With the global theme “Trapped Behind the Scam,” YPSA observed the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons (WDATIP) 2026, across host and Rohingya communities in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. The observance highlighted one of the emerging forms of modern slavery—human trafficking for forced criminality through cyber-enabled scam operations—and emphasized the importance of collective action to prevent trafficking, protect survivors, and bring perpetrators to justice.
To mark the day, YPSA with support from International Organization for Migration (IOM) organized a week-long series of awareness and advocacy activities in consultation with local and Rohingya camp administrations and community stakeholders. The programs included rallies, consultation meetings, community awareness sessions, and anti-trafficking community dramas in both host and Rohingya communities.
In collaboration with the Upazila Administration of Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar, YPSA organized a rally followed by a Counter Trafficking Committee (CTC) meeting. The event brought together CTC members, government representatives, journalists, local youth representatives, teachers, religious leaders, and community members to discuss the current trends of human trafficking and possible prevention measures.
Ms. Panna Akhter, Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) of Ukhiya, led the rally and chaired the CTC meeting. However, in his remarks, Mr. Jishu Barua, Assistant Director and Counter Trafficking Focal of YPSA, highlighted the significance of WDATIP 2026, particularly focusing on the growing use of technology by trafficking networks to deceive and exploit vulnerable populations. He also presented an overview of the human trafficking situation in Ukhiya Upazila and emphasized the need for stronger community engagement, coordination, and preventive measures.
Addressing the meeting, Ms. Panna Akhter, Upazila Executive Officer of Ukhiya, stressed that combating human trafficking requires coordinated efforts from all stakeholders. She emphasized the importance of community-level awareness creation and livelihood opportunities for people vulnerable to trafficking. She also called for continued efforts to identify traffickers and ensure that perpetrators are brought under legal accountability.
Mr. Shuvra Adhikari, Project Officer of YPSA’s Counter Trafficking Project, reaffirmed YPSA’s commitment to preventing human trafficking and supporting the Counter Trafficking Committees in their efforts to address trafficking risks and protect vulnerable communities.
In the Rohingya refugee camps, YPSA organized a range of awareness-raising and consultation activities to observe WDATIP 2026. As part of the observance, an art competition was arranged where Rohingya children participated and expressed their understanding of trafficking risks and prevention. YPSA also organized community dramas performed by Rohingya youth groups, focusing on human trafficking prevention, safe migration, and the dangers of fraudulent online job offers and scam-related exploitation.
Camp-in-Charges from 11 Rohingya camps attended the events as Chief Guests and distributed prizes among the winners of the art competition. Their participation reflected the importance of camp-level leadership and community involvement in preventing trafficking and protecting vulnerable individuals.
Mr. Tanim Rahman Mitu, Project Officer; Ms. Shanuching Marma, Project Officer (Case Management); Ms. Turfa Azam, Technical Officer – Skills Development and Livelihood Resilience; and other YPSA team members actively participated in the WDATIP observance activities conducted in the Rohingya camps.
Through these initiatives, YPSA reaffirmed its continued commitment to combating human trafficking, strengthening community awareness, promoting safe migration practices, and supporting coordinated efforts among government, humanitarian actors, and communities to address emerging trafficking challenges.
Note: YPSA with support from International Organization for Migration (IOM) has been working to counter human trafficking and human smuggling issues in the host and Rohingya communities of Cox’s Bazar since June 2018.
