William Battle | United Nations Information Center, Washington D.C. 

 

Human trafficking is one of the most serious human rights violations of our time. It affects every country in the world—as a place of origin, transit, or destination for victims. Traffickers exploit people for forced labor, sexual exploitation, child soldiering, and even organ removal. And while over 200,000 victims were officially detected between 2020 and 2023, experts believe the true number is far higher, hidden in the shadows of unreported crimes.

That’s why every year on July 30, the United Nations marks World Day Against Trafficking in Persons—a day to raise awareness, call for action, and stand in solidarity with victims.

This year’s campaign shines a spotlight on the role of organized criminal networks behind trafficking. It emphasizes the need for strong law enforcement, border control, and international cooperation to dismantle trafficking rings and bring perpetrators to justice.

But law enforcement alone is not enough. A coordinated, victim-centered approach—rooted in respect for human rights—is key.

 

How the UN Fights Human Trafficking

The United Nations plays a central role in leading the global response to trafficking. Here’s how:

  • In 2000, the UN adopted the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children—often called the Palermo Protocol. It’s the first legally binding agreement to define trafficking and commit countries to criminalize it, protect victims, and foster cross-border cooperation.
  • In 2010, the UN General Assembly adopted the Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons, urging countries to integrate anti-trafficking work into broader national and UN strategies. The plan also created the UN Voluntary Trust Fund for Victims of Human Trafficking, which helps survivors access medical care, shelter, legal aid, and education.
  • To coordinate efforts, the Inter-Agency Coordination Group Against Human Trafficking (ICAT) was established in 2007. It brings together agencies like UNODC, UN Women, ILO, IOM, UNICEF, and UNHCR to align strategies, share data, and strengthen victim support services.
  • Since 2013, July 30 has been designated as the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons—a day to amplify the voices of victims, raise global awareness, and push governments to act.


Real impact on the ground:

The United Nations and its partners have made tangible contributions in the United States to combat human trafficking—particularly through support for awareness, law enforcement collaboration, victim services, and training. While the U.S. government leads domestic enforcement, the UN’s global mandates and coordination platforms have informed and strengthened efforts nationally. Here are some real-world examples:

  • Via the United Nations Global Initiative to Fight Human Trafficking (UN.GIFT), the UN has supported collaboration among U.S.-based organizations, academics, and law enforcement to coordinate international action and develop strategy..
  • The International Organization for Migration (IOM), a UN-related agency, works in the U.S. to support victim reintegration, especially for foreign-born trafficking survivors. IOM provides Medical referrals and shelter coordination. Reintegration support for trafficking survivors returning to their countries of origin. IOM has also partnered with U.S. organizations and local governments on training for frontline responders, such as social workers, airport staff, and law enforcement.
  • The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) administers the Blue Heart Campaign, which has been promoted by U.S.-based NGOs and advocacy groups. It raises awareness of human trafficking and mobilizes support for victims. UNODC has partnered with U.S. federal and local agencies through the Blue Heart Campaign and its Toolkit for Law Enforcement and First Responders—helping police, border patrol, social workers, and medical professionals identify trafficking victims and respond in  trauma-informed ways.

For example, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security uses UNODC tools in training its Blue Campaign personnel.UNODC’s eLearning modules, used in parts of the U.S., cover victim-centered interviewing, cross-border trafficking investigation, and data collection.

  • UNICEF USA, in collaboration with local NGOs, has worked to raise awareness of trafficking risks faced by Indigenous youth, unaccompanied minors, and migrant children, particularly at the U.S.-Mexico border. UNICEF has helped fund and develop shelter and legal aid programs for at-risk children and survivors in Texas, Arizona, and California. The agency’s "Act Against Trafficking" campaign includes educational materials for schools and parents to spot early signs of grooming and exploitation.
  • The UN Global Compact Network USA has supported the implementation of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, encouraging U.S.-based corporations to: audit supply chains for forced labor, train employees to identify trafficking red flags (especially in hospitality, agriculture, and transportation) and partner with survivor-led NGOs for reintegration services. For instance, major hotel chains and airlines have adopted anti-trafficking protocols and training inspired by these UN frameworks.

 

Data and Coordination with U.S. Agencies

The U.S. State Department’s Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (TIP Office) works closely with UNODC’s Global Report on Trafficking in Persons to align U.S. efforts with international trends and share national-level data. Insights support U.S. programs funded under the TVPA (Trafficking Victims Protection Act) and influence international reporting in the TIP Report.
 

Moving Forward

The fight against human trafficking is far from over—but the United Nations remains fully committed. From improving international law enforcement cooperation to supporting survivors with dignity and care, the UN works every day to protect the vulnerable, prosecute traffickers, and prevent exploitation.

You can be part of this effort too—by learning the signs, supporting survivor-led organizations, and raising awareness in your community.

Because no one should ever be treated as property.
 

Let’s end human trafficking—together.