Message from IOM Turkey Chief of Mission Lado Gvilava - World Day Against Trafficking in Persons

Ankara - Trafficking in persons is exploitation of persons which are under vulnerability, by turning those into commodities or slaves. It is a transnational crime and  a fundamental violation of human rights in every country in the world. It is a phenomenon that happens as a result of push and pull factors such as: 1. Economic disparities between countries, forcing persons to leave their homes in search for better conditions and livelihood; 2. Demand for services, low cost labour force cheap goods; 3. Strict immigration policies of most developed countries.

On the top of that, humanitarian crisis such as war, environmental disasters and chronic economic crises in certain countries around the globe lead to forced migration, which is the contemporary push factor. Persons engage in dangerous journeys, full of risks and exposition to violence and exploitation. As a result, human traffickers take advantage of peoples’ hopes and desperation and encroach their fundamental rights every day.

Every year, thousands of men, women and children fall into the hands of traffickers, in their own countries and abroad. Almost every country in the world is affected by human trafficking, whether as a country of origin, transit or destination for victims. This must change.

The rights of victims must be the priority of all countries and there should be consistent and coordinated work to counter  human trafficking. We must raise awareness of this crime to enhance identification of victims and promote early intervention. On this World Day against Trafficking in Persons, we need a united approach to tackle down human traffickers and bring victims the justice they deserve.

A comprehensive counter trafficking strategy shall leave no one behind - women, men, girls, and boys of all nationalities should be targeted. States must enhance their capacity to identify victims, prevent and counter human trafficking, building a promising future.