Trafficking in persons is a serious crime and a grave violation of human rights, which threatens national security and undermines sustainable development and the rule of law, as recognised in the Declaration of the High-level Meeting on the Rule of Law

[para. 24].

The UN system offers practical help to States, to draft laws and create comprehensive national anti-trafficking strategies and assist with resources to implement them. States receive specialized assistance including the development of local capacity and expertise, as well as practical tools to encourage cross-border cooperation in investigations and prosecutions. The adoption in 2000 by the United Nations General Assembly of the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children marked a significant milestone in international efforts to stop the trade in people. A vast majority of States have now signed and ratified the Protocol. Other UN responses include the Inter-Agency Coordination Group against Trafficking in Persons and the Global Migration Group, established by General Assembly resolution A/RES/61/180.

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