Theme: “Human Trafficking is Organised Crime – End the Exploitation”

On this World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, the African Union stands in solemn solidarity with all survivors of human trafficking and in unwavering determination to end this grave violation of human dignity. We join the global community in condemning one of the most devastating crimes of our times.

Human trafficking erodes the very foundation of our shared humanity. It strips individuals, often women, children, migrants and the displaced, of their freedom, safety and hope. It is both a public health emergency and a humanitarian crisis, entwined with poverty, conflict, gender inequality and climate-driven displacement.

Africa’s history has long borne the scares of exploitation and now, through ever evolving trafficking networks. The continent remains the second most affected globally, with children accounting for 62% of identified victims. The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that over 27 million people are currently trapped in forced labour or sexual exploitation worldwide. These are not just statistics, they represent stolen futures, broken families and shattered communities.

Restating the fact, Trafficking in Person (TiP) and Smuggling of Migrants (SoM) are not just a violation of human rights, they are direct assaults on human dignity, freedom and the future of our communities. They are crimes that transcend borders, targeting the most vulnerable among us, especially women, children and migrants, through deception, coercion and exploitation. Fostering global partnerships to address and dismantle organised transnational criminal networks perpetuating this heinous crime, is not merely an option but an imperative.

In Africa, the situation is particularly dire. Trafficking in Persons is generally considered a growing threat, this is influenced by factors like poverty, conflict and humanitarian crises.

Human trafficking is organised, transnational and constantly evolving. Traffickers are increasingly exploiting victims for forced criminality, including cyber fraud and online scams. Our response must evolve with these tactics - as technology advances, we must also leverage technology, data and our strategies for prevention, detection and prosecution. Our partnerships must also stay ahead. Traffickers are adapting to global changes, exploiting new technologies and vulnerabilities. Key emerging trends include:
1. Cyber Trafficking: via social medias and online scams;
2. Forced Criminality: especially involving children;
3. Climate-Induced Trafficking: as a new driver; and
4. Organ Trafficking: driven by economic desperation.

In line with this year’s theme focusing on social justice, the African Union reaffirms its commitment to treat human trafficking as organised crime requiring not only collective resolve, but also urgent action. Our response must be swift, comprehensive and grounded in both policy and action. We call for:
• Enhanced cross-border cooperation and intelligence sharing;
• Harmonised legislation across Member States;
• Strengthened law enforcement and judicial systems; and
• Survivor empowerment, including trauma-informed care and long-term reintegration.

Through frameworks like the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons (TiP) And Prevention of Smuggling in Migrants (SoM) in Africa, the AU Migration Policy Framework for Africa (MPFA) and its Plan of Action, and the Continental Guidelines for Intelligence Sharing, we are building coordinated responses. The African Union is working with UN agencies, Interpol and civil societies to leverage technology, build capacity and empower communities, especially youth and grassroots actors. These initiatives are further strengthened through our partnerships with esteemed international organisations, such as the United Nations and Interpol. Together, we aim to enhance the capacity of African nations to combat trafficking through comprehensive training, resource provision and technical support.

The African Union echoes the call for multi-sectoral coordination, data-driven policy and technology-enabled enforcement.

Let this day not only remind us of the horrors of exploitation, but of our collective power to prevent it. From refugee camps to urban centres, from ministries to community councils, we must build an Africa where no child is traded, no woman is coerced and no person is enslaved.
Let this day be a catalyst for action, not just reflection. We urge all stakeholders to invest in prevention, protect the vulnerable, prosecute the perpetrators and empower survivors.
To the traffickers: your networks will be exposed.
To the survivors: your voices will shape our response.
To the continent: our unity is our strength.

Human trafficking has no place in Africa’s future!

Together, we can dismantle the systems of exploitation and build a future rooted in dignity, justice and freedom for all.