Human trafficking surged in 2022, with detected victims rising 25% above 2019’s pre-pandemic levels, according to a recently released UN report. Conflicts, climate disasters, and global crises have driven this increase, reversing a decline seen during the pandemic. Women remain the largest group of victims at 39%, followed by men (23%), girls (22%), and boys (16%). Sexual exploitation dominates the trafficking of women and girls, while men and boys are primarily exploited for forced labor and other purposes, including criminal activities. Children accounted for 38% of detected cases, up from 35% in 2020. Sub-Saharan Africa is the leading region of origin for victims, while increased migration flows in North America and Europe have also spiked cases. The report attributes the rise to both increased trafficking and improved detection, emphasizing organized crime’s role in exploiting vulnerable populations worldwide.
SOURCE: VOA NEWS
