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Human trafficking is a pervasive crime that hides in plain sight. While many cases go undetected, existing data still offers a sobering glimpse into the scale and complexity of the issue. Below are key statistics and trends that underscore the urgency of addressing this human rights crisis.
Global Estimates & Trends
- The 2024 Global Report on Trafficking in Persons from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) reports that in 2022, the number of detected trafficking victims globally rose 25% above pre-pandemic (2019) levels.
- Among detected trafficking cases, 38% involved children, with girls making up 22% and boys 16%.
- Sexual exploitation remains the most common type of exploitation in reported trafficking cases, accounting for approximately 79% of cases globally.
- Forced labor is estimated to comprise 18% of detected cases, though experts caution that forced labor is underreported relative to sex trafficking.
- In many regions, trafficking occurs close to home: most exploitation is domestic or intra-regional rather than across continents.
Source: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, “Global Report on Trafficking in Persons 2024.”
Global Scale: Victims & Exploitation
- The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that 27.6 million people worldwide are currently victims of forced labor—including trafficking scenarios.
- According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security:
- 77% of trafficked persons are in forced labor
- 23% are in sex trafficking
- 57% are men and boys
- 43% are women and girls
- In sex trafficking specifically: 78% are women and girls, 22% are men and boys; 92% are adults, 8% are children
Sources: International Labour Organization (2022 estimates); U.S. Department of Homeland Security, “Human Trafficking Quick Facts.”
U.S. Statistics & Criminal Justice Data
- In 2023, U.S. law enforcement agencies reported 3,224 incidents of human trafficking:
- 2,486 incidents involved commercial sex acts
- 751 involved involuntary servitude
- 7 were unspecified types
- In federal courts in FY 2022, among 1,070 defendants charged with trafficking offenses:
- 91% were male
- 58% were White
- 20% were Black
- 18% were Hispanic
- 95% were U.S. citizens
- 71% had no prior convictions
- For the same period: of 203 defendants charged with peonage, slavery, forced labor, and sex trafficking:
- 69% were male
- 53% were Black
In contrast, of 523 defendants charged with sexual exploitation and child abuse: - 94% were male
- 71% were White
- Federal investigations in FY 2023:
- The FBI conducted 666 human trafficking investigations and made 145 arrests.
- ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) conducted 1,282 investigations and made 2,610 arrests.
Sources: Congressional Research Service (CRS), “Human Trafficking Data Collection Activities 2024”; Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), “Human Trafficking Data Collection Activities”; FBI Annual Reports; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations data.
Patterns & Hidden Realities
- Many trafficking situations remain invisible because victims may not self-identify, fear retaliation, or lack trust in authorities.
- A large share of trafficking is orchestrated by organized crime groups with complex networks and cross-border ties.
- Forced labor is increasingly linked with other criminal enterprises, such as online scams and forced criminality.
- There is often a gap between detection and prosecution: forced labor trafficking is less likely to lead to convictions than sexual exploitation.
Source: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, “Global Report on Trafficking in Persons 2024.”
Why These Numbers Matter
These statistics paint only a partial picture. They reflect reported and detected cases, which are believed to represent a small fraction of all human trafficking. The hidden nature of trafficking, varying definitions and capacities across countries, and limited resources for investigations mean that real numbers are likely much higher.
From a strategic perspective, these data help:
- Target resources and prevention efforts
- Inform policy and legislation
- Measure progress over time
- Raise awareness and change public perception
