In the middle of the International Summit ‘Cartagena on the front against human trafficking’, Government authorities pointed out the updated figures for victims of this crime, Alarming is the report of a 400% increase between the years 2020 and 2023, with 709 cases reported.
The most common victims include boys, girls, young people and women, however, minors between 12 and 17 years old are the most frequently reported cases.
The Attorney General’s Office, represented by Margarita Cabello Blanco, indicated that These figures are only those reported, maintaining that the reality of this crime is much greater. For this reason, he stressed the need for spaces like the International Summit to establish strong alliances:
“Human trafficking affects and crosses borders, it affects millions of vulnerable people who are victims of this crime, every year the numbers are shocking,” said Cabello Blanco.
The official has expressed that cases of male victims are increasingly common, maintains that in general human trafficking is human suffering in its most ruthless formtaking into account that hundreds of children are separated from their families, women are forced to subject their bodies to different humiliations, and in both cases, men and women, they are forced to perform various illegal tasks under constant threats and abuse.
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In other figures, It was established that the crime of human trafficking represents 50% on the general list of different illegal acts reported around the world, and that the trafficking network indirectly involves other cases such as the extraction of organs:
“A lot of attention must be paid to extraction, they represent a significant percentage that is often even more difficult to detect and combat,” said attorney Margarita Cabello.
Another crime that would be related to the same cases is extraction for illegal mining. The report from the Attorney General’s Office indicates that the victims would also be used as “fresh meat” for these same criminal groups.
Due to the above, It was also known that some of the areas most terrorized by these criminals would be located in La Guajira, El Tapón del Darien, and all the border areas of Colombia.
This report was delivered within the framework of the first International Summit: ‘Cartagena on the front against human trafficking’, and understanding that this space seeks to establish alliances and strong strategies, It was proposed by the Attorney General’s Office to create more technological tools as a possible virtual platform in which complaints can be made anonymously, arguing that those who remain silent about these cases do so out of fear that illegal groups will attack their lives or those of their families.
Margarita Cabello Blanco indicated that although actions are being taken by the national government and different international entities, It is necessary to encourage prevention and recovery spaces for rescued victimsso the attention provided by the authorities must be of quality.
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“It is necessary for public servants to know what they are facingto address this crime from a victim-centered approach with an emphasis on gender and human rights,” said Attorney Cabello Blanco.
Before ending the intervention at the summit, the official clarified that fighting human trafficking is a task for the entire community, arguing that society cannot wait to be a victim or know of a nearby case to be able to intervene, therefore, she made a We call on Colombians and other people in the world to inform themselves about the issue, so that there are increasingly more complaints and compelling data that can combat this crime.
On the afternoon of this Wednesday, November 26, the ‘International Summit to combat human trafficking’ will culminate, from which more news is expected regarding new actions and strategies, together with authorities from around the world, who meet this hour in the capital of Bolívar.
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