and ears open and stay vigilant about recognizing trafficking victims. On bathroom walls in airports throughout the United States, signs are posted with a telephone number to call if you suspect human trafficking. This number is 1-888-373-7888. Call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888, or text “Help” to 233722 or text “Info” to 233722 if you suspect human trafficking.

The Effect of COVID-19 on Human Trafficking

The global COVID-19 pandemic moved everyday life from public view to online platforms. Technology increased with the pandemic, and simultaneously, so has the crime of human trafficking in cyber space. Internet platforms give human traffickers tools to recruit, exploit and control their victims. This includes transport and accommodations, advertisements for unsuspecting victims, and the ability to reach out to potential clients. This platform allows for better and cryptic communication among perpetrators. It also allows perpetrators to hide criminal proceeds with greater speed, cost-effectiveness and anonymity.

Trafficking in Humans and Internet Platforms for

Technology, however, offers the opportunity to improve the ability to catch human traffickers. Law enforcement can leverage technology to aid in investigations to find and identify trafficking networks. This technology also allows prosecutors to use digital evidence, such as in the case of child sex trafficking, during criminal proceedings.

All in all, awareness, and the ability to call attention to human trafficking, are key. Prevention and awareness of human trafficking helps to reduce the risk of people falling victim to human trafficking online. Cooperation with the private sector is crucial to increase innovation and expertise of the development of sustainable, technology-based solutions to support intervention and combat human trafficking.

Wear a Blue Ribbon for Human Trafficking Awareness

Observe World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on July 30 by wearing a blue awareness ribbon. Wearing a blue awareness ribbon demonstrates to others that you care about your fellow human beings.

Speak about human trafficking with others. Share social media posts about your opposition to this human rights violation. Stay vigilant online. Report suspicious pages or activities to authorities by dedicated online mechanisms or hotlines. Support a cause that gives assistance and protection to victims of human trafficking.

Important Statistics:

In 2018, 148 countries detected and reported that fifty thousand human being were trafficked. Fifty percent of victims are trafficked for sexual exploitation. Thirty-eight percent were exploited for forced labor. Female victims continue to be the primary targets. Women make up forty-six percent and girls nineteen percent of all victims of trafficking.

Globally, one in every three trafficking victims detected is a child. Think about that! The share of children among detected trafficking victims has tripled, while the share of boys has increased five times over the past fifteen years. These numbers are astonishing. Remember that being vigilant helps save lives. Standing up for the most vulnerable populations is crucial. We all have the ability to speak up, wear a ribbon, and make our voices heard.

Human Trafficking in Children

Human trafficking impacts hundreds of countries all over the world, including developed countries. A significant proportion of human trafficking victims are children. According to the United Nations office on drugs and crime, approximately one out of every five victims of human trafficking are children. Unfortunately, the most common form of human trafficking is sexual exploitation. Approximately eighty percent of all human trafficking victims, including children, are victims of sexual exploitation. The second-most common form of human trafficking is forced labor.

All in all, the take away points from this blog are: Be Aware. Wear your blue ribbon. Raise awareness about human trafficking. Know that human traffickers are skillful at using internet platforms, social media channels, online marketplace sites, and free-standing webpages. Traffickers use these platforms to recruit victims and attract clients. Protect yourself and your loved ones against human trafficking by being aware and raising awareness. From this day forward, vow to observe this important awareness day each year and show your support of vulnerable populations.

End human trafficking. #endhumantrafficking As a citizen of this world, it is crucial we stand up for others who cannot stand up for themselves. The purpose of these blogs is to call awareness to injustice and situations that deserve cause awareness. Please make sure that you learn about human trafficking and the injustice associated with it. In the end, we are all responsible for one another. End human trafficking through actions that show where you stand on this important issue. We never know the lives we touch with our commitment to what is right for others. Please demonstrate compassion and honor those who suffer in silence.