United Nations Radio

There's been a call for states to ratify the UN Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons.

She told the General Assembly's debate on the theme of human trafficking that millions of people - mostly women and children - are being coerced into human trafficking, which she describes as "a modern form of slavery".

"Traffickers target the most vulnerable: people trapped by debt; children living in conflict, or on the streets; people taking risks to find jobs in a new land. Some victims are treated like beasts of burden, working under atrocious conditions in mines, plantations or construction sites."

Deputy Secretary-General Migiro urged the international community to act now in the fight against human trafficking to reunite families torn apart and to restore childhood to kids who have been robbed of their youth.

This is Donn Bobb reporting for United Nations Radio.

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