On July 30, 2020, a high-level online event took place on the occasion of the World Day against Trafficking in Persons, initiated by the Permanent Mission of Belarus to the UN and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime.

The event was attended by representatives of UN Member States, the leadership of the UNODC and UN Women, representatives of civil society and the UNODC Goodwill Ambassador, actress Mira Sorvino.

This event was aimed at drawing attention to the problem of human trafficking, especially during the COVID - 19 pandemic.

In her statement, Permanent Representative of Kyrgyzstan to the UN Ms. Mirgul Moldoisayeva noted that the COVID-19 pandemic has affected and aggravated the problem of combating human trafficking and protecting its victims - due to the closure of borders, restrictions on movement, reduction of social and public services - victims of human trafficking have even fewer chances of finding help. It is especially noted that children account for almost one third of all victims of human trafficking worldwide, and these are very alarming numbers. Attention was also drawn to the fact that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, labor migrants were trapped in countries of destination with no access to social protection, health care and almost no money for food and housing, increasing their chances of becoming victims of human trafficking.

Mirgul Moldoisaeva noted the need to analyze the shortcomings and new trends in the fight against human trafficking, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, and expressed confidence that strengthening the further joint activities of Member States, the UN system and civil society will become the basis for the successful eradication of human trafficking.

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