ISLAMABAD: Stakeholders from various international organisations and the government reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration and accelerating efforts to combat human trafficking.

The affirmation emerged during the joint commemoration of ‘World Day Against Trafficking in Persons’ in Islamabad on Tuesday, wherein the emphasis was placed on protecting children and upholding the rights and dignity of those most at risk of exploitation.

The event, held under the global theme ‘Leave no child behind in the fight against human trafficking’, was a collaborative effort organised by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the Sustainable Social Development Organisation (SSDO), in partnership with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).

The UNODC, ICMPD, ILO, IOM, SSDO and FIA reaffirmed their collective commitment to eradicating human trafficking in Pakistan and a future where every child was safe and free from exploitation.

The event aimed to raise awareness about the prevalence and impact of child trafficking and labour in Pakistan while highlighting the collaborative efforts and commitments of various organisations in combating human trafficking. It also recognised national partners and stakeholders making significant contributions to the fight against human trafficking in Pakistan.

UN agencies and partner organisations reiterated their commitment to addressing human trafficking through inclusive and collaborative efforts at all levels. Moreover, the event provided a platform for sharing knowledge, strategies and best practices through presentations, expert opinions and discussions.

FIA Additional Director General Abbas Ahsan was of the view that “our society as a whole and practitioners including law enforcement in particular must acknowledge what constitutes trafficking; it is prevalence in Pakistan and the impact it has on the lives of people especially children”.

Country representatives from UNODC, ICMPD, ILO, IOM, SSDO and FIA underscored the importance attached to the protection of children and stressed that targeted measures were essential to reduce their vulnerability to trafficking.

UNODC Executive Director Ghada Waly, while quoting her organisation’s data, said child victims had tripled over the past 15 years, adding that children account for one-third of trafficking victims, suffering unspeakable abuse.

ILO Country Director Geir Tonstol said the labour organisation recognised the urgent need to combat human trafficking, a grave issue disproportionately effecting the most vulnerable, especially children. With a staggering 3.3 million children trafficked worldwide, it is crucial for state systems to adopt integrated approaches that prioritise child protection.

“By leveraging forums like this, we can expand partnerships and collaborate with like-minded organisations to support Pakistan’s progress towards a fairer and more equitable society,” he said.

IOM Senior Programme Coordinator Vincent Matteau emphasised the urgent need to combat child trafficking by establishing stronger partnerships and improving migration management.

“IOM is committed to expanding safe and legal migration channels, while addressing trafficking and smuggling through a comprehensive approach. This multifaceted strategy focuses on improving migration management, raising awareness, strengthening legal frameworks and victim support mechanisms, and facilitating safe mobility, return and reintegration,” Mr Matteau said.

SSDO Executive Director Syed Kausar Abbas called for increased prosecutions under the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act (PTPA), better labour inspections for child and bonded labour, and enhanced stakeholder capacity. He also stressed the need for greater public awareness and data-driven strategies to effectively address and prevent trafficking.

National Commission on Rights of Child (NCRC) Chairperson Senator Ayesha Raza Farooq said the observance of the day served as a reminder of the pervasive threat that traffickers posed to the safety and dignity of children and it also presented an opportunity for us to reaffirm our commitment for combating trafficking.

FIA Director General Ahmad Ishaque Jahangir emphasised that “human trafficking, particularly child trafficking, was a serious human rights violation that demanded our unwavering attention and action”.

“In Pakistan, the FIA has been leading efforts to combat this heinous crime. Our work is significantly enhanced through collaboration with our esteemed partners. This joint event is a testament to our unified response and shared commitment to eradicating trafficking in persons,” he added.

Published in Dawn, July 31st, 2024