When is World Day Against Trafficking in Persons?
World Day Against Trafficking in Persons is observed annually on July 30. The day is recognized globally as an opportunity to raise awareness about human trafficking, collaborate with other organizations and individuals who are also in the fight, and take action steps towards eradicating modern-day slavery.
Initiatives to mark World Day Against Trafficking in Persons may take place in person through awareness walks, fundraisers, or educational sessions. Much of the day’s weight is carried forward online, where digital activism has become a critical part of spreading awareness and expressing solidarity with survivors.
When did World Day Against Trafficking in Persons start?
World Day Against Trafficking in Persons was officially established on December 18, 2013 by the United Nations General Assembly resolution 68/192.
According to the resolution, the U.N. “decides, in the context of the need for raising awareness of the situation of victims of human trafficking and for the promotion and protection of their rights, to designate 30 July as the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, to be observed every year beginning in 2014.”
What happens on World Day Against Trafficking in Persons?
In the years since its establishment, World Day Against Trafficking in Persons has been recognized by both the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and by non-governmental activists and nonprofits. July 30 has become a crucial rallying point for all those seeking to end human trafficking. Many organizations use the date as an opportunity to focus on raising awareness.
Often, a blue heart is used in association with World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. The Blue Heart Campaign is a year-round initiative dedicated to raising awareness and preventing human trafficking. The blue heart has a dual meaning, intended to represent “the sadness of those who are trafficked, while reminding us of the cold-heartedness of those who buy and sell fellow human beings.”
Every year, the U.N. announces a specific theme for the observance of World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. The 2025 theme is “Human trafficking is Organized Crime – End the Exploitation.” This focuses on the reality that human trafficking often happens through large criminal networks or syndicates. Dismantling the crime of human trafficking requires tracing the big picture of international organized crime that may also include drug and weapon trafficking.
“Ensuring justice for survivors requires holding perpetrators accountable and providing a victim-centred approach to protection, support and access to justice,” says the U.N.O.D.C. “We particularly encourage law enforcement agencies, including police departments, border security, international agencies, and specialized task forces, to take an active role by utilizing online platforms and conducting in-person outreach at high-traffic areas such as transportation hubs. This way we can reach a wide audience, raise public awareness and promote reporting channels for suspected trafficking cases. Your active involvement bridges the gap between the campaign’s global reach and local realities, ensuring it effectively connects with those impacted by human trafficking.”
How can you participate in World Day Against Trafficking in Persons Day?
Every person has a part to play in spreading awareness around World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. If you would like to get involved, here are four easy action steps you can take:
1. Look up and share your state’s report card
Shared Hope creates report cards that assess each state’s response to human trafficking. States are assessed on criteria including legislation that prosecutes human trafficking, prevention initiatives, and access to survivor services. You can find your home state’s report card at reportcards.sharedhope.org. Then share your state’s report card on social media as a way to build awareness in your community.
2. Support anti-trafficking legislation
Use your voice to support legislation that combats trafficking and supports survivors. Right now, you can support the Frederick Douglass Bill (formally known as the Trafficking Victims Protection and Prevention Reauthorization Act, or TVPA). The act would expand efforts to prevent trafficking, prosecute traffickers, and provide vital resources to survivors. You can find more information plus a template for a letter or a phone call to your state representative at hopeforjustice.org/tvpra.
3. Save the Human Trafficking Hotline number in your phone
The National Human Trafficking Hotline is one of the best tools that you can have on hand in case you encounter a situation of trafficking personally. If you have it saved to your phone, you can also easily send the contact information to others who might need it. Create a new contact in your phone with the hotline number: 1-888-373-7888.
4. Find and support survivor services in your area
The National Human Trafficking Hotline is one of the best tools that you can have on hand in case you encounter a situation of trafficking personally. If you have it saved to your phone, you can also easily send the contact information to others who might need it. Create a new contact in your phone with the hotline number: 1-888-373-7888.
