Khartoum-Marking the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in collaboration with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Sudan conducted a series of awareness-raising events on human trafficking in Khartoum, Gedaref, and Kassala states.

July 30th marks the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons-a day set aside to raise awareness of the plight of human trafficking victims and to promote and protect their rights.

Under the theme, ‘Prevent, Protect and Prosecute’, the events highlighted the need for action and the importance of having an integrated approach in addressing trafficking through panel discussions, sports, community theatre and distribution of awareness-raising materials on human trafficking and relevant information on migrants’ rights to migrants from various communities.

Raising awareness about human trafficking provides an important foundation for individuals, first responders, law enforcement entities, service providers, and others to recognise the indicators of human trafficking and how to prevent it and respond adequately.

“Now more than ever, we must continue our efforts to counter trafficking, finding innovative ways to identify trends, to screen for vulnerabilities, to seek safe and viable options for those who will remain on the move, to support the most vulnerable in our communities. Let’s move into this direction together, as partners, as communities and as people,” said Bernard Lami, IOM Deputy Chief Mission in Sudan.

Trafficking in persons is a serious crime and a grave violation of human rights. Every year, thousands of men, women and children fall into the hands of traffickers, in their own countries and abroad. Every country in the world is affected by trafficking, whether as a country of origin, transit or destination for victims.

IOM takes a comprehensive approach to addressing Trafficking in Persons. Advocating for rights, and protecting the physical, mental and social well-being of individuals and their communities; and promoting sustainability through institutional capacity development and partnerships, are at the centre of the Organization’s counter-trafficking efforts. 

In Sudan, IOM provides protection and assistance to vulnerable migrants, including  victims of trafficking, and presumed victims, through its Migrant Resource and Response Centers (MRRC/MRC) in Khartoum, Gedaref, and Kassala states. Coordinating closely with partners, IOM's assistance includes safe accommodation, medical and psychosocial support, food support and non-food items, assisted voluntary return and reintegration (AVRR) to countries of origin, and legal aid among other services. In 2021, IOM assisted over 13,772 migrants through its centres.

For more information, please contact IOM Sudan at IOMSudanmedia@iom.int