Throughout the world, human traffickers abuse and exploit the rights of those in greatest need. They prey upon the vulnerable and desperate, infect communities, and harm societies.

The World Day Against Trafficking in Persons is observed annually on 30 July to raise awareness about human trafficking and to promote and protect the rights of trafficking victims. The theme for 2024 is Leave No Child Behind. It’s a devastating fact that 1 in 3 victims of human trafficking is a child.

Poverty increases a child’s vulnerability to violence, exploitation, and abuse. Children living in poverty lack access to fundamental necessities such as clean water and sufficient food. They often lack citizenship documentation, education and safe shelter. 

Human trafficking is the illegal transport of human beings whose services — such as manual labour in mines, domestic servitude or commercial sex acts within brothels — are sold for profit. Human trafficking victims engage in these acts because they are forced to do so. They’re recruited or sold into involuntary servitude.

According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), every country in the world is affected by human trafficking.

There are several types of human trafficking, but these three are the most common:

• Sexual exploitation

• Forced labour

• Debt bondage

Women and girls represent 65 per cent of all trafficking victims globally. More than 90 per cent of detected female victims are trafficked for the purpose of sexual exploitation.

Women and girls represent 65 per cent of all trafficking victims globally

• $150 billion is generated annually by forced labour worldwide.

• There are 27.6 million people in situations of forced labour on any given day.

• 1 in 3 victims of trafficking is a child.

• There are 22 million trapped in forced marriages.

• Women and girls make up 11.8 million of the total in forced labour.

• An estimated 6.3 million people are in situations of forced commercial sexual exploitation at any point in time.

• Nearly four out of every five people trapped in these situations are girls or women.

The World Awareness Day Against Trafficking in Persons is on 30 July each year, and there’s an International Day of Prayer on 8 February organised by the Catholic church. 

Whenever you choose to pray about the urgent need to end human trafficking and uphold human dignity, we hope these three Bible verses and accompanying prayers will be a useful guide. 

Together, we can speak up for human rights for all. Let’s pray for an end human trafficking, asking God to bring comfort, healing and justice for those who’ve been victims of trafficking and forced labour. 

Boy with his hand in front of face

God of Justice, you hate to see oppression and injustice. We cry out for the needs of those who are manipulated, tricked, and forced by threats and violence into labour, which exploits, traumatises and harms them. 

Please help us be part of the anti-trafficking movement. Give us a passion for justice, to be active in praying, campaigning, and avoiding the use of exploitative industries. We pray that world leaders and those in authority would legislate to protect the rights of the marginalised and vulnerable. 

Please bring an end to modern day slavery. Convict the hearts of those who take advantage of others; may they see the horror of such practices and turn away from evil. Amen.

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound… Isaiah 61:1

Girl at a door

God of love and comfort, thank you for Jesus Christ who shows how new life and healing can be found in Him. We pray for those who work to rescue and restore trafficked and abused women, children, young people and men. Please give them the courage to persevere in their efforts. Protect them and help their work to be effective in rescuing those in trouble and bringing about lasting change within societies around the world. 

We pray for your Spirit to bring comfort, safety and peace to people who have been victims of trafficking. Please give them means of escape and access to safe havens. And we pray for welcome, understanding and comfort back in their communities, when all too often victims can face stigma and isolation from their loved ones after they’re freed. 

We pray for children and young people within Compassion’s projects who’ve been affected by trafficking or abuse. Help our project workers, counsellors and all those involved in that person’s life show them such love and gentle encouragement that they would be restored in mind, body and spirit by the power of your Holy Spirit. 

In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen. 

The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18

Boy standing next to wall

Loving Father, we pray for people who are still trapped in awful situations. We ask that your Holy Spirit would be with them in miraculous ways; that your light would comfort them in the midst of their darkness.

We know that Jesus is able to sympathise with us in every way. For all those people who feel utterly abandoned and alone, Lord, please reach them with your love and your hope. We pray they will be freed from their oppression. Amen.

Girl flying a kite

The staff and volunteers at our projects know each and every child they serve. They invest in the child personally and relationally as mentors. Their support and attention mean children are less vulnerable to criminals who are soliciting, recruiting or abducting.

We also help previously exploited children heal and recover. In addition to helping with legal resources, we work to restore a child’s overall well-being—physically, mentally and spiritually—through high-quality medical care, counselling and church-driven activities.

We believe that child protection is central to God’s heart and we consider the love, care, and protection of children our top priorities.

Hear from Compassion Graduate, Doreen, who now runs a hostel to help girls escape trafficking and abuse.