Every 23 September, the world commemorates the International Day against Sexual Exploitation and Trafficking in Persons, a key date to reflect on one of the most serious and widespread global crimes. Established in January 1999 at the Global Conference of the Coalition Against Trafficking in Persons, in coordination with the Women's Conference in Dhaka, Bangladesh, this day seeks to raise awareness and mobilise society to eradicate human trafficking.

The date has an important precedent in Argentina: on 23 September 1913, the country passed the world's first legal norm against child prostitution, promoted by Dr. Alfredo Palacios. This historic event set a precedent in the fight against sexual exploitation and abuse of women and children, which unfortunately is still an ongoing problem.

In Argentina, there is a free, anonymous, national hotline 145 for guidance, assistance and/or to report cases of human trafficking and/or exploitation. From the Executive Committee for the Fight against Trafficking and Exploitation of Persons and for the protection and assistance to its victims, the Ministries of Security, Justice and Human Rights, and Human Capital work in coordination in the design and planning of a public policy on prevention, prosecution and assistance to the victims.

Human trafficking knows no borders and affects millions of children and adults around the world. This dehumanising crime not only violates fundamental rights, but also perpetuates violence, perversion and poverty. The commemoration of this date reminds us of the importance of continuing to fight for a world where no one is exploited or treated as a commodity.