Legal ID Foundation hosts National Youth Conclave to mark World day against trafficking in persons

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 2nd Jul, 2026) Legal ID Foundation has hosted the National Youth Conclave to commemorate the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons under the theme "Preventing Human Trafficking Through Youth Engagement" at Roots IVY International College, Islamabad.

Although the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons is observed globally on July 30, the Legal ID Foundation believed that a single day was insufficient to address a crime as complex and pervasive as trafficking in persons.

Recognising the need for sustained public engagement, the Foundation was observing the entire month of July through a series of awareness and advocacy initiatives aimed at promoting safe migration, strengthening prevention efforts, and encouraging collective action against trafficking in persons.

The conclave brought together representatives from government institutions, law enforcement agencies, international organisations, academia, civil society, the media, and students from across Pakistan to promote dialogue, enhance awareness, and encourage collective action against human trafficking.

Designed as an interactive and evidence-based platform, the event featured immersive learning activities, scenario-based exercises, a digital survey, thematic discussions, youth-led reflections, and the adoption of a Youth Declaration Against Human Trafficking.

Participants explored trafficking risks, deceptive recruitment practices, safe migration pathways, and the critical role young people could play in preventing exploitation within their communities.

A key highlight of the conclave was a multi-stakeholder panel discussion featuring Naeem Iqbal, Assistant Director of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Hassan Ali Abbasi, Migration Management National Officer at the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Pakistan, and Barrister Zulfiqar Ali Syed, Chairman of the Legal ID Foundation.

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During the discussion, Naeem Iqbal shared insights into the evolving methods used by traffickers and human smugglers, particularly the growing use of digital platforms, social media, and cross-border facilitation networks. He highlighted the FIA's efforts to strengthen investigative capacity, enhance inter-agency coordination, and adapt enforcement strategies to counter emerging forms of organised crime. He also urged citizens, particularly young people, to remain vigilant against deceptive recruitment practices.

Representing IOM Pakistan, Hassan Ali Abbasi discussed Pakistan's progress in combating trafficking in persons and promoting safe migration. He said increased international cooperation, institutional capacity-building, and public awareness initiatives had strengthened the country's response in recent years. However, he stressed the need for sustained partnerships and greater youth engagement to address the challenge effectively.

Speaking on the legal dimensions of trafficking in persons, Barrister Zulfiqar Ali Syed highlighted the legal remedies and protection mechanisms available to victims under Pakistani laws and relevant international frameworks.

The conclave also featured an exhibition of artwork created by students from schools, colleges, and universities over the past three years as part of the Legal ID Foundation's ongoing awareness campaign. The artwork was formally donated to Roots IVY International College to establish a permanent awareness corner on the campus, reinforcing the role of education and creative expression in preventing human trafficking.

The event concluded with participants signing the Youth Declaration Against Human Trafficking, pledging to serve as awareness ambassadors in their educational institutions and communities by promoting safe migration, challenging misinformation, and supporting efforts to prevent trafficking in persons.