This House of Lords Library Briefing provides information on World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, marked on 30 July each year.
World Day Against Trafficking in Persons (243KB PDF)
World Day Against Trafficking in Persons takes places on 30 July each year. It was established by the adoption of United Nations General Assembly Resolution A/RES/68/192—Improving the Coordination of Efforts Against Trafficking—on 18 December 2013. The Resolution stated that the day was necessary to raise awareness of the situation of victims of human trafficking and for the promotion and protection of their rights.
In 2018, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has chosen “act to protect and assist trafficked persons” as the focus of the Day, stating that the topic highlights one of the most pressing issues of our time—“the large mixed migration movements of refugees and migrants”. Further explaining this year’s focus, the UNODC stated:
The theme puts the spotlight on the significant impact of conflict and natural disasters, as well as the resultant, multiple risks of human trafficking that many people face. It addresses the key issue concerning trafficking responses: that most people are never identified as trafficking victims and therefore cannot access most of the assistance or protection provided.
World Day Against Trafficking in Persons (243KB PDF)
The UK is a signatory to the convention establishing an international claims commission for Ukraine. The commission would assess claims for compensation for damage and losses caused by Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The House of Lords International Agreements Committee has broadly welcomed the convention, but also raised concerns about the scope and efficacy of the commission.
Social media and other technologies have made it easier, quicker and cheaper for foreign powers to spread false information online aimed at undermining UK democracy. Such disinformation campaigns are one type of interference operation. In parallel, researchers have noted a link between declining public trust and societal polarisation, which can be exacerbated by online discourse. This briefing provides introductory reading to these issues, including recent reports and government announcements.
Concerns about abuse and intimidation towards elected representatives have increased in recent years. The Jo Cox Civility Commission made a number of recommendations in a 2024 report to address this because of concerns that this activity would dissuade people from standing in elections and encourage existing representatives to stand down. The government has instigated a number of policies to tackle the abuse and intimidation of elected representatives.
