Those who are already in vulnerable situations face the greatest risks. Women, children, migrant and refugee workers, as well as people employed in informal and precarious jobs, are particularly exposed to exploitation. Poverty, armed conflict, displacement, unemployment, inequality and weak social protection systems create an environment in which traffickers and abusive employers can operate more easily.

Human trafficking is not only a matter of organised crime. It is also closely connected to labour exploitation and the denial of basic workers’ rights. Many victims are deceived by false job offers, forced to pay excessive recruitment fees, deprived of their identity documents or compelled to work under threats and inhumane conditions. For this reason, the fight against trafficking must also be understood as a struggle for decent work, fair recruitment, freedom of association and access to justice.

Trade unions have an essential role to play in this effort. By organising workers, monitoring workplaces, raising awareness and supporting those at risk, unions can help prevent exploitation before it occurs. Strong trade union structures and effective collective bargaining are among the most reliable safeguards against forced labour and abusive employment practices.

The ILC therefore calls on governments, employers, international organisations and civil society to take stronger and more coordinated action. Migrant workers must be protected regardless of their legal status, safe and regular migration channels must be expanded, recruitment agencies must be effectively regulated and labour inspection systems must be strengthened. Victims must have access to protection, rehabilitation, compensation and legal remedies, while those who profit from exploitation must be held accountable.

Corporations also have a clear responsibility. Forced labour must be eliminated from global supply chains, and businesses must ensure that their contractors, suppliers and recruitment partners respect fundamental labour and human rights.

Ending human trafficking requires more than criminal penalties. It requires policies that reduce poverty and inequality, expand social protection, strengthen public institutions and create secure and dignified employment opportunities.

On this important day, the ILC reaffirms its solidarity with all victims and survivors of trafficking.

We remain committed to defending workers’ rights and strengthening international trade union cooperation against all forms of forced labour, exploitation and modern slavery.

Human dignity cannot be negotiated. No person should be exploited, and no body should be deprived of freedom for profit.