Children make up almost a third of all human trafficking victims worldwide, according to the United Nations on Sunday.
In 2013, the United Nations General Assembly had held a high-level meeting to discuss its global action plan. Member states then also adopted a resolution and designated July 30 as the World Day against Trafficking in Persons.
According to the UN official webpage, human trafficking is described as "a crime that exploits women, children and men for numerous purposes including forced labour and sex".
"Human trafficking takes many forms and knows no borders. Human traffickers too often operate with impunity, with their crimes receiving not nearly enough attention," says UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres.
"This must change."
The International Labour Organization estimates that 21 million people are victims of forced labour globally.
"This estimate also includes victims of human trafficking for labour and sexual exploitation," the UN said.
Children make up almost a third of all human trafficking victims worldwide, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)'s global report on trafficking in persons.
"Additionally, women and girls comprise 71 percent of human trafficking victims," the report states.
This year, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime has chosen "responding to the trafficking of children and young people" as the focus of the World Day.
"This year's campaign highlights the fact that almost a third of trafficking victims are children. The theme draws attention to the issues faced by trafficked children and to possible action initiatives linked to safeguarding and ensuring justice for child victims," the UN added.
