Statement by the Group of Friends United against Human Trafficking on the occasion of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons

On the occasion of the 2026 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, the Group of Friends United against Human Trafficking reaffirms its unwavering commitment to preventing and combating trafficking in persons in all its forms. We stand united under the theme “Trapped Behind the Scam”, which draws attention to the growing exploitation of trafficking victims through online scam operations and other forms of forced criminality.

Trafficking in persons continues to evolve as transnational organized criminal groups increasingly exploit digital technologies to recruit and deceive vulnerable individuals through fraudulent job offers, forcing them into cyber-enabled scams and other criminal activities. This emerging form of exploitation is a grave violation of human rights and human dignity and requires stronger international cooperation and effective criminal justice responses in accordance with international law and national legislation.

In this regard, we welcome the renewed commitment of Member States, reflected in the consensus adoption at the thirty-fifth session of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice of the resolution on countering trafficking in persons for the purpose of forced criminality. The resolution reflects the growing international recognition of this evolving form of trafficking and calls for strengthened efforts to improve victim identification and protection, reinforce international cooperation, and minimize the risk of victims of trafficking being mistakenly treated as offenders for criminal conduct that they were compelled to commit as a consequence of their exploitation.

We take note of the adoption of the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime and reaffirm the central role of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, its Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children (the Palermo Protocol) and the United Nations Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons as the foundation of international efforts to prevent trafficking, protect victims, prosecute perpetrators and strengthen global partnerships. We encourage the effective implementation of the recommendations contained in the recently adopted CCPCJ resolution to address trafficking for the purpose of forced criminality, including technology-facilitated trafficking.

We call upon Member States to strengthen national legal frameworks, enhance victim identification and protection, deepen cross-border cooperation and mutual legal assistance.

We also stress the importance of addressing the root causes of trafficking, including poverty, inequality, lack of opportunities, displacement and humanitarian crises. Raising public awareness, promoting digital literacy and preventing fraudulent recruitment are essential to reducing vulnerability.

We further underline the importance of providing technical assistance and capacity-building to developing countries, upon their request, to strengthen national efforts to prevent and combat trafficking in persons.

We take note with appreciation of the continued efforts of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the Inter-Agency Coordination Group against Trafficking in Persons and other relevant United Nations entities and partners in supporting Member States, advancing international cooperation and raising awareness of emerging forms of trafficking, including those linked to cyber-enabled criminal activities.

The Group of Friends United against Human Trafficking reiterates that combating trafficking requires solidarity, shared responsibility and sustained international action. We call upon Member States, the United Nations system, international and regional organizations, the private sector, technology companies and all relevant stakeholders to work together to dismantle trafficking networks, protect and rehabilitate victims, hold perpetrators accountable and ensure that no one remains trapped behind the scam.

Together, we reaffirm our determination to build a world where human dignity is protected, justice prevails and trafficking in persons has no place. 

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