There is an extensive international trafficking network that facilitates the buying and selling of people in prostitution. This network consists of traffickers, traffickers' networks, pimps, clients and other intermediaries who control and exploit human lives for their own profit, often with impunity. Prostitution is the world’s oldest profession, yet not until very recently did the international community understand the extent of the trafficking networks involved in running it. The exploitation of human beings through sex trafficking is a global reality and one of the world’s most lucrative forms of organized crime.
The World Day Against Trafficking in Persons was established in 2003 by the United Nations to raise awareness about human trafficking and its devastating impact on its victims. The International Labor Organization estimates that there are around 40.3 million victims of human trafficking worldwide. Of these, 4.8 million or 71%, are forced into sex trafficking. Many of the victims of human trafficking in the sex industry are women and children. In prostitution ads , young boys and transgender individuals are also trafficked and exploited.
The methods used by traffickers to control women and children to prostitution are varied and range from physical and psychological violence to bribery, deception and manipulation. Victims may be taken to different countries, including those in central and southeastern Europe. Traffickers have also been known to exploit victims using threats, violence, intimidation and complex smuggling networks. Victims are typically deprived of their freedom and kept in poverty until they reach the age of majority. This can be up to 18 year olds depending on the country.
The protection of victims and prosecution of traffickers requires robust and effective legal frameworks, as well as sustained efforts by state authorities and civil society to ensure that traffickers, clients and other intermediaries are brought to justice. Such frameworks, together with the engagement of civil society, are integral components of a comprehensive approach to addressing human trafficking and the promotion of justice and the rule of law.
Economic Factors
The trafficking of people for sexual exploitation and forced labor is driven by the demand for cheap labor and goods, as well as cultural and economic inequalities. Women and children in some of the world's poorest countries are especially vulnerable to trafficking networks, as they lack legal protections and economic opportunities, and may also be the victims of social exclusion. Additionally, some traffickers are taking advantage of the economic migrations that have been occurring in recent years, preying on the vulnerable and ensuring that they remain extremely reliant on them and their networks.
Media Coverage
In recent years, there has been increased media coverage and public awareness campaigns about the issue of human trafficking. Despite this, people are often unaware of the scale of the trafficking networks, how they operate and are sustained. It is important for the general public to understand the complexities of trafficking networks as it is only by being informed and educated that people can become aware of the reality of trafficking and recognize potential victims. Additionally, there must be greater recognition of how trafficking networks operate in order to effectively combat them and protect those who are most at risk.
Role of Social Structures
The dynamics of social structures also play an important role in the emergence, growth and continuation of trafficking networks. When social structures are unbalanced, such as in cases of poverty or displacement, vulnerable individuals will be more likely to recruit in the criminal enterprise. Trafficking networks rely on human exploitation and depend on powerful networks to supply and control victims. The most common of these are often organized criminals, drug traffickers, gangs, and other networks that can guarantee the supply and control over activities, as well as access to international markets. This highlights the importance of addressing the social causes of human trafficking such as poverty, inequality, displacement, conflict and access to education.
Legal Constraints
The development of legal frameworks to combat human trafficking has been hindered by many of the same issues that have hampered the development of effective regulations. One of the main issues is the lack of understanding amongst policy makers of the complexities of trafficking networks and the dynamics of the sector. Efforts to combat the trafficking of people remain hindered by the lack of resources and focused initiatives due to competing priorities that societies are facing. Additionally, the lack of international legal coherence makes it difficult for states to combat trafficking networks as some states may not have comprehensive laws or viable resources for implementation. Despite these challenges, some countries have implemented effective laws, particularly at the regional level, that provide frameworks to combat human trafficking.
International Responses
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has developed the United Nations Trafficking Protocol to combat trafficking in persons, which requires states to implement effective legal and policy frameworks to combat it. Additionally, the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) also requires states to strengthen mutual legal assistance and extradition procedures for the prosecution of traffickers. Additionally, the Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons also provides governments, inter-governmental organizations and civil society with comprehensive guidance and tools to effectively prevent and combat trafficking in persons.
Solutions
In order to effectively combat trafficking networks, it is essential to ensure that victims are not only adequately protected but are also provided with durable solutions to reintegrate into society. This includes providing access to education, health care, social services as well as legal services. It is also important for states to ensure that there is an effective referral system to identify and refer victims of trafficking. Additionally, states must ensure that there are sufficient resources to respond to the needs of victims and to provide effective legal sanctions on traffickers while ensuring the safety of victims throughout legal proceedings.
Prevention
The challenge remains to develop prevention approaches which target all stakeholders involved in trafficking, including the demand side. Such initiatives have included targeted communication campaigns to raise awareness of the issue, as well as providing training and education to law enforcement and other authorities. Additionally, non-governmental organizations and human rights organizations have developed a range of initiatives to support marginalised communities who are seen to be at risk of trafficking. For example, advocacy, legal aid, medical and psychological support, job placement and housing are amongst the services provided to vulnerable individuals who may be at risk.
Business Sector
The business sector has an important role to play in preventing human trafficking, in particular through the adoption of anti-trafficking policies and procedures. Businesses can adopt measures to identify, investigate and prevent cases of trafficking by involving stakeholders, such as worker unions, in the development of such policies. Additionally, businesses can ensure that products and services are sourced responsibly and that they do not contribute or contribute to the exploitation of vulnerable individuals. Finally, businesses can also raise awareness about human trafficking and the role of business in prevention, for example through employee training programs and communication campaigns.