In recent years human trafficking cases has sharply increased, driven by conflicts, climate-induced disasters, and global crises, according to a United Nations report released on Wednesday. United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime’s Global Report on Trafficking in Persons reveals that in 2022, the number of known trafficking victims rose by 25% compared to 2019 levels, which were pre-pandemic. This follows a significant drop in 2020, with the numbers climbing again in 2021.
The report highlights a troubling trend, with organized crime being primarily responsible for exploiting people. Victims are increasingly being trafficked into forced labor, including being coerced into participating in online scams and cyber fraud. Women and girls are particularly vulnerable to sexual exploitation and gender-based violence, while children represent a growing proportion of victims.
Children accounted for 38% of trafficking victims in 2022, an increase from 35% in 2020. Adult women made up the largest group of victims at 39%, followed by men at 23%, girls at 22%, and boys at 16%. The total number of trafficking victims in 2022 stood at 69,627.
Sexual exploitation remains the primary reason for trafficking women and girls, affecting over 60% of the cases. For men, forced labor was the most common form of exploitation, while boys were primarily trafficked for forced labor and criminal activities, including forced begging. The report suggests that rising numbers of unaccompanied minors in Europe and North America could explain the increasing number of boys identified as victims.
Sub-Saharan Africa accounted for the highest percentage of trafficking victims, at 26%, though trafficking routes span across many regions. The report attributes the increase in detected cases to a combination of improved detection methods and a rise in trafficking activities. Significant increases in detected cases were noted in sub-Saharan Africa, North America, and parts of Europe, with migration flows being a key factor.
