In 1986, Whitney Houston sang a powerful, positive message about nurturing our children and believing in their potential, titled “The Greatest Love of All.”

Fast forward to today, and the UN Secretary-General urgently reminds us of our duty: “leave no child behind” in the battle against human trafficking—a grave violation of human rights that preys on the most vulnerable among us.

Tragically, one-third of trafficking victims are children, who endure unimaginable suffering, from forced labor to sexual exploitation and even recruitment as soldiers. The rise of online platforms has further exacerbated their vulnerability, allowing traffickers to exploit these innocent lives across borders. The long-lasting psychological and physical trauma these children face robs them of their innocence and future.

It is imperative that we bolster our protective measures. This means implementing justice systems that are sensitive to children’s needs, raising public awareness, supporting unaccompanied minors, and addressing the root causes of exploitation by aiding families in distress.

We must rally governments, civil society, and the private sector, including tech companies, to work together to create an environment where no child falls victim to this crime and no trafficker escapes justice. In the United States, approximately 10,000 children are subjected to the horrors of commercial sexual exploitation each year, forced to perform unimaginable acts multiple times daily. Yet, those who perpetrate this abuse often evade accountability, blending back into their communities without facing consequences.

The current fight against child trafficking is far from effective, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive and coordinated efforts to safeguard our most vulnerable populations and support child survivors. Now is the time to act. Let’s commit to listening, learning, and taking meaningful steps to address this critical issue. Together, we can make a difference and protect our children’s futures.

Take a listen, learn things, and then share.