UN Urges World To Tackle Human Trafficking

"Enforcement, cross-border cooperation and information-sharing can all be effective, but ending human trafficking also means tackling the root causes. Extreme poverty, entrenched inequality and a lack of education and opportunity create the vulnerabilities that traffickers exploit. Ultimately, the best protection is to accelerate development for all."

"Victims of trafficking who are fortunate enough to be freed need assistance to regain their rights and reintegrate into society," noted Ban, adding that the UN Trust Fund for the Victims of Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children, works on their behalf but needs additional funding.

"I appeal to everyone to support the UN campaign, 'Have a Heart for Victims of Human Trafficking'."

The UN is using the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons to raise public awareness of the horrific violations suffered by millions of victims of trafficking. It says such violence and abuse must not go unpunished. Since human trafficking occurs in all countries, the UN says all governments must work to end this hideous practice.

The UN's 64th General Assembly launched the Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons on Aug 31 last year, one month after its adoption of a consensus resolution outlining its terms.

The General Assembly said human trafficking was among the worst human rights violations and constituted "slavery in the modern age".

It said "no country was immune - almost all played a part, either as a source of trafficked people, transit point or destination."

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