World Day of Fight against Sexual Exploitation

History of World Day of Fight against Sexual Exploitation

Sex trafficking and human trafficking is a filthy and treacherous multi-billion-dollar business that has been going on in this world for many years. According to UNICEF, more than three million children worldwide are affected by prostitution, and nearly a million people are sexually exploited every year. This not only includes young girls and women but also young boys and men. Millions of people travel abroad for sex tourism — to have sex with young children. This has increased child prostitution all across the world.

It is estimated that every second of the day, an average of eight people are trapped by international criminal networks for sexual exploitation, trafficking, and enslavement. And this is what World Day of Fight Against Sexual Exploitation aims to eliminate. Sexual exploitation is one of the worst treatments any human can receive, as it robs one of one’s basic human rights — the right to freedom, dignity, and even the right to control their own body.

This problem is ubiquitous, but prevalent in Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America, and Caribbean countries. The people who are trafficked from these countries are taken to developed countries for prostitution. The saddest part about this is that most sexually abused children keep the abuse a secret mainly because they have no one to turn to for help. And even when they do tell, they are often times not believed and they end up at greater risk of emotional, psychological, social, and physical problems. So they opt to remain silent — which further perpetuates the problem.

World Day of Fight against Sexual Exploitation timeline

2009

The Move to Fight Sexual Exploitation

The first World Day of Fight Against Sexual Exploitation is observed as a global movement.

2013

The U.N. Passes a Resolution

The U.N. General Assembly designates July 30 as World Day against Trafficking in Persons.

2015

The Sustainable Development Agenda

The world adopts the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and embraces goals set to put an end to human trafficking.

2020

The Governments Tighten Their Grip

Governments across the world tighten their grip against sexual exploitation.

World Day of Fight against Sexual Exploitation FAQs

When is World Day of Fight against Sexual Exploitation?

In 2027, World Day of Fight against Sexual Exploitation will be observed on Thursday, March 4. This annual observance continues to highlight the urgent need for action and awareness.

How many people are affected by sexual exploitation?

The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that millions of people are trapped in forced labor, including sexual exploitation, worldwide. This staggering figure underscores the urgent need for continued global efforts to combat this human rights violation.

What are the forms of sexual exploitation?

Forms of sexual exploitation include commercial sexual exploitation, where an individual is induced to perform a commercial sex act through force, fraud, or coercion, and non-commercial exploitation, such as child sexual abuse. These acts strip victims of their autonomy and dignity.

What is the difference between sexual exploitation and human trafficking?

Human trafficking is the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act. Sexual exploitation is a specific outcome of trafficking, where the purpose of the trafficking is sexual. Not all human trafficking is sexual exploitation, but all sexual exploitation involving force, fraud, or coercion is human trafficking.

How to Observe World Day of Fight against Sexual Exploitation

Report any illegal activities

Be a responsible citizen and refuse to be complicit by keeping quiet. Report any illegal activities you witness in your locality.

Spread awareness

Use your social media handles and other platforms to spread awareness. Be sure to give accurate facts in order to stop the evil of sexual exploitation and trafficking.

Share your story

If you or someone you know was a victim of sexual exploitation in the past, you can share your experiences. Be sure to advise people about how to stay safe.

5 Heartbreaking Facts About Sexual Exploitation

It ruins many lives

About 80% of sexual abuse survivors report excessive drug and alcohol abuse.

It can lead to eating disorders

Young girls who are sexually abused are more likely to develop eating disorders.

The devil within

About 40% of victims are abused by a family member they know.

Silence only perpetuates the vice

Unfortunately, many child victims never disclose their abuse and they continue to suffer.

The internet has made it easier

One in five children is solicited sexually on the internet.

Why World Day of Fight against Sexual Exploitation is Important

It is a much-needed day

This international criminal industry can only be curbed with the combined effort of all the people across the world. So, this is a much-needed day.

We need to help

Although most recovering victims are perfectly capable of surviving on their own, they are subjected to a lot of cruelty and emotional trauma. We can be their voice and help them!

We can be a part of the solution

There are ways that we can take a stance and be part of the solution. This includes participating in the special events held on World Day of Fight Against Sexual Exploitation and donating to N.G.O.s that support the cause.