The 2012 Global Report on Trafficking in Persons released December 12, 2012 by UNODC has revealed that 27 per cent of all detected human trafficking victims between 2007 and 2010 are children, up 7 per cent from the period 2003 to 2006. In South Asia, East Asia, and the Pacific, 39 per cent of all victims are children.

Also worrying is the increase in the number of girl victims, who make up two thirds of all trafficked children and 15 to 20 per cent of the total number of all detected victims. Boys comprise about 10 per cent. The report is based on official data supplied by 132 countries.

Trafficking victims from East Asia have been detected in more than 60 countries, making them the most geographically dispersed group around the world.

The Report raises concerns about low conviction rates – 16 per cent of reporting countries did not record a single conviction for trafficking in persons between 2007 and 2010. On a positive note, 154 countries have ratified the United Nations Trafficking in Persons Protocol, of which UNODC is the guardian. Significant progress has been made in terms of legislation, as 83 per cent of countries now have a law that criminalizes trafficking in persons in accordance with the Protocol.