trafficking in human beings

World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, July 30, 2025

© United Nations

On July 30,the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons is celebrated, with this year’s theme being Human Trafficking is Organized Crime - End the Exploitation.
This annual observance, established by the United Nations, aims to raise awareness about the global issue of human trafficking and mobilise efforts to combat this serious crime. 
The 2025 theme highlights the intricate connection between human trafficking and organised criminal networks, emphasising the need for a coordinated response to dismantle these operations and guaranteeing a victim-centered approach.

Human trafficking is considered to be a pressing global concern, affecting millions of people worldwide. From 2020 to 2023, over 200,000 victims were detected globally, with experts believing this figure represents only a fraction of the actual cases. Organized criminal networks are driving this exploitation, leveraging migration flows, global supply chains, and digital platforms to facilitate cross-border trafficking on an unprecedented scale.

By focusing on the organised crime aspect, this year’s campaign seeks to draw attention to the sophisticated networks behind trafficking operations and the urgent need for improved law enforcement efforts, international cooperation, and victim-centered approaches to effectively address this complex issue. Authorities are urged to enforce strict laws, conduct proactive investigations, strengthen cross-border cooperation, and utilise technology to identify and dismantle trafficking operations. This approach aims to bridge the gap between the campaign’s global reach and local realities, effectively connecting with those impacted by this crime and working towards its eradication.

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trafficking in human beings international days