Guyana Association of Women Judges Commentary
By Christel Lambert
Vice President- Guyana Association Of Women Judges
Introduction
As we approach World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on July 30th, 2024, the Guyana Association of Women Judges (GAWJ) is committed to raising awareness about one of the most severe human rights violations in the world today. Trafficking in persons continues to be regarded as a global crisis, with alarming statistics that underscore its severity.
. The Global Slavery Index (2023) reports that approximately 50 million people currently live in conditions of modern slavery, the highest number ever recorded in human history.
These are not just numbers they represent real people, including men, women and children trapped in a web of exploitation and abuse.
Even after ten years of raising global awareness, the situation remains deeply troubling. Despite ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking, a significant barrier remains: the lack of awareness and knowledge among the general public. Many individuals, including potential victims, are unaware of what constitutes human trafficking, the various forms it can take, the signs to look out for, and their right to seek protection under the law.