Shafaqna English– The number of human trafficking victims in Iraq has reached 2,300 over the past three years.
Authorities have dismantled more than 1,800 criminal networks and individuals involved in trafficking and forced begging, according to Fadel Al-Gharawi, Head of Iraq’s Strategic Center for Human Rights, who spoke on Monday (21 Apr 2025).
According to Al-Gharawi, “Recent global statistics indicate that the number of trafficking victims exceeded 28 million in 2024, marking a 12% increase compared to 2023.”
He explained that the predominant forms of exploitation globally included forced labor (50%) and sexual exploitation (38%). In contrast, other types—such as forced marriage and organ trafficking—accounted for around 12% of documented cases. Women and girls comprised approximately 65% of all victims, while children made up around 25%, highlighting the vulnerability of these groups, particularly in conflict zones and areas affected by humanitarian crises.
Source: Shafaq News