Topic: 2024-Human Trafficking
Country: Canada
Delegate Name: Ava Nguyen
The delegation of Canada stands a firm stance against human trafficking and is committed to preventing, and protecting victims of human trafficking. In 2023, 570 human trafficking incidents were recorded in the country of Canada, and an estimate of 24.9 million victims across the world have been impacted. Canada has intensive laws to combat human trafficking under the Criminal Code, which prohibits human trafficking and other exploitive conduct related to the crime. However, there needs to be additional measures taken. The Joy Smith Foundation is Canada’s leading authority on human trafficking prevention, intervention and support for survivors of these crimes. It is absolutely necessary for the United Nations to take further action, to end the serious concern of human trafficking.
Canada recognizes the need to end human trafficking and has taken extensive measures to prevent such matters. Several laws have been enacted to prevent human trafficking and prosecuting traffickers. The 2014 Protection of Communities and Exploited Persons Act (PCEPA) criminalizes the purchase of sexual services and exploitation of individuals in prostitution. The provision of criminalizing purchases of sexual services aims to reduce demand for prostitution, which is a common drive for trafficking. Additionally, the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) is a key legislation that allows Canadian immigration officials to refuse entry or remove individuals from Canada if they have been involved in human trafficking, as well as offering some protections to foreign workers who may become victims of trafficking by providing them resources for legal protection. Canada has also partnered with The Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking (CCEHT), which provides support services to victims which include housing, education, and job training. This NGO offers specialized services and advocacy, working to influence public policy to ensure that victims’ voices are heard in policy discussion for stronger anti-trafficking laws in Canada.
By taking a comprehensive and coordinated approach, countries can make significant progress in preventing human trafficking, protecting individuals, and prosecuting those responsible for these crimes. Although Canada has made significant progress in enacting laws to combat human trafficking, ongoing efforts are required to address the complexities of these issues. The Dominion of Canada urges the United Nations to focus their attention to additional solutions that ensure effective enforcement, and better protect and support victims of this grave subject, with the assistance of Canada.
