The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has reported a 25% rise in detected human trafficking victims globally in 2022 compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019, according to its 2024 Global Report on Trafficking in Persons released on Wednesday.
The report identified poverty, conflicts, and climate disasters as key drivers increasing vulnerabilities to exploitation. It also highlighted alarming rises in child trafficking, forced labour, and trafficking for criminal activities.
Forced labour cases surged by 47% in 2022 compared to 2019, while child victims increased by 31%. Trafficking of girls showed a significant rise, with their numbers growing by 38%. Women and girls accounted for 61% of global trafficking victims in 2022, with 60% of trafficked girls exploited for sexual purposes.
Trafficking for forced criminality, including online scams, also showed notable growth, climbing from 1% of detected victims in 2016 to 8% in 2022.
UNODC Executive Director Ghada Waly emphasized the need for stronger criminal justice responses to prosecute perpetrators, enhanced international cooperation to rescue victims, and increased support systems for survivors.
The findings, based on data from 156 countries, underscore the urgent need for global efforts to combat trafficking and protect vulnerable populations.
