World Day against Trafficking in Persons aims to raise awareness of the situation of men, women and children who have fallen victim to human trafficking, and to promote and protect their rights. United Nations Member States, international organizations, and civil society are encouraged to organize appropriate events that highlight the main issues of trafficking in persons.

Human trafficking is the trade of human persons;  international conventions condemn it as a grave violation of human rights. The purposes of trafficking in humans include, but are not limited to, sexual slavery, commercial sexual exploitation, forced labour, servitude, forced marriage, removal of organs. Trade in people can occur both within a victim's country of origin and beyond.

At any given time, about 2.5 million people are affected by human trafficking. Almost every country in the world is involved in trafficking, whether as a country of origin, destination or transit for human trade victims.

The Blue Heart Campaign against Human Trafficking highlights this important issue. The logo in shape of a blue heart stands for the sorrow of the victims and the coldness of the offenders.

Good Shepherd communities and organisations throughout Asia Pacific mark this special day in different ways.

 

 

 

Some other key dates to save in your calendars

March 8 - International Women's Day (IWD)

April 22 - International Mother Earth Day

April 24 - Feastday of St Mary Euphrasia Pelletier

May 26 - June 24 - Ramadan (varies)

June 5 - World Environment Day

June 14 - 20 - Refugee Week

June 20 - World Refugee Day

June 24 - Good Shepherd Day (Australia)

July 22 - Good Shepherd Day (Aotearoa/New Zealand) 

July 30 - World Day against Trafficking in Persons

August 9 - International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples

August 19 - Feastday of St John Eudes

September 1 - World Day of Prayer for Care of Creation

September 21 - International Day of Peace

October 11 - International Day of the Girl Child

October 11 - 18 - Anti Poverty Week

November 2 - All Souls Day

November 11 - Diwali festival

November 25 - International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

November 25 - 10 Dec - 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence

December 2 - International Day for the Abolition of Slavery

December 5 - International Volunteer Day

December 10 - Human Rights Day