Statement
Jeddah, 30 July 2026 – On the occasion of the World Day against Trafficking in Persons, the Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC) of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) reaffirms that trafficking in persons constitutes one of the gravest violations of human rights, as it undermines human dignity, freedom, and fundamental rights through the exploitation of individuals and the deprivation of their free will for illicit gain. The Commission stresses that combating trafficking in persons is both a legal and moral obligation that requires strengthened national, regional, and international efforts based on a human rights approach.
The Commission expresses its deep concern over the continued prevalence of this crime and its disproportionate impact on the most vulnerable groups, particularly women, children, migrants, refugees, and internally displaced persons. It emphasizes that addressing trafficking in persons requires a comprehensive approach that combines prevention, protection, and accountability, while ensuring victims' access to justice, rehabilitation, and reintegration.
The Commission also emphasizes that the misuse of digital technologies by transnational criminal networks presents growing challenges. At the same time, it recognizes that technology, when used in a manner that respects human rights, can contribute to strengthening prevention efforts, detecting crimes, supporting investigations, and enhancing international cooperation.
The Commission calls upon OIC Member States to continue strengthening legal and institutional frameworks, developing national capacities, and expanding partnerships with national human rights institutions, international organizations, and civil society organizations, in order to prevent and combat trafficking in persons in all its forms.
The Commission further reaffirms its commitment to continuing its support for OIC Member States in developing human rights-based policies and institutional frameworks, strengthening international cooperation to protect those most vulnerable to exploitation, and addressing the root causes of trafficking in persons, thereby contributing to the protection of human dignity and the promotion of the principles of justice and respect for human rights.