Human trafficking affects women, men, boys and girls. Human beings are being forced into slave-like conditions throughout all regions of the world. Where there is conflict the phenomenon is exacerbated; where there is poverty it hinders social and economic development. We were once told that slavery no longer exists but sadly we now know this is not true. It is the duty of all of us to participate in the combat against the scourge of human trafficking.
IOM has been fighting human trafficking for the past 12 years and is gratified to see the business community increasingly taking up the challenge to contribute to this cause. I pledge IOM’s support to work with partners in the private sector on prevention through awareness raising and education; to assist and protect victims; and to support governments in prosecuting and convicting the perpetrators of this horrendous crime.