Sri Lanka marks the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, with the government calling for stronger collective action to combat human trafficking and protect victims.
In a message to mark the day, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence and Chairman of the National Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), said this year’s global theme, “Trapped Behind the Scam,” highlights the growing use of trafficking victims in online scams and financial fraud orchestrated by organised criminal networks.
He said people involved in online scam operations may themselves be victims who have been deceived, threatened and forced to commit crimes under coercion.
Thuyacontha said the National Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force remains committed to preventing human trafficking, protecting victims, strengthening investigations and prosecutions, and supporting the reintegration of survivors.
He stressed that tackling human trafficking requires the support of all sectors of society and urged the public to work together to protect human dignity, support survivors and dismantle criminal networks that profit from human exploitation.
The World Day Against Trafficking in Persons is observed annually on July 30. (Newswire)