On July 30th, the world will come together to observe the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. The 2024 theme, “Leave No Child Behind in the Fight Against Human Trafficking,” emphasizes the urgency of protecting the youngest and most vulnerable victims. This year’s campaign calls for increased efforts to end child trafficking, a grievous crime affecting millions each year.

Child trafficking is not just a distant issue seen in movies; it’s a pervasive reality that touches every community, including ours. The victims could be children from your town, attending the same schools, playing in the same parks, or shopping at the same stores. These faces, marked by unimaginable hardships, need our attention and action. We must delve deeper into this topic to understand its widespread nature and change the narrative.

These children do not end up in these dire circumstances on their own. They are often the overlooked victims of failing systems—education, child welfare, housing, and public health—which contribute to their poverty, trauma, and severe hardships, increasing their susceptibility to trafficking. In Hawaii, the statistics are heart-wrenching: The average age of first exploitation is 11 years old, compared to the national average of 14 years. On Hawaii Island, the average age is even younger, at 8 years old. No area or population is immune from trafficking.

Identifying and protecting child victims is challenging due to underreporting, lack of awareness, and insufficient resources for victim support. Traffickers use coercion, deception, and threats to control their victims, complicating intervention efforts. To date, child trafficking has not been effectively addressed. This must change.

Urgent and comprehensive action is essential to tackle this dire situation, protect vulnerable groups from exploitation, and support child victims. Prevention efforts should target root causes like poverty and inequality to reduce children’s vulnerability. Special attention must be paid to the trafficking of children on the move.

At Ho’ola Nā Pua, our goal is to nurture and safeguard traumatized and exploited youth. Our organization is dedicated to preventative education, actively engaging the community in awareness and training programs. These initiatives support recovery and aim to prevent trafficking by empowering individuals and communities with the knowledge and resources to combat exploitation.

Change starts with initiating difficult conversations—at home, at work, and wherever they can make an impact. We encourage everyone to join these discussions, remain open to learning, take concrete actions, and commit to a world where human exploitation is universally condemned and actively stigmatized.

As we approach the 10th World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on July 30, 2024, it is crucial to address the shortcomings and accelerate action to #EndHumanTrafficking. By leaving no child behind, we can create a safer, more just world for all.

JOIN US JULY 30TH FOR THE WORLD DAY AGAINST TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS

Ho’ola Nā Pua is organizing a statewide sign-waving event to unite our community in raising awareness about human trafficking and exploitation. Sign up now and be part of this crucial effort to make a difference.