The UN Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons (Palermo Protocol, 2000) defines trafficking and obliges states to criminalize it and protect victims. Global estimates from the ILO, Walk Free, and IOM (e.g. 2022 Global Estimates of Modern Slavery) show tens of millions of people in forced labour and forced marriage on any given day—underscoring the scale of exploitation. UN Sustainable Development Goal Target 8.7 calls for ending forced labour, modern slavery, human trafficking, and child labour. This cause backs stronger national implementation, ethical supply-chain scrutiny, survivor support, and improved data to guide enforcement.