Good Sunday morning everyone. We hope you are enjoying the weekend.
While we seldom post on the weekend, today is different. Why? Well, because it's the 25th of the month and, as promised, we want to bring you a post that highlights the issue of slavery and human trafficking.
This week will mark the United Nations observance of World Day Against Trafficking In Persons on 30th July. The commemoration of the Day was proclaimed in December 2013 by the United Nations General Assembly, in its resolution A/RES/68/192.
This year’s theme - "Victims’ Voices Lead the Way" - puts victims of human trafficking at the centre of the campaign and will highlight the importance of listening to and learning from survivors of human trafficking. The campaign portrays survivors as key actors in the fight against human trafficking and focusses on the crucial role they play in establishing effective measures to prevent this crime, identify and rescue victims and support them on their road to rehabilitation.
Many victims of human trafficking have experienced ignorance or misunderstanding in their attempts to get help. They have had traumatic post-rescue experiences during identification interviews and legal proceedings. Some have faced revictimization and punishment for crimes they were forced to commit by their traffickers. Others have been subjected to stigmatization or received inadequate support.
Learning from victims’ experiences and turning their suggestions into concrete actions will lead to a more victim-centred and effective approach in combating human trafficking.
We salute this year's theme and the unmistakeable message it sends that survivors of trauma have immeasurable value and should be regarded as much more than the horrible events that happened to them. It recognises the post-traumatic growth that survivors can encounter and the wisdom their experience can bring to strategies to prevent further exploitation in society.
We encourage our readers to seek out their national law enforcement or social service agency that combats human trafficking to inquire the manner in which they may be observing World Day Against Trafficking In Persons.
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