A/RES/58/137
Condemning trafficking in persons as an abhorrent form of modern-day slavery
and as an act that is contrary to universal human rights,
Decrying the treatment of human beings as commodities bartered, bought or
sold by traffickers, in particular exploiters,
Deeply concerned at the worldwide occurrence of trafficking in persons for the
purpose of exploitation of all kinds by transnational organized criminal groups,
many of which are also involved in other forms of illegal activity, including
trafficking in firearms, money-laundering, drug trafficking and corruption,
Profoundly alarmed by the fact that trafficking in persons is a growing and
profitable trade in most parts of the world, aggravated by, inter alia, poverty, armed
conflict, inadequate social and economic conditions and demand in the illicit labour
and sex markets,
Expressing dismay at the ability of criminal networks to avoid punishment
while preying on the vulnerabilities of their victims,
Noting the distinctions and interlinkages between the two criminal behaviours
of trafficking in persons, as set forth in the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish
Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children, supplementing the United
Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, and of smuggling of
migrants, as set forth in the Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants by Land,
Sea and Air, supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational
Organized Crime, 8
Convinced of the urgent need for broad and concerted international
cooperation among all Member States, employing a multidisciplinary, balanced and
global approach, including adequate technical assistance, in order to prevent and
combat trafficking in persons,
Convinced also that civil society, including non-governmental organizations,
can play a role in reducing existing and future opportunities for victimization in the
field of trafficking and in assisting Governments in promoting the protection of
victims through comprehensive and non-stigmatizing social and appropriate
economic assistance to victims, including in the areas of health, education, housing
and employment,
Welcoming efforts of Member States, in particular countries of origin, transit
and destination, to create awareness in civil society concerning the seriousness of
the crime of trafficking and of its various forms, as well as the role of the public in
preventing victimization and assisting victims of trafficking,
Noting the thematic discussion on trafficking in human beings, especially
women and children, held by the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal
Justice at its twelfth session,
Urges Member States to employ a comprehensive approach to combating
1.
trafficking in persons, incorporating law enforcement efforts and, where
appropriate, the confiscation and seizure of the proceeds of trafficking, the
protection of victims and preventive measures, including measures against activities
that derive profit from the exploitation of victims of trafficking;
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8
2
Ibid., annex III.