The Kabul Tribune (KT) — The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) have called for stronger efforts to address the growing risks of human trafficking in Afghanistan amid the large-scale return of Afghan migrants and ongoing humanitarian challenges.
In a joint statement released on World Day Against
Trafficking in Persons, the two agencies warned that millions of Afghans remain
vulnerable to trafficking, exploitation and abuse as they return to communities
already struggling with poverty, limited services and economic hardship.
UNODC and IOM said women, children, internally displaced
people, returnees and other vulnerable groups face heightened risks of human
trafficking, forced labor and other forms of exploitation, emphasizing the need
for coordinated action to protect at-risk populations.
The agencies called on national authorities, humanitarian
organizations and international partners to strengthen prevention measures,
improve victim identification and protection services, enhance law enforcement
cooperation and expand public awareness campaigns to combat trafficking in
persons.
They also stressed the importance of addressing the root
causes of trafficking by improving access to livelihoods, education and
essential services while ensuring that victims receive protection and support
without discrimination.
UNODC and IOM reaffirmed their commitment to working with
partners in Afghanistan to prevent human trafficking, protect victims and
strengthen efforts to hold traffickers accountable.
