Targeted awareness, outreach efforts 'essential' to prevent human trafficking: Blinken

The US has said human trafficking is a crime globally that deprives millions of people of their dignity and freedom.

"To properly tackle this crime, it will take a commitment from each of us to end human trafficking. Targeted awareness and outreach efforts are essential," said US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken.

An estimated 27.6 million are now victims of trafficking worldwide.

This month is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, a time for people, organisations, communities, and federal organisations to join in "our efforts to combat all forms of human trafficking, including sex trafficking and forced labour," he said.

The US Agency for International Development's (USAID) Fight Slavery and Trafficking in Persons Project organised an event last week to bring together government and civil society stakeholders to incorporate feedback from regional workshops into the revised National Plan of Action.

Bangladesh has made progress in curbing trafficking in persons in recent years, having established seven special tribunals, created anti-trafficking task forces, and implemented the National Plan of Action, said the US Embassy in Dhaka.

The expansion of the National Plan of Action will run through 2025 and strengthen measures to prosecute perpetrators more efficiently while protecting survivors and helping them reintegrate into society.

"No plan can be successful if it doesn't lead to action. This is why the United States will continue to support the Government of Bangladesh's efforts to strengthen the National Plan of Action and end the horrific crime of trafficking-in-persons," US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Helen LaFave said.

The US government has supported Bangladesh's efforts to develop the National Plan of Action and prevent trafficking in persons.

The USAID's Fight Slavery and Trafficking in Persons Project provided training to over 400 judges, public prosecutors, tribunal staff, panel lawyers, and another 3,000 members of community counter-trafficking committees.