September 23, 2026 — International Day Against Sexual Exploitation
On September 23, the world observes the International Day Against Sexual Exploitation and Trafficking of Women and Children. This day was established in 1999 to draw attention to human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and the protection of the rights of women and children. In 2026, this day falls on a Wednesday and will once again serve as an opportunity to discuss how to recognize the dangers, protect victims, and prevent re-exploitation.
The International Day Against Sexual Exploitation and Trafficking of Women and Children is observed annually on September 23. The date remains fixed, so in 2026, this day falls on a Wednesday. It is dedicated to combating human trafficking and various forms of sexual exploitation. The primary focus is on protecting people who may become victims of coercion, deception, or the exploitation of their vulnerable situation.
This day is also important for raising awareness of the issue not only after a crime has already occurred. An important part of the work involves prevention, educating the public, and teaching people how to recognize dangerous situations. Special attention is given to women, girls, and children, who may be particularly vulnerable to sexual exploitation. At the same time, human trafficking can affect people of all ages and genders.
It is important not to confuse this date with the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, which is observed annually on July 30. September 23 specifically focuses on sexual exploitation and the trafficking of women and children.
How September 23 Came to Be
The history of this day began in 1999. It was established during the World Conference of the Coalition Against Trafficking in Persons in collaboration with the Women’s Conference, which took place in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. But the date of September 23 itself has a much longer history. It is associated with Argentina, where on September 23, 1913, a law was passed aimed at combating the sexual exploitation of children.
This document is known as the Palacios Law—named after the Argentine politician and lawyer Alfredo Palacios. It is considered one of the first laws aimed at combating sexual exploitation and human trafficking.
It is this historic date that has become symbolic of the international fight against exploitation. A decade later, in 1999, September 23 was designated as an international day dedicated to this issue. Thus, the date combines a historic example of legislative action against exploitation with modern international efforts to protect human rights.
What Is Human Trafficking
Human trafficking is not simply the illegal transport of a person across a border. It is a crime in which people may be recruited, transported, transferred, or held for the purpose of subsequent exploitation. Criminals may use threats, violence, deception, blackmail, coercion, or a person’s vulnerability. Sometimes victims are lured with promises of a good job, high pay, housing, or help with relocation.
Exploitation can take various forms. It may include sexual exploitation, forced labor, begging, coercion into criminal activity, or other ways of using a person for profit. Situations in which criminals take advantage of a person’s vulnerable position are particularly dangerous. For example, when a person is homeless, has lost their job, is in financial distress, or is forced to flee a war.
That is why international documents consider human trafficking a serious violation of human rights. International law specifically emphasizes the need to protect women and children from exploitation.
Why Women and Children Are Particularly Vulnerable
Women and children are often among the groups most at risk of becoming victims of sexual exploitation. The reasons can vary—from poverty and a lack of support to war, forced displacement, and dependence on others. Children are particularly dependent on adults and cannot always assess a dangerous situation on their own. Perpetrators may take advantage of a child’s trust, deceive them, or pressure them.
Another problem is the internet. Connections made on social media and messaging apps can be used to gain a potential victim’s trust. Afterward, the perpetrator may try to lure the person into a meeting, offer a job, or promise help. At the same time, it’s important not to give the impression that the victim is to blame for the crime. A person who has been deceived, coerced, or exploited is not at fault simply for trusting the perpetrator.
That is why prevention should be based not on intimidation, but on accessible information. People need to be told which situations can be dangerous, how to verify job offers, and where to turn for help.
Why War Increases Risks
War creates additional conditions that human traffickers can exploit. People lose their homes, jobs, documents, social circles, and financial stability. The situation is particularly difficult for those forced to flee their homes. A person may be in a hurry to get to a safer place and agree to help from strangers without being able to verify their intentions.
In 2022, UN representative Pramila Patten stated that the war against Ukraine increases the risks of human trafficking. Among the reasons she cited were forced displacement, economic hardship, reduced access to social services, and weakened oversight in a wartime environment. These risks may persist even after a person has left the country. Offers of illegal work, transportation without documents, demands to hand over a passport, or promises of housing in exchange for unclear services can all be dangerous.
Therefore, during wartime, it is especially important to verify information about employers, not to hand over documents to strangers, and to inform loved ones of your route and whereabouts.
Interesting Facts About Human Trafficking
Human trafficking is not limited to a single country. A person may be recruited in one country, transported through several other countries, and exploited in yet another location.
At the same time, crossing an international border is not a prerequisite for this crime. Human trafficking can also occur within a single country.
Another important point is that the victim does not necessarily have to be physically confined. Control can be exercised through threats, debt, blackmail, confiscation of documents, psychological pressure, or dependence on the perpetrators.
Sometimes a person may not immediately realize that they have become a victim of exploitation. At first, they may be promised a decent job or better living conditions, but after arrival, the terms may change, and the perpetrators may begin to control them.
It is also important to remember that it is not only people with low incomes who can become victims. Criminals can use various methods of deception and tailor their approaches to their victims.
In 2024, the National Police of Ukraine reported that in just the first five months of that year, they had uncovered 67 cases of human trafficking and identified 68 victims, including 10 children.
How This Day Is Observed Around the World
There is no single format for observing the International Day Against Sexual Exploitation and Trafficking of Women and Children. In different countries, it is primarily used as a day for raising awareness and education. Conferences, lectures, training sessions, and open discussions are held. Representatives from civil society organizations, the police, educational institutions, social services, and international organizations participate in these events.
A separate focus is on working with young people. Educational institutions may hold sessions where they discuss safe behavior, risks when looking for a job, and how to respond to suspicious offers. For example, in 2025, one Ukrainian educational institution held a training session leading up to this date, where students analyzed real-life situations related to human trafficking and, through role-playing, learned to develop models of safe behavior.
In addition, various countries run awareness campaigns on social media. They post videos, fact sheets, survivors’ stories, and explanations on how to recognize recruitment attempts. Another common format is public rallies and themed events. Their goal is not to scare people, but to provide them with practical knowledge and show them where they can get help.
What initiatives are being carried out in Ukraine
In Ukraine, this issue is particularly important due to the consequences of the full-scale war. Government agencies and civil society organizations are conducting awareness campaigns, training sessions, and events for people who may be at risk. In September 2026, the government approved the State Targeted Social Program to Combat Human Trafficking for the period through 2030. The document calls for strengthening mechanisms to prevent human trafficking, improving the detection of such cases, and providing comprehensive assistance to victims. This is not just about punishing criminals. It is also important to help people who have already experienced exploitation return to a normal life.
Such assistance may include psychological support, legal counseling, social services, temporary shelter, help with finding employment, and assistance in restoring documents. A separate challenge is preventing the re-exploitation of victims. That is why victims need comprehensive support, not just a one-time consultation. The government’s program through 2030 aims to modernize the system for preventing human trafficking and make mechanisms for assisting victims more effective.
How to Recognize a Dangerous Situation
There are several signs that may indicate a risk of human trafficking. For example, if an employer promises a very high salary without clear terms, refuses to sign a contract, or asks you to hand over your passport. You should also be wary of an offer to move to another country if you know almost nothing about the employer, your place of residence, or your future job. It is especially dangerous if you are forbidden from sharing your address or travel details with loved ones.
Another red flag is a demand to hand over documents, a bank card, or a phone to someone else. It’s equally dangerous when a person is forced to work more than agreed upon, isn’t paid the promised money, or is threatened if they try to leave. Criminals may use more than just physical force. They often use psychological pressure, blackmail, threats, or create debts that the person is supposedly required to work off. If a situation seems suspicious, it’s best not to ignore your doubts. It’s important to tell your loved ones about them or contact the appropriate authorities.
Where to Turn for Help in Ukraine
In Ukraine, the government operates a hotline (1547) dedicated to combating human trafficking, domestic violence, gender-based violence, and violence against children. You can call this number to receive counseling, psychological support, and to report an incident. The hotline operates 24 hours a day. There is also a national hotline (527) dedicated to combating human trafficking and providing counseling to migrants. In case of immediate danger, you can contact the police by dialing 102 or the unified emergency number 112.
It’s important to remember that it’s not just the victim who can seek help. If you notice a situation that may be related to human trafficking, you can also report it to the appropriate authorities. The most important thing is not to try to confront the criminals on your own if doing so could put the person in further danger. In such situations, it is better to contact the experts. Information about assistance is needed not only on September 23. But it is precisely dates like these that provide an opportunity to remind those who may find themselves in a difficult situation about this assistance once again.
Why It’s Important to Talk About This Issue
The International Day Against the Sexual Exploitation and Trafficking of Women and Children is not a holiday in the traditional sense. Its purpose is to draw attention to crimes that often remain hidden. Human trafficking can begin with what appears to be a perfectly ordinary offer of a job, assistance, or a move. That is why being aware of the risks can be a crucial way to protect yourself and your loved ones.
At the same time, the fight against human trafficking should not be limited to simply tracking down criminals. It requires prevention, accessible information, the work of social services, support for survivors, and punishment for the perpetrators. It is especially important not to blame people who have survived exploitation. They need safety, medical and psychological assistance, legal protection, and the opportunity to return to a normal life.
Therefore, September 23 is, above all, a day to reflect on human dignity and every person’s right to freedom. It is also an opportunity to learn more about a problem that may seem distant but, in reality, affects various countries and people.
