On the occasion of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres issued a clear call to action. He urges the international community to end impunity, eliminate the illicit profits generated by trafficking, and strengthen justice and law enforcement systems. “Perpetrators must be held accountable,” he states.
His message highlights the importance of building strong alliances, particularly with civil society and technology companies, in order to strengthen reporting mechanisms, prevent exploitation, and better protect vulnerable individuals. He also emphasizes the urgent need to deliver justice to survivors, support displaced populations, and address the root causes of trafficking—including poverty, inequality, armed conflict, and climate disruption.
The situation of young people is especially alarming. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), children are twice as likely as adults to be victims of trafficking-related violence. Girls are disproportionately affected. These abuses take many forms: forced labor, sexual exploitation, illegal adoption, military recruitment, forced begging, criminal exploitation, or online abuse.
The proliferation of digital platforms increases the risks. Often unprepared and poorly protected, children become easy targets for traffickers who use social media, the web, and the dark web to recruit, control, and exploit victims while evading detection.
In response to this reality, the UN underscores the need to intensify prevention efforts by tackling the structural causes of trafficking. Collective commitment is essential to build a world where no child is left behind, bought, or exploited.
SNJM Commitment
Since its creation in 2013, the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons has served as a reminder that human trafficking is a global reality affecting every country. In Quebec, organizations such as the Committee for Action against Internal and International Human Trafficking (Comité d’action contre la traite humaine interne et internationale —CATHII) host events to raise awareness, defend victims’ rights, and advocate for more just laws.
Education plays a key role. A multilingual educational kit (available in English, Español and French) has been developed to raise awareness among youth aged 13 to 18, and includes a teacher’s guide and explanatory videos.
Lastly, the Blue Heart campaign invites everyone to take a stand against human trafficking by making awareness a shared cause.
The Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) have also made a strong and committed stand against human trafficking, through a corporate stand in opposition to this global issue.