Forty-four United Nations member states, including South Korea, have issued a joint statement warning of a surge in human trafficking cases tied to online scams and urging coordinated international action.

Delegations from 44 nations delivered the statement Tuesday at a press briefing ahead of the UN General Assembly’s high-level meeting on human trafficking at headquarters in New York.

South Korean Ambassador to the UN Cha Ji-hoon read the statement, which said traffickers exploit conflicts, economic hardship and digital platforms to expand their networks, forcing victims into labor, sexual exploitation and other abuses.

The statement underscored growing concern over trafficking linked to online scams and transnational organized crime, stressing the urgent need for global cooperation to confront escalating humanitarian and human rights crises.

The 44 member states said comprehensive responses must include prevention, prosecution, protection and partnership, from raising public awareness and identifying victims to strengthening law enforcement, empowering survivors and ensuring judicial remedies.