By Chris Whatley
Here’s an (almost) unbelievable fact: there are more human beings in slavery right now than at any other time in human history.
Today, July 30th, is the first UN World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. Currently there are an estimated 20.9 million people trafficked around the world. That’s more than the entire population of New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles combined. And as two-thirds of victims are women and girls, it is clear that moms’ voices are essential in any solution to human trafficking.
It is a crime that has no borders and the United Nations has been a leader in the fight against this modern day slave trade. The UN recently established a universal definition of human trafficking called the Palermo Protocol, and in 2010 the UN created the Global Action Plan Against Trafficking in Persons.
Today, as we remember victims around the world, we must also take action to end this staggering loss of human freedoms. As UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon declared in 2013, “I count on all of you to be part of our work to end human trafficking, and to create a world where people’s basic needs are met and their fundamental rights are respected.”
Take Action Challenge
Join the UN by using the #IGiveHope hashtag to share why you care about ending human trafficking;
Donate to the UN Trust Fund for Victims of Human Trafficking, which provides resources for trafficking victims like support treatment and vocational training;
Support the bipartisan Girls Count Act, currently under consideration in the U.S. Congress, and voice your support on social media or by contacting your representative;
Discover more about the work of the UN in fighting human trafficking by visiting the UN Office on Drugs and Crime website.
Photos: courtesy of UNODC