Jeanie McLean, the minister responsible for the Women and Gender Equity Directorate, spoke out for victims of human trafficking recently.

She released a statement on July 30, World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.

“On this day, we recognize and raise awareness for the victims of human trafficking – the act of force, fraud or coercion to exploit people,” McLean said.

World Day against Trafficking in Persons was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2014.

The focus of this year’s campaign is to reach every trafficking victim, offering support to survivors and safeguarding vulnerable groups from traffickers.

“Individuals lacking legal status, facing poverty, limited education or discrimination are often targeted,” McLean pointed out.

“Reducing these factors and providing support is crucial to combat human trafficking.

“Further research is needed to prevent human trafficking and provide support for its victims and those impacted.”

One of the priorities outlined in Changing the Story to Upholding Dignity and Justice: Yukon’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit+ People Strategy is to advance knowledge and information available on human trafficking affecting Yukon Indigenous peoples, the minister noted.

“Our government stands with the victims of human trafficking and continues to search for ways to support efforts against this terrible act,” she said.