On World Day against Trafficking in Persons 2024, UN Network on Migration in Iraq calls for stepped up efforts to combat the crime

Despite the stability and security the country is enjoying today after years of challenges, Iraq remains exposed to the crime of human trafficking. And although much progress has been made since Iraq ratified the UN “Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children”, much more is needed to combat this flagrant violation of fundamental human rights and freedoms. 

 Iraq, both a source and destination country for victims of trafficking, is especially vulnerable to the threat of human trafficking. The majority of trafficked persons are women and children. Yet, perpetrators continue to operate with impunity, exploiting new technologies, social media and the dark web to evade detection and to both ensnare potential victims and to attract potential customers for their human commodity. 

 Significant efforts have been made to counter human trafficking in Iraq. But there is still a long road ahead to address gaps in the prevention and protection of victims of trafficking in Iraq, and the prosecution of perpetrators. 

 With robust government action, combined with the support of the United Nations, further progress can be made. 

 Today, on World Day against Trafficking in Persons, the United Nations Network on Migration (UNNM) in Iraq calls for joint action to end human trafficking, especially for all child victims of trafficking, keeping the needs of survivors at the heart of our prevention and response plans.  

 “It is of the greatest urgency that all such children are identified, removed from the exploitative situation, and given adequate care and support as soon as possible”, said Ghulam Mohammad Isaczai, Deputy Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Iraq, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq. “With strong advocacy and sincere action by all stakeholders, Iraq can achieve results in combating trafficking in persons.” 

 This year’s global campaign to “leave no child behind in the fight against human trafficking” aims to accelerate action by addressing the root causes such as poverty, inadequate support for unaccompanied children during migration and refugee flows; in addition to strengthening child protection systems, implementing child-sensitive justice mechanisms to hold perpetrators, particularly traffickers, accountable.

 In 2022, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and UN Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC) established the Trafficking in Persons (TiP) working group under the UN Network on Migration (UNNM) in Iraq, to advocate for the rights of all victims of trafficking, ensuring their protection and adequate provision of services. The TiP working group supports the Government of Iraq to eliminate human trafficking by implementing the international TiP framework, also known as the 4Ps Paradigm: Prevention, Protection, Prosecution, and Partnership.

 The UNNM group advocates for the Government of Iraq to strengthen its law on Trafficking in Persons (No.28 of 2012) to guarantee that the rights of victims of trafficking are respected. More specifically, more work needs to be done to ensure:  

1. Access to shelter is an unconditional right of a victim of trafficking, including for male and minor victims.
2. Victims of trafficking are not criminalized under other laws (such as the Residency Law or Prostitution Law).
3. Government mechanisms and local actors are better equipped to identify, investigate, and respond to potential TiP cases.
4. Child trafficking factors are analyzed, understood and fully addressed.

 The UN Network on Migration renews its support for Iraq in combating this crime. On World Day against Trafficking in Persons, let us work together to tackle this file for the benefit of all Iraqis.