Madam Chairperson,
I make this statement on the World Day against Trafficking in Persons on behalf of Norway and Canada. This year’s theme for the World Day against Trafficking in Persons is “Victims’ Voices Lead the Way,” and could not be more appropriate. It allows us to remember the prime reason why we want to eradicate this crime: for the harm and trauma caused to victims and survivors.
It also reminds us the courage they have in leaving their exploitative situations, confronting their traffickers, and persevering through the criminal justice systems. It underlines the value of their voice, the power of their efforts, and the invaluable knowledge of their lived experience.
We believe that a human rights-based, gender- and age-responsive, survivor-centred and trauma-informed approach to combatting trafficking in persons can ensure that:
- factors that increase vulnerability to trafficking are identified, such as racism,misogyny, and poverty, among others;
- victims and survivors are protected, supported, have access to essential services, andare not re-traumatized or re-victimized by our own actions; and,
- criminal justice processes are enhanced through greater cooperation from victims andsurvivors in policy development and prosecution of traffickers.
In achieving this goal, multi-stakeholder partnerships with civil society and survivors are essential.
On this day, we would like to renew our commitment in countering this crime, in partnership with survivors.
Thank you.