Ahead of World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, observed annually on 30 July, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has launched its Regional Strategy to Respond to Trafficking in Persons for Forced Criminality in Asia and the Pacific (2026–2030).
The 2026 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons is being observed under the theme “Trapped Behind the Scam.” This year's campaign draws attention to the growing crime of trafficking people through deceptive job offers and forcing them to carry out online scams.
People who accept fake job opportunities abroad often find themselves trapped by organized criminal networks and forced to commit online fraud through threats, violence and coercion. Many have their identity documents confiscated, their freedom of movement restricted, and are subjected to debt bondage and other forms of exploitation.
“Many people working in scam centres are themselves victims of human trafficking. Yet they are too often treated as offenders rather than individuals in need of protection. Strengthening victim protection and international cooperation is essential to addressing this growing crime.”
— Iori Kato, IOM Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific
Between 2022 and 2025, IOM assisted more than 3,100 victims of trafficking for forced criminality across Asia and the Pacific.
The new strategy aims to:
- Strengthen victim identification and protection;
- Prevent trafficking in persons;
- Reduce vulnerabilities among migrants and other at-risk populations;
- Support the sustainable reintegration of victims;
- Hold perpetrators accountable; and
- Strengthen cooperation among countries and partners.
The strategy also reinforces the non-punishment principle, which recognizes that victims of trafficking should not be penalized for unlawful acts they were forced to commit. It calls for improved access to protection, assistance and justice for survivors.
Over the past 25 years, IOM has provided direct assistance to more than 100,000 victims of trafficking worldwide.
Ahead of World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, observed annually on 30 July, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has launched its Regional Strategy to Respond to Trafficking in Persons for Forced Criminality in Asia and the Pacific (2026–2030).
The 2026 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons is being observed under the theme “Trapped Behind the Scam.” This year's campaign draws attention to the growing crime of trafficking people through deceptive job offers and forcing them to carry out online scams.
People who accept fake job opportunities abroad often find themselves trapped by organized criminal networks and forced to commit online fraud through threats, violence and coercion. Many have their identity documents confiscated, their freedom of movement restricted, and are subjected to debt bondage and other forms of exploitation.
“Many people working in scam centres are themselves victims of human trafficking. Yet they are too often treated as offenders rather than individuals in need of protection. Strengthening victim protection and international cooperation is essential to addressing this growing crime.”
— Iori Kato, IOM Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific
Between 2022 and 2025, IOM assisted more than 3,100 victims of trafficking for forced criminality across Asia and the Pacific.
The new strategy aims to:
- Strengthen victim identification and protection;
- Prevent trafficking in persons;
- Reduce vulnerabilities among migrants and other at-risk populations;
- Support the sustainable reintegration of victims;
- Hold perpetrators accountable; and
- Strengthen cooperation among countries and partners.
The strategy also reinforces the non-punishment principle, which recognizes that victims of trafficking should not be penalized for unlawful acts they were forced to commit. It calls for improved access to protection, assistance and justice for survivors.
Over the past 25 years, IOM has provided direct assistance to more than 100,000 victims of trafficking worldwide.