Philippines launches July anti-human trafficking campaign

Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT)
The Philippine government will observe National Anti-Trafficking in Persons Awareness Month this July, reaffirming its commitment to combat human trafficking through stronger public awareness, prevention efforts, and regional cooperation.
Observed under Proclamation No. 1180, s. 2021, the annual campaign carries the theme "Iisang Nasyon, Iisang Aksyon: Tapusin ang Human Trafficking Ngayon!" and aims to mobilize government agencies, local government units, civil society organizations, the private sector, academe, media, international partners, and survivor advocates in a whole-of-society response against trafficking in persons.
As the Philippines chairs ASEAN this year, the government said it seeks to strengthen regional solidarity and practical cooperation among member states while promoting a coordinated, resilient, and victim-centered approach to addressing human trafficking.
Among the major activities lined up are the ASEAN Anti-Trafficking in Persons Conference on 30-31 July, the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on 30 July, nationwide advocacy campaigns, public education initiatives, policy dialogues, and capacity-building activities for frontline responders.
The month-long observance will also feature webinars on forced criminality, AI-facilitated illegal recruitment and trafficking scams, and the ethical use of artificial intelligence for anti-trafficking frontliners. Regional activities include a summit in Cebu during the second week of July, the Tourism Works Activity at Radisson Blu on 21 July, a regional culminating activity in Bohol on 30 July, and the Blue Hearts Award on 31 July.
The government said the initiatives are intended to strengthen a rights-based and victim-centered response to trafficking while ensuring survivors receive protection, assistance, and access to justice.
