July 30th is the 10th UN World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, and the theme is “Leave no child behind in the fight against human trafficking,” but unfortunately, human trafficking is currently unrecognized in a critical human rights document being developed, Pact for the Future. On September 22-24, the United Nations will convene the Summit of the Future at the UN General Assembly (UNGA). This significant event will see the presentation of the Pact for the Future, a non-binding document designed to propose actionable ideas aimed at bridging divisions between governments on critical issues like human rights. As we approach this summit, it is imperative to emphasize why human trafficking must be addressed in the Pact for the Future.
Understanding the Scope of Human Trafficking
Human trafficking is the fastest-growing criminal enterprise in the world, generating immense profits for those who exploit vulnerable populations. This illicit industry is a significant source of funding for entities that threaten global stability and security. Human trafficking is unique among human rights abuses due to its rapid regional escalation and the severe exploitation and enslavement of tens of millions of people. The scope of human trafficking includes:
– Sex Trafficking: The forced involvement in commercial sex acts.
– Labor Trafficking: The coercion of individuals into labor or services through force, fraud, or deception.
– Organ Harvesting: The illegal trade of human organs.
– Forced Marriage: Compelling individuals to marry against their will.
– Other Forms of Modern-Day Slavery: Including child soldiers, domestic servitude, and more.
Human trafficking not only exploits vulnerable populations but also fuels and intensifies global violence. The profits generated from human trafficking are often used to fund terrorism, armed conflicts, gender apartheid, and contribute to environmental degradation. This criminal activity destabilizes societies and undermines efforts to promote peace and security.
A Unifying Cause for Global Human Rights
As highlighted in our 2023 world leader coalition letter to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, “Ending human trafficking helps to fulfill crucial parts of multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Additionally, human trafficking is a human rights violation that elicits broad engagement across ideological divides, and so stands as a uniquely unifying platform for global human rights deliberations.”
Human trafficking intersects with several SDGs, including those related to poverty, education, gender equality, decent work, and peace and justice. Addressing human trafficking is not only a matter of human rights but also a critical component in achieving sustainable development and global stability.
The Current Gap in the UN SDG Summit Political Declaration
Despite its significance, human trafficking and modern slavery are not currently referenced in the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Summit Political Declaration. This omission highlights a critical gap in the global approach to addressing this pervasive issue.
It is essential for human trafficking to be addressed in the Pact for the Future, which will be presented at the UN Summit for the Future. Including human trafficking in this key document is crucial for making tangible progress toward global stability and human rights protection. The Pact for the Future must recognize the urgency of combating human trafficking and propose concrete measures to eradicate it.
How You Can Help
Together, we can push for the inclusion of human trafficking in the Pact for the Future and work towards a world where every individual is free from exploitation and slavery. Join us in this vital mission to protect human rights and promote global justice. Email [email protected] with the title “Sample SDG Email,” and we will send you information on how to get involved. Your voice and actions can contribute to a global movement to end human trafficking and ensure that no one is left behind.
