“We must and can work together to ensure safety and dignity for all”
-William L. Swing, Former IOM Director General
Economic desperation, and dangerous journeys through irregular channels increase migrants’ vulnerability to human trafficking. The risks are even more serious for migrating women and children.
Many are trafficked for the purposes of sexual or labor exploitation.
More than 222,000 victims and survivors of trafficking have been identified across 197 countries and territories from 2002 to 2023.
More than half of child trafficking victims are trafficked within their own country (IOM and Harvard University, 2023).
Close to half of the child victims of trafficking were being trafficked for forced labour (mainly boys). Sexual exploitation is also prominent, affecting 20% of trafficked children, predominantly girls.
IOM provides protection and assistance to victims of trafficking to protect their freedom and give them a chance at a new life. IOM’s assistance can include safe accommodation, medical and psychosocial support, and assisted voluntary return and reintegration.
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