United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime

Chairboard: Asya Arslan : asyarslnn@gmail.com

Topic 1: Technology Facilitating Trafficking in Persons

Information:

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is an important intergovernmental body established in 1997, with a mandate to support Member States in their efforts to counter the world’s most pressing criminal justice and drug control challenges. The UNODC works to promote justice, prevent crime and corruption, and to promote and protect human rights. It provides Member States with the legal and technical assistance they need to effectively combat organized crime, trafficking in persons, and the illicit drug trade. Additionally, the UNODC is responsible for implementing international drug control and crime prevention treaties and for leading the development of global standards and norms in these areas.

The agenda item “Technology Facilitating Trafficking in Persons” highlights the dual role of technology in both aiding and hindering efforts to combat human trafficking. On one hand, technology can be used by traffickers to exploit vulnerable individuals, such as through online recruitment and exploitation. On the other hand, governments can use technology to enhance their efforts to combat trafficking, such as through the use of data analysis and improved information sharing. However, the increased usage of technology also creates new vulnerabilities in governments, such as the risk of cyberattacks on sensitive data and systems. The UNODC will therefore consider the challenges and opportunities presented by technology in the fight against human trafficking, and work to develop recommendations for Member States to effectively utilize technology in a manner that both protects vulnerable populations and safeguards against new risks.