World Day Against Trafficking in Persons: When a Person Stops Being a CommodityJuly 30. For most people, it's just a summer day, the height of the vacation and beach season. But for millions of victims of human trafficking around the world, this date is a symbol of hope. The World Day Against Trafficking in Persons is not just an item on the UN calendar. It is a reminder that in the 21st century, people continue to buy and sell people as commodities. It is a day when we should stop and ask ourselves: what do we know about this issue? And what can we do to stop it?Origin of the Day: A Belarusian Initiative and a Global PlanThe history of this day began in 2010 when the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons. The initiative for this plan came from Belarus. And three years later, on December 18, 2013, at the 68th session of the General Assembly, a resolution was adopted that officially proclaimed July 30 as the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.The date was chosen not by chance: July 30, 2010, was the day the Global Plan of Action was adopted. Since 2014, this day has been celebrated annually. Its goal is to draw attention to the problem of human trafficking, the status of victims, and the need to protect their rights. As noted in UN documents, this day reminds us of the importance of coordinated and consistent steps in combating this phenomenon based on human rights principles.“Trapped Behind the Scam”: Theme of 2026In 2026, the commemorations are held under the slogan “Trapped Behind the Scam” (Trapped Behind the Scam). This theme is designed to draw attention to the growing threat of human trafficking for the purpose of coercion into criminal activity and exploitation within online scams.According to the UN, transnational criminal groups are increasingly using people to conduct industrial financial fraud. Victims are lured by false advertisements offering jobs abroad, promising legal employment. But ... Read more