February 12, 2013
Global Report of Trafficking in Persons
Organization: UNODC and Group of Friends United against Human Trafficking
by Erica Higbie
Speakers:
Yury Fedotov, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of the UNODC
Rani Hong, Trafficking Survivor/Founder Tronie Foundation
Kristina Kangaspunta, former chief of anti-trafficking unit
Martin Fowke Deputy head anti-trafficking unit
Presentation of the Global Report on Trafficking in Persons 2012, the first report
prepared pursuant to GA Resolution 64/293 of 2010 requesting UNODC to prepare
a bi-annual report on patterns and flows of trafficking in persons. This meeting is in
preparation for the General Assembly High Level Meeting on May 13 th.
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The multi-dimensional aspects of trafficking make it difficult to quantify. Only a
coordinated approach at the local, regional and international level will work. A
protocol has been developed to address this approach; full implementation together
with a General Assembly Resolution could have real impact.
Although numbers vary from region to region, since 2003, when data collection
was started, child victim numbers have increased. It is not clear why this is and it
requires additional investigation.
58% are victims of sexual exploitation, 36% forced labor, 6% other forms (including
child marriage and child soldiers). Forced labor is the most frequently detected in
Africa and the Middle East. Forced labor figures are increasing in general.
460 different international flows were detected but most victims are trafficked
regionally or domestically. The most prominent flow is coming out of East Asia;
going to many locations.
The criminal justice response has had a positive trend since 2003. 83% of countries
now have legislation against trafficking that is in compliance with protocols. 23% of
countries did not have any legislation in 2003. Unfortunately, many countries do not
enforce their legislation and there are relatively few convictions.
Andrei Dapkiunas indicated that the information in the trafficking report was
collected in a balanced and reliable and comprehensive manner. One of the most
serious challenges was a lack of universality in the report. There are still many
omissions. However, the report is a great professional and technical tool for us to
use. He requests that we bring this high level report to governments and leaders.
Rani Hong was kidnapped at the age of 7 from a small village in India. She was
beaten and tortured and then sold into illegal adoption in Canada. She was reunited
with her birth mother in 1999. The Tronie Foundation has created a global survivor
network with representation from 14 countries. Rani is giving voice to these victims,
to help us see human side of the equation too, not just the statistics.
Only 1 out of 100 victims is ever rescued from Trafficking.
Trafficking’s three P’s: preventions, protection and prosecution.
