Martin Kobler, Head of MONUSCO and Hans-Petter Boe, Chief of Mission a.i of the Office of the International Organization for Migration, reaffirm the need to collectively fight against Trafficking in Persons

Kinshasa, 30 July 2015 – “We welcome the observance of the World Day against Trafficking in Persons. In this context, we must remain vigilant and take all preventive measures to collectively fight against the serious threat posed by human traffickers to society in the DRC” declared Martin Kobler, Head of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO), on the occasion of the World Day against Trafficking in Persons.

With a population estimated at more than 70 million inhabitants and having borders with nine neighbors, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is a source, destination, and possibly a transit country for men, women, and children subjected to forced labor and sex trafficking. While much of this trafficking is perpetrated by armed groups and elements outside Government control in Eastern DRC, incidents of trafficking likely occur throughout all provinces.

A significant number of men and boys working as unlicensed Congolese artisanal miners are reported to be exploited in situations of debt bondage by businesspeople and supply dealers. MONUSCO and IOM draw the attention of all public actors to this phenomenon by encouraging effective and appropriate responses based on research and the involvement of the entire community to prevent, suppress and punish trafficking in persons, especially women and children, as recommended by the United Nations Convention against transnational organized crime.

“On this day marking the World Day against Trafficking in Persons, we commend the Government’s efforts to set up an institutional framework as well as a national structure in charge of the fight against trafficking in order to focus more on prevention and Public awareness. Trafficking is a global problem and needs a global response; no country is immune." said Hans Petter Boe, IOM Chief of Mission.

Notes to editors:
In 2013, the General Assembly held a high-level meeting to appraise the Global Plan of Action. Member States also adopted resolution A/RES/68/192 and proclaimed July 30 World Day against Trafficking in Persons. This resolution declared that such a day was necessary to “raise awareness of the situation of victims of human trafficking and for the promotion and protection of their rights.”