Madame President,
Distinguished Delegates,
Excellencies,
Italy fully aligns with the statement delivered by the European Union.
Trafficking in persons is one of the most serious violations of human rights and human dignity, as well as a clear violation of the core principles of equality, freedom, and justice. As a frontline country exposed to complex migration flows, we are very well aware of how traffickers exploit vulnerability, conflict, poverty, and desperation.
Considering the extreme suffering of the victims, we are proud to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Italy’s National Anti-Trafficking System established in 2000. Our national system is based on 21 antitrafficking projects, operating nationwide and funded by the Department for Equal Opportunities of the Prime Minister’s Office, that provide safe accommodation, legal, medical, and psychological support, and structured pathways towards autonomy and reintegration. Yet, the increasing complexity of trafficking trends requires constant adaptation of operational tools and stronger policies. Notably, in 2024, victims due to labour exploitation reached 38.5% of the cases registered, surpassing for the first time those due to sexual exploitation (24%), marking a significant shift in the national landscape.
Preventing and combating trafficking in persons, as well as ensuring comprehensive support to victims, remains a core priority for Italy. In this spirit, we stand firmly behind the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and the Trafficking in Persons Protocol and we welcome the adoption of the Political Declaration on the implementation of the Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons and underscore that its effective implementation is essential to eradicate this heinous crime.
Italy is also deeply concerned by the growing use of digital tools to recruit, deceive, transport, and exploit victims. Italy strongly supports international efforts aimed at ensuring that digital progress is not misused to facilitate such crimes, but rather becomes a tool for early detection, prevention, and protection.
Looking ahead, Italy wishes to underline a number of key directions that should guide our collective efforts. Strengthening international cooperation remains essential, including through the effective implementation of the Palermo Convention and its Protocols, and by supporting Countries of origin, transit and destination in building solid systems of prevention and protection. Equally important is the enhancement of early identification and referral mechanisms, particularly in emergency contexts, where timely intervention can break cycles of exploitation and ensure that no victim remains unseen.
Above all, Italy reiterates the importance of placing victims at the centre of every policy and action, ensuring that they are protected from retaliation, supported in their recovery, and offered real and sustainable opportunities for social and economic inclusion.
Distinguished Delegates, Italy stands ready to continue collaborating with the United Nations and all Member States to eradicate trafficking in persons in all its forms. This crime thrives in silence and impunity; our collective responsibility is to replace both with visibility, and accountability.
