Human trafficking is ‘a despicable crime and an outright assault on the rights, safety and dignity of everyone’, says UN SG
“The problem, alas, continues to worsen, especially for women and girls, who constitute the majority of the victims of trafficking detected in the world”, argued António Guterres .
Separated and vulnerable
The UN chief explained that conflict, forced displacement, climate change, inequality and poverty have left tens of millions of people around the world destitute, isolated and vulnerable; and that the Covid-19 pandemic has separated children and young people in general from their friends and peers, pushing them to spend more time alone and online.
“Human traffickers take advantage of these vulnerabilities using advanced technologies to locate, track, control and exploit victims,” said the UN chief.
Traffic in cyberspace
Often using the “dark web”, online platforms allow criminals to recruit people with false promises.
Also, technology makes it possible to anonymously disseminate dangerous and degrading content that fuels human trafficking, including the sexual exploitation of children.
This year’s theme – “Uses and Misuses of Technology” – reminds everyone that while technology can contribute to trafficking, technology can also fundamentally help to combat it.
Source: United Nations Algeria