International Day against Sexual Exploitation and Human Trafficking

Every 23 September, the world commemorates the International Day against Sexual Exploitation and Trafficking in Persons, an important date to reflect on one of the most serious and widespread global crimes. Established in January 1999 by the Global Conference of the Coalition Against Trafficking in Persons, in coordination with the Women’s Conference in Dhaka, Bangladesh, the day aims to raise awareness and mobilize society to eradicate human trafficking.

The date has an important precedent in Argentina: on September 23, 1913, the country adopted the world’s first legal norm against child prostitution, promoted by Dr. Alfredo Palacios. This historic event set a precedent in the fight against sexual exploitation and abuse of women and children, which unfortunately remains a persistent problem.

In Argentina, there is a free, anonymous, national hotline 145 for guidance, assistance and/or to report cases of human trafficking and/or exploitation. Through the Executive Committee for the Fight against Trafficking in Persons and Exploitation of Persons and for the Protection and Assistance of Victims, the Ministries of Security, Justice and Human Rights and Human Capital work in a coordinated manner to design and plan a public policy for prevention, prosecution and assistance to victims.

Human trafficking knows no borders and affects millions of children and adults around the world. This dehumanizing crime not only violates fundamental rights, but also perpetuates violence, perversion and poverty. Commemorating this date reminds us how important it is to continue to fight for a world in which no one is exploited or treated as a commodity.