What is World Day Against Trafficking in Persons?
World Day Against Trafficking in Persons (July 30th)
World Day Against Trafficking in Persons is a worldwide holiday that focuses on raising awareness for the thousands to millions of people globally that are trapped in trafficking situations. Human trafficking includes (or can also refer to) labor trafficking, sex trafficking, modern-day slavery, and exploitation.
World Day Against Trafficking in Persons is observed annually on July 30th. Here are some ways that you can observe this day with us.
- Educate yourself. Learn one thing about trafficking that you didn't know before.
- Make a Donation. We recommend donating to our partner non-profit, Traffick911 to serve survivors of trafficking in North Texas.
- Share this blog post with a close friend. Share on social media and use the hashtag #worlddayagainsttrafficking
- Join our Giveaway. We're giving away $500 to raise awareness for World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.
- Make a purchase that gives back. We recommend purchasing our candles that give back 5% with each purchase. But you can also find other companies that give back to support the fight against trafficking.
What is Human Trafficking?
The Department of Homeland Security defines human trafficking like this: "Human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act."
Some examples of human trafficking are: forced labor with little to no pay, sex trafficking, and forced servitude. Unfortunately these forms of trafficking are commonly found all over the globe.
Human trafficking is considered to be the fastest growing criminal activity in the world with millions of people trapped in slavery. Thankfully, trafficking is getting more awareness and receiving more support. However, more and more investigations and surveys are showing that this problem is larger than we thought and addressing it will be more difficult than anticipated.
So for the every day American, it's important to know what trafficking is, how to avoid it, and how we can work together to bring a stop to it. Here is a great place to start learning: Human Trafficking (The Problem).
The Background of World Day Against Trafficking in Persons - July 30th
During a high-level meeting in 2013, the General Assembly of the United Nations designated July 30th as World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. This resolution declared that such a day was necessary to “raise awareness of the situation of victims of human trafficking and for the promotion and protection of their rights.”
The United Nations is well aware of the problem of human trafficking in our countries. This worldwide holiday is just one of the many ways that they have taken steps to raise awareness and prevent trafficking in our communities.
“We need to do more to protect trafficking victims and prevent vulnerable people from being exploited by criminals. On this World Day against Trafficking in Persons, let us pledge to work for inclusive societies and economies that leave no one behind”, United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres said to mark the day.
Thank you, friends, for standing with us on this day. We are honored to serve alongside you for the dignity of others. Until all are free....
Read More
United Nations - "Every country in the world is affected by human trafficking" (https://www.un.org/en/observances/end-human-trafficking-day/background)
United Nations - "World Day Against Trafficking in Persons" (https://unric.org/en/world-day-against-trafficking-in-persons/)