UNIS/SGSM/1421
26 July 2024
Human trafficking is a horrific crime that targets the most vulnerable in our societies.
On this World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, we focus on the most vulnerable among us – children.
Children account for one-third of trafficking victims, suffering unspeakable abuse – whether they are forced into labour, sold off as brides, recruited as soldiers, or coerced into criminal activities. Rising inequalities and globalization have fuelled complex trafficking networks that challenge traditional legal frameworks, creating new forms of slavery. Online platforms further expose children to sexual exploitation and gender-based violence and allow traffickers to exploit victims across borders.
The physical and psychological scars of these crimes persist long into adulthood, robbing them of their innocence, futures and fundamental rights.
We must strengthen protection responses – including child-sensitive justice mechanisms, raise awareness, support unaccompanied children on the move, provide care for survivors, and tackle the root causes of exploitation by helping vulnerable families.
I call upon governments, civil society, and the private sector, including tech companies, to intensify their efforts and collaboration so that no child is victimized and no trafficker goes unpunished.
On this day, let us renew our commitment for a future where every child is safe and free.
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The new Permanent Representative of Viet Nam to the United Nations (Vienna), Vu Le Thai Hoang, presented his credentials today to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), Ghada Waly.
The new Permanent Representative of Argentina to the United Nations (Vienna), Gustavo Zlauvinen, presented his credentials today to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), Ghada Waly.
"This year, renewables are projected to become the world's largest source of electricity generation for the first time. Meanwhile, their prices keep plummeting." — António Guterres
The United Nations lnformation Service (UNIS) Vienna in cooperation with the Foreign Policy and United Nations Association of Austria (UNA-Austria) invites media representatives to a Press briefing on priorities and key events for 2025 of the Vienna-based UN organizations and agencies. Highlights for 2025 from other Vienna-based United Nations organizations will also be publicized at the briefing.
