High-Level Meeting of the General Assembly on the Progress achieved in the implementation of the United Nations Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons (22-23 November 2021)

Mr. President,

My delegation welcomes the convening of this high-level meeting of the General Assembly.

It is a timely opportunity to assess the progress made in implementation of the United Nations Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons, identify the obstacles and find appropriate solutions.

Mr. President,

Human trafficking affects all regions of the world. The criminals involved prey on the weakest and the most vulnerable.

In recent years, proliferating conflicts, insecurity and economic deprivation have combined to compel millions of men, women and children to leave their homes to seek physical safety and economic security in other lands. Often, they are at the mercy of organized criminal groups and networks. In the process of illegal migration, thousands of people have died at sea, in the desert and in detention centers.

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated global poverty and inequalities. Millions of people are at greater risk of being trafficked for sexual exploitation, forced labor and other crimes.

Mr. President,

Pakistan continues to fight all kind of organized crime, including human trafficking and migrant smuggling.

In partnership with UNODC and other international partners, our law enforcement authorities have made significant progress in addressing this challenge. We have:

Mr. President,

The adoption of the Global Compact on Migration by the United Nations marked the beginning of a new era of migration governance, dialogue and international cooperation.

It reflected a growing global understanding of the multiple benefits of human mobility. At the same time, it also recognized that, if poorly managed, migration can generate huge challenges, from a tragic loss of lives, human rights abuses and social tensions.

Despite the current challenges, the international community can draw on the Global Compact to promote safe, orderly and regular migration with greater inclusion and sustainability.

At the same time, opening up additional avenues for legal migration is one way to reduce the "demand" for human smuggling and trafficking services and meet migration related SDGs.

Mr. President,

To end human trafficking in all its forms, we must take a unified coordinated, consistent and equitable global approach. The Global Plan of Action can achieve this objective. Pakistan will continue to promote its balanced and effective implementation

I thank you.