The Blue Heart Campaign

The Blue Heart Campaign raises awareness around the globe of human trafficking and its impact on society. It seeks to encourage involvement from governments, civil society, the corporate sector, and individuals alike, to inspire action and help prevent human trafficking. People show their solidarity with the victims of human trafficking and increase their visibility by wearing the Blue Heart. The Blue Heart Campaign runs throughout the year.
 
As proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly, in its resolution A/RES/68/192, World Day Against Trafficking in Persons is celebrated every year on July 30th. To commemorate this day, initiatives to raise awareness on human trafficking and to promote and protect the rights of trafficking victims are held around the globe.
 

What does the Blue Heart symbol represent?

  • Solidarity with human trafficking victims
  • The cold-heartedness of traffickers
  • Through the “UN blue” colour, the UN’s commitment to combating this crime against human dignity.

How does the Blue Heart Campaign support victims?

All proceeds of the Blue Heart Campaign go to the United Nations Voluntary Trust Fund for Victims of Trafficking in Persons (UNVTF), which provides vital assistance and protection to the victims of trafficking through a network of specialized organizations across the globe. Belgium is the leading contributor to the UNVTF.

BELGIAN INITIATIVES

Since adopting the Blue Heart Campaign in 2019, every year the Government of Belgium has led the national campaign to mark the World Day against Trafficking in Persons, illuminating federal buildings in blue. The Cities of Antwerp, Brussels, Bruges, Ghent, Kortrijk, Leuven, and Mons dress up and light up their iconic monuments to join the national efforts to raise awareness of this heinous crime.
 
Belgian civil society organizations assist victims to rebuild their lives and raise awareness of human trafficking. UNODC in Brussels works with three victim shelters PAG-ASA, PAYOKE and SÜRYA. In 2020, UNODC signed a letter of exchange with  Samila to promote the Blue Heart Campaign and the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children.

Partners

The Blue Heart Campaign has been supported by many national and local sport teams, including the Belgium Cycling Club, the Belgian Olympic and Interfederal Committee (BOIC), the Belgian Cats and the football players of Club Brugge KV. The Smurfs support the Blue Heart Campaign since 2020. Every year, they contribute with a theme-based drawing to help raise awareness and support the fight against human trafficking.

Further Information

Learn more about Human Trafficking

Learn more about the Blue Heart Campaign

Join the Blue Heart Campaign