Press Release

The Secretary- General's Message on World Day Against Trafficking in Persons

30 July 2023

"We must invest much more in detection and protection. We must strengthen law enforcement to bring criminals that commodify human beings to justice. And we must do more to help survivors rebuild their lives."

Human trafficking is a heinous violation of fundamental human rights and freedoms.

 

It preys on vulnerability and thrives in times of conflict and instability.

 

Today – amidst growing inequalities, worsening climate emergencies, and record displacement – more and more people are left vulnerable to traffickers.

 

The majority of detected victims are women and children, many of whom suffer brutal violence, forced labour, and horrific sexual exploitation and abuse.

 

Yet traffickers continue to operate with impunity. Their crimes are receiving not nearly enough attention. This must change.

 

We must invest much more in detection and protection. We must strengthen law enforcement to bring criminals that commodify human beings to justice. And we must do more to help survivors rebuild their lives.

 

On this World Day against Trafficking in Persons, let us redouble our efforts to detect, protect, and support survivors and leave no trafficking victim behind. 

 

Together, let us build a world where no one can ever be bought, sold, or exploited.

أحمد بن الأسود

Ahmed Ben Lassoued

UNIC
Director
Mr. Ben Lassoued has over 15 years of experience in communications and journalism. He joined the Department of Global Communications from the United Nations Development Coordination Office, where he provided communication support to United Nations country teams worldwide, including in Africa and the Arab region.

Previously, he worked with the United Nations in various development and humanitarian settings as well as for the Government of Tunisia and the media. Mr. Ben Lassoued has developed and implemented multimedia information campaigns and communications strategies, including crisis communications. He has built strong partnerships with United Nations agencies, governmental institutions, civil society organizations, and the private sector.

Mr. Ben Lassoued is a former student of contemporary philosophy (Magistère) at the Ecole Normale Supérieure. He also holds a research master’s degree in history of philosophy from the Paris-Sorbonne University.

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