Each year on 30 July, we observe World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. This year’s theme is “Leave No Child Behind in the Fight Against Human Trafficking”. This year’s global campaign focuses on the vulnerability of children and urges accelerated action to end child trafficking. Children are subjected to various forms of trafficking, including exploitation in forced labor, criminality or begging, trafficked for illegal adoption, and online and sexual abuse and exploitation. According to the UNODC’s Global Report on Trafficking in Persons, one in three victims of human trafficking is a child. “Leave no one behind” is the central, transformative promise of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
UNODC’s Blue Heart Campaign raises awareness around the globe of human trafficking and its impact on society. It seeks to encourage involvement from governments, civil society, the corporate sector, and individuals alike, to inspire action and help prevent human trafficking. People show their solidarity with the victims of human trafficking and increase their visibility by wearing the Blue Heart.
Since adopting the Blue Heart campaign in 2019, the Government of Belgium has led an annual national campaign to mark the World Day against Trafficking in Persons. This year, the Belgian Blue Heart Campaign will be launched on 22 July in Antwerp by the Belgian Minister of Justice and Vice Prime Minister, Paul Van Tigchelt.
On 30 July, the following events will be taking place:
- Manneken-Pis, one of Brussels’ most iconic symbols, will be wearing his Blue Heart-inspired costume, which was donated by UNODC to the City of Brussels.
- PAG-ASA, one of Belgium’s national victim shelters, will have stands in Brussels (Central Station) and Leuven (Grote Markt), to share information for the public on the Belgian Blue Heart Campaign and how to get involved.
- Many buildings and landmarks throughout Belgium will be lit in blue, including the City Halls of Antwerp, Brussels, Bruges, and Liège.
Follow the activities on @UNODC_Brussels!
Support the campaign by posting on your social media accounts using the hashtag #EndHumanTrafficking. Social media kit is available on the UNODC Trello.
For more information, please visit the dedicated webpages:
