UN Launches Human Trafficking Action Plan

UN Launches Human Trafficking Action Plan

The United Nations has launched a global action plan to combat human trafficking, suggesting the integration of the fight into the world body's broader programmes.

The action plan, expected to boost development and strengthen security around the world, was launched at a high-level meeting of the General Assembly at the UN headquarters on Tuesday.

Clarion call to member-states

UN Secretary-General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, said the action plan would serve as “a clarion call'' to UN member-states, international organisations and civil society groups.

The Secretary-General urged countries, philanthropists and others to contribute generously to the ‘new trust fund' for trafficking victims.

The generated fund is aimed at helping and assisting victims of these circumstances with protection and support for their physical, psychological and social recovery.

The UN has estimated that more than two point four million people are currently being exploited as victims of human trafficking, in which mostly women and children were either used for sex trade or labour.

Impacts of trafficking

The General Assembly President, Ali Treki, emphasised the human rights' aspects of the fight against trafficking, as heinous crime whereby thousands of people are being denied safety, freedom and dignity.

In his words, “human trafficking devastates families and tears communities apart. When the history of this horror calls, we cannot let this period be remembered as one in which the global community knew but did not act.''

NAN/Williams/Yinka