World Day Against Trafficking in Persons

Pursuant to a 2013 United Nations General Assembly Resolution (68/192), July 30 is designated as the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons to raise awareness about the problem and to focus on protection of victims.  The UN estimates that on any given day, 2.5 million persons are trapped in modern-day slavery as victims of sex or labor trafficking, with women and children being especially vulnerable.  The United Nations is sponsoring a blue heart campaign to raise awareness and funding for victims.

Every citizen can help fight trafficking by learning the red flags that indicate a person may be a victim.  A list of indicators, questions to ask, and resources in the United States may be found on the US State Dept. website.

More information about the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons may be found on this UN website.

(cgb)