World Day against Trafficking in Persons

World Day against Trafficking in Persons

The World Day against Trafficking in Persons is observed annually to raise awareness about the severity of human trafficking and the plight of its victims. It aims to promote just and effective measures to prevent and combat trafficking in persons, as well as to support and protect the victims of trafficking. In Canada, human trafficking is a serious issue that affects vulnerable individuals, particularly women and children. The Canadian government has implemented several initiatives to combat the issue, including the National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking.

The observance of the World Day against Trafficking in Persons in Canada provides an opportunity to promote awareness of the issue and encourage individuals and organizations to take action. This includes supporting victims, promoting prevention measures, and advocating for legal and policy reforms to address human trafficking. In addition to government efforts, community organizations and NGOs also play an important role in combatting human trafficking in Canada. They offer support to victims, raise public awareness, and advocate for systemic change. The World Day against Trafficking in Persons is observed annually on July 30th.

Facts about Human Trafficking

• The theme for World Day against Trafficking in Persons 2023 was Reach every victim of trafficking, leave no one behind.
• The average cost of a slave globally is $90.
• Domestic sex trafficking is the most prevalent form of trafficking in the country, involving Canadian citizens or permanent residents being trafficked within Canada's borders.
• Indigenous women and girls, migrants and new immigrants, and runaway or homeless youth are particularly vulnerable to being targeted by human traffickers.

In the News and Trending in Canada for World Day against Trafficking in Persons

Top things to do in Canada for this observance

• Spread awareness about the day by using the hashtags #WorldDayAgainstTraffickinginPersons and #IGiveHope.
• Donate to charities: Not For Sale, Unisex or Polaris Project. All donations go toward protecting people and communities around the world from modern-day slavery and human trafficking. They have directly supported thousands of people around the world back to lives of freedom and meaning.
• Watch Stolen Lives: Human Trafficking in Canada (2012). This documentary exposes the reality of human trafficking within Canada, featuring stories of survivors and highlighting the efforts made to combat the issue.
• Read a book to learn more about Human Trafficking in Canada. Here are our recommendations:
  1. Invisible Chains: Canada's Underground World of Human Trafficking by Benjamin Perrin
  2. Human Trafficking in Canada: A Leadership and Learning Kit for Churches by Mennonite Central Committee
  3. Hidden in Plain Sight: A Statistical Analysis of Violence Against Aboriginal Women in Canada by Melanie Martens