Three Key Takeaways from the 2023 Trafficking in Persons Report
Hello December 7th, 2023
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As we learn more about how millions of men, women, and children are affected by the evil of human trafficking and exploitation, our heart is to share information that will help strengthen everyone's awareness and ability to take action as we all work to combat this together.
The State Department recently released the 2023 Trafficking in Persons Report (TIP Report), which assesses how 188 countries and territories are performing in terms of preventing trafficking, protecting victims, and prosecuting traffickers. The TIP Report, created by the U.S. State Department's Office, is known as one of the most comprehensive sources of information in the world on anti-human trafficking efforts by governments.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said this year's report shows a picture of "steady progress around the world, with dozens of countries making significant strides in preventing trafficking, in protecting survivors, in prosecuting those who carry out this crime." However, there are some concerning trends that have been noticed over the last year.
ONE: Continued Expansion of Forced Labor
With the pandemic disrupting supply chains around the world, some employers have used exploitative tactics to take advantage of more vulnerable workers.
TWO: Rise in Labor Trafficking Using Online Scams
These scams have multiplied through the pandemic and as more of the world gains access to the internet. Traffickers are taking advantage of widespread unemployment to recruit victims with fake job listings and are then forcing them to run international scams.
THREE: Boys and Young Men Are Often Overlooked
There has been a false perception that trafficking affects only female victims. This has caused devastating consequences for boys and young men, such as fewer support services for male victims of trafficking. According to a recent report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, between 2004 and 2020 the percentage of boys identified as victims of human trafficking rose five-fold.
Human trafficking is a global issue that is constantly evolving and requires all communities to come together to support victims and survivors. Are you called to go deeper in this fight? Join the Rescue Team as a Prayer Warrior, Advocate or Defender today!
