IOM's counter-trafficking hotline staff report a 20 per cent
increase in calls so far this year as compared to the same period
in 2007.

The toll-free national hotline 01 8000 52 20 20, created and
managed by IOM since 2003, received 6,000 calls between January and
June 2008, an increase of 1,000 calls during the same period last
year.

Almost 400 of the calls received this year were made by
individuals reporting cases of human trafficking, suspicions of
servile marriages, sexual exploitation, and begging.

Nearly 2,800 calls were made by Colombian citizens seeking
guidance on travelling abroad without running the risk of becoming
victims, and how to detect possible cases of human trafficking or
migrant smuggling.

Most of the calls came from Bogotá, Quindío, Valle
del Cauca, Caldas, Risaralda, Antioquia, Quindío, San
Andrés and Providencia and Atlántico - all regions
considered highly vulnerable to human trafficking and reporting the
highest numbers of victims.

The hotline also received calls from the Canada, Great Britain,
Spain and the United States.  Although none of the overseas
calls were linked to a case of human trafficking, the callers were
eager to receive information on prevention of human trafficking and
irregular migration.

Colombia is a country of origin for domestic and international
human trafficking.  Women and children are trafficked for
sexual exploitation, forced labour and domestic servitude, while
men and boys are forced to beg or work in factories, mines and
agriculture. 

IOM Colombia has assisted more than 300 victims since 2001.

According to estimates provided by DAS/Interpol in Colombia,
there could be up to 50,000 Colombian women victims of trafficking
for sexual exploitation currently outside the country.

The hotline is part of IOM's work with the Colombian government
to implement a national strategy for the prevention and research of
human trafficking.  Since October 2007, the hotline has
received funding from the Colombian Ministry of Interior and
Justice.

Since 2003, the hotline has received more than 42,000 calls.

For more information please contact:

Jorge Andrés Gallo

IOM Colombia

Tel: +57.1.594.6410 Ext. 142

Mobile: +57.311.561.9495

E-mail: "mailto:jgallo@iom.int">jgallo@iom.int