World Day against Trafficking in Persons

World Day against Trafficking in Persons

World Day against Trafficking in Persons is an international observance that aims to raise awareness about the pressing issue of human trafficking and promote the protection of victims' rights. This global event emphasizes the importance of understanding the complex nature of human trafficking and the susceptibility of individuals of all ages, ethnicities, and genders to this heinous crime. It also encourages governments, businesses, and communities to act collectively to prevent and combat this transnational threat.

The United Nations General Assembly established World Day against Trafficking in Persons in 2013, as a response to the growing prevalence of human trafficking worldwide. In Australia, human trafficking takes various forms, including forced labour, sexual exploitation, domestic servitude, organ harvesting, and forced marriages. Australian citizens, as well as migrants, may fall victim to these criminal activities. In an effort to combat this issue, Australia has adopted a strong legislative framework based on international standards, including the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons (the Palermo Protocol). The government also implements a National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking and Slavery, which focuses on the prevention, detection, prosecution, and support for victims of trafficking.

To observe World Day against Trafficking in Persons in Australia, various events are organized across the country, including seminars, workshops, and awareness-raising campaigns. These activities engage government bodies, non-governmental organizations, academia, and the general public, fostering dialogue and the exchange of ideas to tackle the issue more effectively. In recognition of this significant occasion, Australia also uses this day to renew its commitment to fighting human trafficking and protecting its victims. World Day against Trafficking in Persons takes place annually on 30th July, amplifying the collective voice against this grave human rights violation.

Facts about Human Trafficking

• The theme for World Day against Trafficking in Persons 2023 was Reach every victim of trafficking, leave no one behind.
• The average cost of a slave globally is $90.
• In the 2021-22 financial year, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) received 294 reports of modern slavery and human trafficking, an increase from 224 in the previous financial year.
• A recent report by the Australian Institute of Criminology estimates that only one in five victims are detected.

In the News and Trending in Australia for World Day against Trafficking in Persons

Top things to do in Australia for this observance

• Spread awareness about the day by using the hashtags #WorldDayAgainstTraffickinginPersons and #IGiveHope.
• Donate to charities: Not For Sale, Unisex or Polaris Project. All donations go toward protecting people and communities around the world from modern-day slavery and human trafficking. They have directly supported thousands of people around the world back to lives of freedom and meaning.
• Watch Trace (2020). This Australian documentary series investigates the 1980 murder case of Maria James in Melbourne, but also uncovers a possible link to a global human trafficking ring.
• Read a book to learn more about Human Trafficking in Australia. Here are some suggestions:
  1. Hidden in Plain Sight: An Inquiry into the Definition, Prevalence and Nature of Human Trafficking in Australia by Jenny Stanger and Samantha Lyneham
  2. Labour Trafficking in Australia: A Comprehensive Analysis by Alana Joblin and Mary Crock