World Day Against Trafficking in Persons: 30 July 2018

This House of Lords Library Briefing provides information on World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, marked on 30 July each year.

World Day Against Trafficking in Persons takes places on 30 July each year. It was established by the adoption of United Nations General Assembly Resolution A/RES/68/192—Improving the Coordination of Efforts Against Trafficking—on 18 December 2013.  The Resolution stated that the day was necessary to raise awareness of the situation of victims of human trafficking and for the promotion and protection of their rights.

In 2018, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has chosen “act to protect and assist trafficked persons” as the focus of the Day, stating that the topic highlights one of the most pressing issues of our time—“the large mixed migration movements of refugees and migrants”.  Further explaining this year’s focus, the UNODC stated:

The theme puts the spotlight on the significant impact of conflict and natural disasters, as well as the resultant, multiple risks of human trafficking that many people face. It addresses the key issue concerning trafficking responses: that most people are never identified as trafficking victims and therefore cannot access most of the assistance or protection provided.