The 30th of July is recognised as the UN World Day Against Trafficking in Persons and was set as a global initiative to raise awareness of the different forms of human trafficking, the devastating impact left on individuals who have been trafficked, and show solidarity towards them. It seeks to encourage involvement from governments, civil society, the corporate sectors and individuals alike, to inspire action and help prevent this crime, all this while spreading awareness about how victims can find help.
The Ministry for Equality, Research and Innovation is organising The Blue Heart Campaign in Malta. The government will be showing support to the cause by lighting up prominent buildings such as the Triton Fountain and Auberge de Castille in blue, on the 29th and the 30th of July.
On this day, governments are invited to join in the Blue Heart Campaign. The blue heart is recognised as the international symbol against human trafficking, representing the sorrow of the victims being trafficked, whilst reminding us of the cold-heartedness of those who trade in human beings, as if they were simple commodities.
This year’s theme is that of “Victims’ Voices Lead the Way”. This further reinforces the importance that we as individuals should not only stand against human trafficking but listen to and understand the victims and the experiences they had to go through.
The awareness campaign was launched on the 26th of July in Valletta by the Minister for Equality, Research and Innovation Owen Bonnici. As part of this campaign, an outdoor exhibition has been set up with banners portraying the experiences of a number of victims of human trafficking that will be displayed on truss cubes at Pjazza Tritoni. This exhibition will be open for the public between Monday 26th July and Friday 30th July (both days included). The aim of this initiative is to raise awareness among the general public on the trafficking situation in Malta, as part of a wider campaign organized by the Human Rights directorate with the same theme.
During his opening speech, Minister Bonnici expained that the government is dutybound to listen to survivors’ stories and consider their suggestions in order to be able to take concrete actions that will lead to a victim-centered approach to combat trafficking in all its forms.
“Malta has been combating the henious crime of human trafficking for years,” Minister Bonnici continued, “and the government is now committed to setting up the first national strategy against human trafficking. This strategy will take a multiagency approach, whereby all stakeholders will be involved in the decision-making process, with the aim of helping the victims, provide the structures necessary to prevent trafficking, and harsher sentences for the traffickers.”
