On the occasion of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, Guterres called on the international community to join forces against human trafficking that constitutes “a total attack on the rights, security and dignity of people.”

Guterres said that conflicts, forced displacement, climate change, inequality and poverty have left tens of millions of people across the planet destitute, isolated and vulnerable. The Covid-19 pandemic separated children and young people in general from their friends and peers, pushing them to spend more time alone and online. “Human traffickers take advantage of such vulnerabilities by using updated technology to identify, track, control and exploit victims,” Guterres explained.

This year’s theme – Use and Abuse of Technology – reminds everyone that while it can enable human trafficking, it is also a critical tool to fight it.

Guterres laid stress on the need for governments, businesses, and civil society to invest in policies, laws, and technology-based solutions that can identify and support victims, track down and punish perpetrators, and to ensure a safe, open, and secure Internet.

“As part of the 2023 Summit, I have proposed a Global Digital Pact to rally the whole world to bring good governance to digital space,” Guterres added.

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