The International Labour Organization estimates that 5.5 million children throughout the world are victims of trafficking and two out of three child victims are girls and 75% of victims of trafficking are women and girls. Civil Society at the United Nations is interlinked with that of Governments, Civil Society and Business throughout the world.
It is essential that Governments ratify and implement international conventions and protocols relating to trafficking of children and youth. They also need to implement legislation and law enforcement practices that treat children who have been trafficked as victims and not as criminals.
Civil Society needs to increase awareness and advocate for stronger legislation at all levels of government that will prosecute traffickers and protect victims.
Businesses are called upon to follow the Children’s Rights and Business Principles guidelines, that can be found here. For more information click here.
