US trafficking report highlights cybers scams, exploited boys
The United States has released its annual report on human trafficking, highlighting an increase in forced labour schemes related to the COVID-19 pandemic and a years-long uptick in the exploitation of boys.
In a speech to mark Thursday’s release of the report, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stressed the need for partnerships between governments, non-governmental organisations, civil society and private industries — particularly tech — to address sex and labour trafficking.
“The United States is committed to combating human trafficking, because it represents an attack on human rights and freedoms,” Blinken said. “It violates the universal right of every person to have autonomy. Today, more than 27 million people around the world are denied that right.”