World Day Against Trafficking in Persons:

A Pledge to 'Reach Every Victim, Leave No One Behind'

 

The Significance of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons

UN observes international days throughout the year to raise awareness encourage action on vital problems affecting people all over the globe.

July 30th is recognized as the World Day against Trafficking in Persons, a yearly occasion that seeks to bring attention to the serious problem of human trafficking and advocate for the rights of all victims.

The 2023 theme, "Reach Every Victim of Trafficking, Leave No One Behind," emphasizes the need to make anti-trafficking efforts more inclusive and effective.

Human trafficking, often described as modern-day slavery, is a multibillion-dollar industry affecting millions of people worldwide. It knows no borders, affecting people of all backgrounds, ages, and genders, often exploiting the most vulnerable in society.

This year's observance comes amidst an ongoing global push for greater human rights recognition, accentuated by the landmark 75th anniversary of the UDHR. Adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 10, 1948, the UDHR is a milestone document in the history of human rights, setting out for the first time, fundamental human rights to be universally protected.

Among the 30 articles of the UDHR, Article 4 directly addresses the issue at hand: "No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade shall be prohibited in all their forms." This anniversary offers a valuable opportunity to reflect on this profound statement's continuing relevance and the ongoing fight against human trafficking.

Despite the progress made since the adoption of the UDHR, the persistent issue of human trafficking proves there is still much work to be done. It is a challenge that demands unified, global action—governmental policy change, improved victim support, and public awareness are crucial in tackling this heinous crime.

The World Day against Trafficking in Persons is not just a day for remembrance and the UDHR anniversary not just a historical commemoration. They are rallying cries for justice, reminders of our shared humanity, and affirmations of the values we stand for: freedom, justice, and peace.

"Leave no one behind" is not just a call to action – it is a call to change. It is a call for governments, businesses, and individuals worldwide to unite in a concerted effort to tackle human trafficking. It is a call for stronger laws and stricter enforcement, improved victim support services, and better prevention mechanisms.

 

Interconnection of SDGs in the Fight Against Trafficking

 

It is a potent call to action that aligns with the principles embedded in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 5, 8, and 16.

Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5 aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. 5.1. The empowerment and autonomy of women, and the improvement of their political, social, economic, and health status, is essential for the eradication of human trafficking. Discrimination against women and girls increases their vulnerability to trafficking, especially in cases of sex trafficking. 5.2. Human trafficking is a form of violence against women and girls, often accompanied by physical, psychological, and sexual abuse. Eliminating human trafficking is thus key to achieving SDG 5. 5.3 Early and forced marriages are forms of trafficking where girls and women are sold into marriages without their consent. Combating these practices contributes significantly to the fight against human trafficking.

The 8th Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of the United Nations is focused on promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. While human trafficking is not explicitly mentioned in this SDG, it is indirectly linked to the goal's targets. Target 8.7 of the 8th SDG specifically deals with ending modern slavery and human trafficking. It states: "Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labor, end modern slavery and human trafficking, and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labor, including recruitment and use of child soldiers, and by 2025 end child labor in all its forms."[1]

The United Nations' 16th Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels. The 16th SDG indirectly addresses human trafficking by promoting accountable and effective institutions that can help prevent, investigate, and combat trafficking crimes. Target 16.2 - protect children from abuse, exploitation, trafficking and violence.

By addressing these Sustainable Development Goals, governments, organizations, and individuals can work together to prevent trafficking, protect victims, and prosecute perpetrators, thus creating a safer and more just world for all.

Overview of Human Trafficking in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan has made significant progress to address human trafficking and protect victims. Uzbekistan has taken measures to improve its legal framework and law enforcement efforts to combat trafficking in persons. The government has also collaborated with international organizations to develop strategies and action plans to counter trafficking and provide support to victims.

Efforts to combat human trafficking in Uzbekistan have increased in recent years. In accordance with the Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan dated July 30, 2019 “On Additional Measures to Further Improve the System for Combating Trafficking in Persons and Forced Labor” the National Commission on Countering Trafficking in Persons and Forced Labor was established and its composition was approved.  Furthermore, the institution of the National Rapporteur on combating trafficking in persons and forced labour was established. The duties of the Chairperson of the national commission and the national rapporteur are carried out by the Chairperson of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis.

The National Commission on Combating Human Trafficking and Forced Labor coordinates activities of government agencies, civil society institutions and non-governmental organizations to combat trafficking in persons and forced labor.

To identify victims of human trafficking and provide them with social and legal assistance, the website www.ht.gov.uz and the telephone hotline of the Ministry of Internal Affairs were established.

While progress has been made in combating human trafficking in Uzbekistan, the problem persists. A sustained and comprehensive approach is needed to completely eradicate this crime. This requires continued governmental action, international cooperation, and public education. As we commemorate the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, let us reaffirm our commitment to ending this heinous crime worldwide.

Conclusion: Moving Forward

In conclusion, while addressing every victim of human trafficking may sound challenging, it is a worthwhile objective to pursue. We may boost our chances of abolishing modern-day slavery by taking a comprehensive strategy that includes governments, international organizations, law enforcement agencies, communities, and people. It is crucial that we remain devoted to the cause and work to better the lives of victims while leaving no one behind.

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere," declared Martin Luther King.

The theme "Reach every victim of trafficking, leave no one behind" is an embodiment of hope and a pledge to make a difference.

Even if some countries stop human trafficking and others do not, the process is not the end of human trafficking. It implies we must work globally until human trafficking is eradicated.

Every human being has the right to a life free of servitude, fear, and coercion.

Every human being has the right to live a life free of human trafficking.

And every human being has the human rights.

 

Ismoilova Shodiya

University of World Economy and Diplomacy

Student of International law faculty

 

[1] https://www.globalgoals.org/goals/8-decent-work-and-economic-growth/