S. Korea, UN allies launch group to tackle trafficking in persons via technology

On June 13, South Korea and dozens of United Nations member states launched an informal diplomatic group aimed at tackling technology-facilitated trafficking in persons, as Seoul steps up efforts to address the growing use of digital tools in transnational crime networks.

South Korea’s mission to the United Nations and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime held an event to inaugurate the “Group of Friends for Combating Technology-facilitated Trafficking in Persons”, Caliber.Az reports via South Korean media.

South Korea’s Ambassador to the UN Cha Ji-hoon said the initiative was needed to strengthen coordination against trafficking enabled by digital platforms and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.

“Last summer, a Korean university student fell victim to an overseas online scam, kidnapped, tortured and ultimately killed. This tragic incident deeply shocked Korean society and served as a wake-up call to the dire risk of human trafficking linked to online scam businesses,” he said.

“Our thoughts remain with him, his family and countless others whose lives have been shattered by this crime globally,” he added.

Cha said the group would function as a “flexible action-oriented platform” open to all UN member states, aimed at raising awareness, sharing best practices, discussing emerging trends and strengthening cooperation.

By Aghakazim Guliyev