Reach Every Victim of Trafficking, Leave No One Behind

Commemorating International Day against Trafficking in Persons 2023

30 July 2023, Islamabad – “Human Trafficking is a grave violation of human rights, a crime that plays upon the vulnerable and we as a nation must be vigilant in our efforts to eradicate it. This heinous crime transcend borders and demands a unified response. FIA is committed to fight this battle on multiple fronts”, said Mohsin Hassan Butt, Director General Federal Investigation Agency while recording a message for the TIP Day 2023, which was shared on social media on the TIP day by FIA.

To mark the day, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), in collaboration with the Federal Investigation Agency, Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, Shifa International Hospital, organized a seminar on 27th July 2023. This seminar was part of an awareness-raising campaign for World Day Against Trafficking in Persons 2023. Its aim was to draw attention to alarming trends identified by UNODC and call on governments, law enforcement, public services, and civil society to strengthen prevention, support victims, and end impunity.

During the event's panel discussion, trafficking's broader issues were addressed, with specific focus on the urgent need to combat trafficking for organ removal. The discussion shed light on the grave human rights violations affecting millions globally, wherein vulnerable individuals suffer various forms of exploitation, including forced labor, sexual exploitation, and domestic servitude.

The event witnessed a strong show of solidarity from medical students, faculty members, distinguished guests, and esteemed partners, all united in raising awareness and combating human trafficking. The FIA building and Shifa Hospital Building were illuminated in blue light, symbolizing hope and unity in the fight against trafficking.

Throughout the day, various activities were conducted to raise awareness among the public and garner support. These included distributing T-shirts, caps, and Blue Heart Lapel Pins to students, as well as placing standees at prominent locations like Shifa Hospital, Islamabad Airport, FIA Headquarters, and the UNODC country office. Additionally, renowned hotels in Islamabad were involved in the campaign, distributing Blue Heart Lapel Pins and displaying banners in their lobbies to encourage active participation from the hospitality sector in the fight against trafficking.

A social media campaign was also launched, featuring recorded messages from key partners and Shehzad Roy, the National Goodwill Ambassador for UNODC Pakistan. These messages were aired on various platforms to amplify the anti-trafficking message and reach a wider audience. In a gesture of solidarity, photos with Blue Heart Frames were shared on social media, symbolizing unity in the fight against trafficking.

Professor Dr. Mohammad Iqbal, Vice-Chancellor of Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, expressed gratitude to UNODC, FIA, and the students for joining the event and standing united against trafficking in persons. He recognized the significance of their collective responsibility in combating this grave human rights violation, reaffirming the university's commitment as a leading institution of education and healing.