The United Nations commemorates World Day Against Human Trafficking on Thursday, July 30, 2019.
This annual commemorative day was set up by the United Nations to draw the world’s attention to the increasing presence and threats of human trafficking, and the need for consented efforts at addressing the situation.
It is estimated that there are over 40million people trafficked annually, and the global profits from human trafficking are estimated at over $150billion annually, which makes it the second most profitable illegal business in the world.
The 2020 theme for the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons will focus on the first responders to human trafficking.
These are the people who work in different sectors – identifying, supporting, counseling and seeking justice for victims of trafficking, and challenging the impunity of the traffickers.
During the COVID-19 crisis, the essential role of first responders has become even more important.
Particularly as the restrictions imposed by the pandemic have made their work even more difficult still, their contribution is often overlooked and unrecognized.
Ghana is estimated to be home to over 100,000 victims of modern slavery, according to the Global Slavery Index, and Ghana’s fisheries sector is believed to be the highest beneficiary of human trafficking in Ghana, with an estimate of over 20,000 children believed to be entrapped on the Lake Volta alone.
Through stories from first responders describing their practical work in assisting victims, UNODC intends to spotlight their contribution and that of their function, institution, organization, team, or community and its impact on fighting trafficking.
Source: Mybrytfmonline/Kofi Atakora
