Behind the Blue Heart

The World Day Against Trafficking in Persons is observed annually on July 30 to raise awareness on human trafficking and promote the protection of the rights of trafficking victims.

Human trafficking is a global issue that transcends international borders. It violates fundamental rights and freedoms and affects millions of people across the world, regardless of age, gender, or nationality. It is one of the most pressing and complex human rights challenges of our age and requires a coordinated, cross-border response.

Formally defined, human trafficking is a crime which occurs when persons, through force, coercion, threat and/or deception are made to work or carry out other activities against their will, for the profit of others. Human trafficking can take various forms and may involve sexual exploitation, forced labour and domestic servitude, forced criminal activities, forced begging, forced marriage, illegal adoption and the exploitation of surrogacy.

Get involved by educating yourself about the realities of human trafficking and its root causes.

In the digital age, new forms of trafficking are emerging like cyber scams forcing victims into online fraud. Traffickers exploit technological advancements including AI for online recruitment, victim control, and transferring illicit proceeds.

Since 2008, Malta has been a Party to the Council of Europe Anti-Trafficking Convention. In line with the requirements of the Convention, Malta is working to adopt a coordinated and multidisciplinary approach, to incorporate the prevention of human trafficking, the protection of victims’ rights and the prosecution of traffickers.

The Human Rights Directorate (HRD) has led the coordination of Malta’s anti-human trafficking efforts since 2020, with the aim of streamlining synergies between various stakeholders. In this context, HRD led the development of Malta’s first National Anti-Trafficking Strategy for 2024-2030. The overarching aim of the Strategy is to equip Malta with more effective tools to combat this crime and protect victims. The Strategy contributes to strengthening a human rights-based, gender and child-sensitive, interdisciplinary, and cross-sectoral approach to combatting human trafficking.

Awareness raising plays a crucial role in this, and the Blue Heart Campaign is a global awareness raising initiative to fight human trafficking and its impact on society. It seeks to encourage involvement from governments, civil society, the corporate sector, and individuals alike, to inspire action and help prevent this crime. The Blue Heart represents the sadness of those who are trafficked whilst reminding us of the cold-heartedness of those who buy and sell human beings.

This year’s theme, set by the United Nations, is ‘Human trafficking is Organised Crime – End the Exploitation’. It highlights how globally, organised criminal groups are key drivers of human trafficking. In fact, 74% of traffickers operate within organised crime groups, exploiting more victims more violently than independent criminals. Organised crime groups exploit migration flows, global supply chains, legal and economic loopholes and digital platforms to facilitate large volumes of cross-border trafficking. This year’s Blue Heart Campaign emphasises the vital role of law enforcement and the criminal justice system in dismantling organised trafficking networks while ensuring a victim-centred approach.

Human trafficking is constantly evolving and so must our response. This World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, take the first step to inform yourself, and join the fight by reporting any suspicious activity to the authorities. Victims of human trafficking may be found in everyday settings such as at work, online, in schools, during travel, or in personal networks. If you suspect a case, contact local authorities. If you are unsure, it is better to seek help rather than ignore a potential victim.

To report a crime to the Police: 119

For victim support: 

Victim Support Agency (VSA) – 116 006

Foundation for Social Welfare Services (FSWS) – 179

Get involved by educating yourself about the realities of human trafficking and its root causes. Ensure you stay up to date with facts and resources from credible sources like the Global Report on Trafficking in Persons. You can also make a difference by making ethical consumer choices. Avoid goods and services that may be linked directly or indirectly to exploitative practices. Lastly, encourage friends, family members, coworkers and business partners to get informed and involved in the fight against human trafficking.