© Julia Helber - FOD Justitie | Minister Van Tigchelt, representatives of UNODC and civil society partners at the Belgian launch of the Blue Heart Campaign in Antwerp on 22 July
Brussels, 30 July 2024 – The World Day Against Trafficking in Persons was observed on 30 July 2024 in Belgium and around the world. With the theme “Leave No Child Behind in the Fight Against Human Trafficking”, this year’s global campaign focused on the vulnerability of children and emphasized the urgent need to accelerate action to end child trafficking.
According to UNODC’s Global Report on Trafficking in Persons, one in three victims of human trafficking is a child. UNODC, European, and Belgian partners joined forces to mark World Day and raise awareness through the Blue Heart Campaign.
The Belgian campaign was officially launched on 22 July in Antwerp by Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Justice and the North Sea, Paul Van Tigchelt. Hosted by the City of Antwerp with interventions by UNODC, IOM and Payoke, the event gathered government officials, magistrates, specialized law enforcement, the UN, and civil society partners.
On World Day, the EU Anti-Trafficking Coordinator and UNODC issued a joint statement emphasizing the urgent need to accelerate action to end child trafficking.
In the statement, John Brandolino, UNODC Director for Treaty Affairs, stressed “we need to stop this disturbing trend and bring traffickers to justice”.
“The European Union is committed to eliminate child trafficking and pursue a comprehensive approach from prevention to protection of children, while bringing traffickers to justice”, said Diane Schmitt, EU Anti-Trafficking Coordinator.
The EU continues to be a strong partner of UNODC and recognizes the need to address this global problem. This long-standing partnership enables UNODC to provide expertise to crime prevention and criminal justice agencies, as well as victim support organizations, in partner countries around the world.
On 30 July, 25 cities across Belgium, including Antwerp, Brussels, Bruges, and Liège illuminated their most famous monuments in blue and many more engaged in awareness raising activities in support of the Blue Heart Campaign. Manneken-Pis wore his Blue Heart costume and NGO-partner PAG-ASA organized information stands to engage the public in Brussels and Leuven.
UNODC is also grateful this year for the continued partnership of the Smurfs, Belgian Cats, Belgian Olympic Committee, Belgian Cycling, and Xocolate in support of the campaign. The Samilia Foundation showed its support for the Blue Heart this year through a campaign highlighting the risks of human trafficking at major sporting events such as the 2024 Summer Olympics.
The Blue Heart Campaign's impact stretches beyond borders, and with the enduring support of partners like the European Union and Belgium as well as the dedication of civil society actors like PAG-ASA, SÜRYA, and Payoke, we can strengthen global efforts to #EndHumanTrafficking and achieve the central promise of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to “leave no one behind”.
