Middle East and North Africa (MENA) – 23 July 2020
There are horrible ways in which human dignity can be violated. When someone is forced to work without being paid, tricked to selling their organs or dragged into sex work. It is even worse, when the victim is a child.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa (ROMENA) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM Regional Office Cairo), as part of the North Africa Mixed Migration Task Force (NAMMTF), launch a week-long regional awareness raising campaign “Saving Dignity” to mark the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons (TiP).
The United Nations General Assembly, in its resolution A/RES/68/192, proclaimed the 30th of July of every year as a key moment to raise awareness on the situation of victims of trafficking in persons and for the promotion and protection of their rights.
The week reflects the aims of the Blue Heart Campaign, a global awareness raising initiative to fight human trafficking and its impact on society. The campaign seeks to encourage involvement from governments, civil society, the corporate sector and individuals alike, to inspire action and help prevent this crime.
From the 23rd of July till the 30th of July 2020, planned activities will include multiple initiatives such as a series of podcasts with experts on the topic of trafficking in persons, a virtual movie screening, and a joint statement by NAMMTF. We invite everyone to take part in this week to join collective efforts to #EndHumanTrafficking and in #SavingDignity.
Highlights of the #SavingDignity week planned action include:
23rd of July – “TiP in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)” Podcast with Sheikha Bibi Nasser Al Sabah, IOM’s Goodwill Ambassador for Kuwait and the Gulf Cooperation Council.
28th of July – “TiP in Conflict Settings” Podcast with Ms. Cristina Albertin, UNODC Regional Representative for the Middle East and North Africa.
28th of July – “TiP, COVID19, and IOM’s Response” Podcast with Ms. Carmela Godeau, IOM Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa.
29th of July – “TiP and COVID19: What to do now?” Podcast with Ms. Harsheth Virk, UNODC ROMENA Regional Programme Coordinator, Anti-Human Trafficking & Migrant Smuggling.
29th of July - Joint statement to be issued by members of the NAMMTF to mark the important day.
To take part in our virtual activities, please visit:
Twitter: @IOM_MENA @UNODC_ROMENA
Facebook: @IOM.MENA @CampagneCoeurBleuTunisie
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For more information, please contact:
Farah Abdulsater
Regional Media and Public Information Officer, IOM MENA
Email: Fabdulsater[at]iom.int
Nermine Abdelhamid
Communications and Visibility Officer, UNODC ROMENA
Email: nermine.abdelhamid[at]un.org
