July 30 is recognized as the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. Globally, an estimated 27 million people are victims of trafficking. While exact figures vary, reports show that trafficking rates in Latin America (44%) are higher than in regions like Asia and Europe.

Trafficking takes many forms, including forced labor, forced marriage, sexual exploitation and child exploitation. No region in the world is immune to trafficking. However, Mexico and other parts of Latin America face increasingly high and rising rates.

In response to this growing crisis, international collaboration is gaining momentum. Project Turquesa, a joint initiative by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and INTERPOL, brings together 16 countries to coordinate prosecuting human traffickers. New investigations are continuously launched until the projects end in September 2025. This combined effort has led to more than 200 criminal arrests, spanning dozens of countries and continents.

Alongside Turquesa, other key organizations are dedicating themselves to ending this inhumane crisis. Notably, six of the leading forces in the fight against trafficking are women-led. Here’s who they are:

CATW-Latin America and the Caribbean

Regional Director, Teresa Ulloa Ziáurriz, leads the Latin America and the Caribbean branch of the Coalition Against Trafficking in Women (CATW) organization, focusing on raising awareness and advocating for victims of trafficking. Besides her leading efforts at CATW-LAC, she is Mexico’s first female lawyer to defend women’s rights in court.

CATW-LAC not only focuses on advocacy but also on supporting surviving victims. This promotes expert leadership as victims who share their stories encourage awareness. In 2024, a survivors’ network addressed the Organization of American States General Assembly. This attendance advocates for perpetrator accountability.

United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime

Ghada Waly serves as the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna and as the Executive Director of UNODC. Since taking office, projects and reports represent a steady increase in awareness of trafficking in Latin America. Programs such as GLO.Act Women’s Network, MENTHOR, TRACK4TIP, STARSOM and others have been led by the UNODC.

The UNODC not only leads its projects but also collaborates with other organizations that share the goal of ending human trafficking. In 2024, the International Academy on Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling was launched as a joint effort between the University for Peace, INTERPOL and other partners. Following its success, plans are underway to expand the academy.

The Marcela Loaiza Foundation

Founded by Marcela Loaiza, this powerful foundation supports trafficking survivors and offers them a platform to share their stories. Established in 2011, the Marcela Loaiza Foundation is a philanthropic organization that has partnered with UNODC and other key leaders in the fight against human trafficking.

“I am a survivor who is passionate about making significant changes to provide services to ALL people who have been hurt by this modern-day slavery now called trafficking in persons,” stated Loaiza. The organization spreads awareness and allows law enforcement to study the tactics and ploys traffickers use. One notable project, Breaking the Silence, was led by Loaiza’s foundation to unite international forces and survivors on the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.

Covenant House International

Carolyn Barker-Villena is Senior Vice President of Covenant House International’s Latin America division. The organization has a broad mission, supporting victims of human trafficking and other inhumane conditions. According to its 2024 impact report, Covenant House programs assisted more than 50,000 youth worldwide.

In Latin America, human trafficking data reveal that one in every two individuals at Covenant House has experienced trafficking. The organization offers long-term support through a strategic three-step model focused on prevention, intervention and restoration.

Together Women Rise

Co-founders Barbara Collins and Marsha Wallace launched this global movement to create an equal platform for women affected by injustice. Together Women Rise has contributed millions of dollars to support more than five million women worldwide for more than two decades. The organization provides active grants and strategic support to combat violence against women.

Through its Transformation Partnerships, Together Women Rise connects sister and brother organizations to address issues ranging from human trafficking in Latin America to economic equality in Asia. Some partnerships receive between $35,000 and $100,000 annually. One example is The Fuller Project, a newsroom reporting on gender inequality. Together Women Rise offers flexible funding focused on intervention strategies and driving systemic change.

International Organization for Migration (IOM)

Amy Pope is the first female Director-General of IOM. For more than 70 years, IOM has focused on those who are in vulnerable, inhumane crises. As a leading organization in counter-trafficking, it has impacted more than 100,000 victims worldwide.

Regional Director María Moita leads IOM’s Latin America and the Caribbean office, where targeted counter-trafficking strategies are actively implemented. IOM collaborates with key regional partners, including the Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM), to strengthen prevention efforts and respond to trafficking operations. These joint initiatives continue to grow, leading to multiple plans and programs that contribute to the ongoing decline in trafficking across Latin America.

– Emma Rowan

Emma is based in Boston, MA, USA and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project..

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