United Nations Radio

The fight against human trafficking will become part of all the United Nations broader development and security policies and programmes.

human trafficking

That's what Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told the UN General Assembly Tuesday as it launched the Global Action Plan to Combat Trafficking in Persons.

The Secretary-General noted that every year, thousands of people, mainly women and children are exploited by criminals who use them for forced labour or the sex trade.

He pointed out that no country is immune and that all play a part either as a source of trafficked people, transit point or destination.

Secretary-General Ban said that one of the most important elements of the plan of action against trafficking in persons is the creation of a United Nations Voluntary Trust Fund to help victims of trafficking.

"The Fund aims to help governments, international, intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations provide these vulnerable people with protection and support for their physical, psychological and social recovery. After they have been exploited and abused, they should not be punished, too."

The Secretary-General urged member states, the private sector and philanthropists to contribute generously to the Trust Fund.

He said the Global Plan of Action, adopted in July this year, strengthens the three "P"s: Preventing human trafficking, prosecuting offenders and protecting victims.

Secretary-General Ban added that the plan also promotes a fourth, critical "P": Partnership.

Donn Bobb, United Nations Radio
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