UN Warns of Rising Child Trafficking Threat
UN Report Highlights Rising Threat of Child Trafficking
Source: UN / Image: © UNICEF/Jim Holmes
Dr. Najat Maalla M’jid, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative on Violence Against Children, released a new report on Wednesday, highlighting the growing dangers of child trafficking. She stated that trafficking networks exploit technological advancements and the vulnerabilities of people living in emergency situations. According to her, children—especially girls—face highly sensitive conditions. Poverty, food insecurity, humanitarian crises, and violent conflicts lead to mass displacement, making illegal trafficking a significant concern.
The Special Representative of the @UN Secretary-General on Violence against Children (@UN_EndViolence), Najat Maalla M’jid, warned the Human Rights Council about the alarming increase in trafficking in children.
— UN Human Rights Council (@UN_HRC) March 12, 2025
She underlined "the urgent need to end this serious crime."#HRC58 pic.twitter.com/DvkpmbqG00
Dr. Maalla M’jid informed the Human Rights Council in Geneva that child trafficking cases rarely result in convictions, allowing perpetrators to act with impunity. Corruption, stigma, fear, and lack of protection make it difficult for children to report such crimes and seek justice. She warned that trafficking remains a low-risk, high-profit crime, generating billions of dollars annually.
The UN official also raised concerns about the increasing organization of trafficking networks, with criminal groups now using artificial intelligence to reduce costs and evade detection.
Furthermore, Virginia Gamba, the UN Special Representative on Children and Armed Conflict, informed the Human Rights Council that one in six children worldwide lives in conflict-affected areas. She urged all member states to implement policies that protect children and ensure they grow up in a peaceful environment.
