The latest UN Global Report on Trafficking in Persons has highlighted an increase in the number of men being identified as victims of trafficking around the world, and also higher rates of trafficking for forced labour.

However, despite these noted changes, it remains the case that the majority of victims being identified globally are women and girls forced to endure sexual exploitation.

The report highlights a rising trend in reports of male victims from just 16% in 2004, to 29% in 2014, however, this is still a minority in comparison with the number of female victims identified - 71% of the total.

Similarly, although 38% of victims identified were trafficked for forced labour (up from 32% in 2007), the majority (54%) were trafficked for sexual exploitation - and almost all of these were women and girls.

Child victims still account for over a quarter of victims worldwide, with more than double the number of girls being identified as victims, than boys.

These figures echo trends in the UK where, although the number of male victims identified is rising, women and girls make up the greater proportion those referred to the National Referral Mechanism. Similarly, the UK has recorded an increasing reports of labour exploitation of men, women and children, however trafficking for sexual exploitation remains high, and by far the most common form of exploitation for women. That is why CARE believes it is important our laws work to reduce demand for paid sexual services in order to reduce opportunities for this kind of exploitation.

It is important that all countries recognise and take steps to eradicate trafficking for forced labour, and also that they do not act under a false impression that trafficking only affects women and girls. However, countries must also take account of the disproportionate number of women being oppressed and forced into sexual exploitation and allow this knowledge to inform their response as individual nations and as a global community.