Human Trafficking is Organized Crime – End the Exploitation
On 30 July 2025, Belgium joins the global community in marking the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, under the theme: “Human trafficking is organized crime – End the exploitation.” This year’s campaign highlights the urgent need to dismantle the powerful criminal networks behind trafficking, while ensuring that victims remain at the heart of all responses.
Human trafficking is not a random act—it is a highly organized, profit-driven crime. Traffickers exploit migration flows, digital platforms, and legal loopholes to coerce individuals into forced labour, sexual exploitation, and criminal activities. The 2025 campaign calls for stronger cross-border cooperation, proactive investigations, and the use of technology to identify and prosecute traffickers. At the same time, it emphasizes the importance of protecting victims’ rights and ensuring access to justice.
Since adopting the Blue Heart Campaign in 2019, the Government of Belgium has led an annual national campaign to mark the World Day against Trafficking in Persons. This year, the national Blue Heart Campaign will be launched on 28 July in Leuven.
As part of the campaign, Belgium is mobilizing nationwide. Over 70 cities and towns are participating in awareness-raising activities, alongside key partners with support of the Federal Public Service of Justice, Myria, SOID-SIRS, UNODC, IOM, PAG-ASA, Payoke, Sürya, and the Samilia Foundation.
A growing number of senior EU and Belgian officials as well as Belgian personalities are also lending their support this year.
Highlights include:
- Manneken-Pis in Brussels will wear his Blue Heart costume
- A public information stand will be organized in Leuven’s Grote Markt by PAG-ASA, one of Belgium’s national victims’ shelters
- A Smurfs campaign will feature in STIB/MIVB stations in Brussels
- 36 landmarks across Belgium will light up in blue at sunset, including the city halls of Brussels, Bruges, Leuven, and Liège
These events aim to raise public awareness and show solidarity with victims of trafficking. Everyone is encouraged to take part by visiting the campaign locations and sharing messages of support using the hashtag #EndHumanTrafficking.
The Blue Heart symbolizes the sadness of those trafficked and the cold-heartedness of those who profit from their suffering. By wearing the Blue Heart and spreading the message, we stand together against exploitation.
Follow the activities on @UNODC_Brussels!
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