The lucrative nature of human trafficking
The lucrative nature of human trafficking has caused a rise over time. Only drug trafficking earns more money worldwide than the trafficking of human beings. Despite the fact that this heinous activity has been going on since the early days of conquering, the rate of human trafficking has been rising. Human trafficking has been fueled by the development of technology, globalization, and accessibility to contact. People who are involved in human trafficking experience the most inhumane treatment, which causes them to loose their identity and become less than human. Human trafficking is described by Belser and Danailova-Trainor as "a form of modern slavery and one of the greatest human rights challenges of our time." Human trafficking goes against dignity and freedom. The other factor that has fuelled human trafficking is poverty especially sex trafficking. This essay takes a look at issues relating to human trafficking from different perspectives, the actions taken to solve human trafficking, and proposes solutions towards ending the problem.
Historical
Human trafficking provided a path to obtaining a means of free labor, income, and prostitution since ancient times. Romans in their conquests would take women and children as slaves to build and tend to their war camps. The torture meted upon them by the Romans would force these individuals to take their own lives as a form of escape demonstrating the harsh conditions human trafficking puts individuals. Portugal began human trafficking by transporting Africans to work as slaves and was joined by Britain in 1562 with other countries including Spain, Holland, North America, Denmark, Sweden, and France joining in the 1600s. The origin of human trafficking was the increase in demand for cheap labor in Europe and other regions causing the forced transport of slaves from Africa, Asia, and other underdeveloped regions. Conquests in different parts also made it easier for countries to get slaves and the sanctioning by different countries backed by theories including Mercantilism that called for cheaper production and increasing wealth in Britain. The other causes of human trafficking include poverty making individuals vulnerable to traffickers, lack of education especially in "mountainous areas of Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, China, and Vietnam as they are easy prey for lack of education and access to job opportunities". Profit, unemployment, the idea of Western Paradise, brutalities of war, a lack of civil rights for women, presence of organized crime, cultural influences, corruption, and poor law enforcement are the other reasons for human trafficking in different parts of the world.
There has been continued human trafficking over the years with little change in the treatment of trafficked individuals.
In the 19th and 20th century, women were transported from different regions and sold as sex slaves in Europe. The problem was not only on women, but children and males were also trafficked and forced to work in farms, homes, and in shipping and other industries. Child labor was common and caused harm to the social and psychological development of the affected children. The focus on exploitation of women and children by the United Nations led to the rise of other forms of human trafficking including organ harvesting and labor trafficking. The growth of human trafficking has continued with the rise of criminal gangs that perpetuate other heinous crimes alongside human trafficking. The control of territories in international locations and routes has made it impossible for governments to track or prevent the occurrence of trafficking. Technology and ease of communication between criminals have also made it easier for trafficking to be undertaken disguised as legal activities in the shipping and transport industry.
The main problem associated with human trafficking
The main problem associated with human trafficking is that is increasing at an alarming rate despite increased efforts by governments through law enforcement agencies. In 2003, 12.6 million people were reported to be trafficked by EUROPOL. The numbers have almost doubled with an estimated 20.9 million people reported to have been trafficked in 2016. The growth in human trafficking depicts the need for concerted efforts aimed at solving the problem as many people are affected by the problem globally.
Economic
The human trafficking market consists of consumers including employers of trafficked labor and products consisting of the human beings trafficked and sold in different countries and regions. The employers demand for labor causes the purchase of trafficked humans at cheap costs reducing costs of operation. Companies and individuals who purchase products produced by trafficked individuals are also consumers. The employers prefer trafficked labor because of vulnerability owing to their foreign status and lack of choices hence cheaper than local laborers. The demand for trafficked labor gives traffickers the profit incentive hence furling the occurrence of human trafficking in different parts of the world. Distance, demand and supply, and mode of transport determine the prices of victims in the human trafficking market with the emergence of international smuggling organizations increasing the prices. The economic effects of human trafficking also include the competitive pressure from illegal immigrants and the costs associated with dealing with illegal immigration. Investment in technology and communication devices is also required to counter the rising human trafficking globally.
Legal
The legal perspective on human trafficking is that it is illegal and perpetrators are legible for persecution both under domestic and international laws. Human trafficking is illegal because it "is a violation of human rights in the worst form, the impacts of which are far-reaching, 95% of trafficking victims experience physical and sexual violence". International law provides a powerful medium in the fight against human trafficking and offers countries guidelines on efforts to stop or reduce human trafficking. The enforcement of international law on human trafficking is most effective and efficient when incorporated in regional and domestic legislation.
International relations
Human trafficking is an international concern, and the increased globalization has fuelled the growth of the undertaking with criminal agencies operating in different regions able to communicate and interact and facilitate movement of people against their will. Human trafficking is also associated with many crimes including sexual harassment, rape, murder, torture, forced begging, child exploitation, organized theft, drug trafficking, forced labor, organ harvesting, and domestic servitude among other crimes. Human trafficking comprises several issues in one and spans international borders including security, organized crime, labor, public health, and border control issues. Human trafficking levels continue to increase globally despite the increasing efforts globally enforcement and prevent the problem causing little efforts to those involved and making human trafficking an increasing security issue currently and in the future. The lack of international collaboration in the achievement of a reduction on trafficking is a major concern is the war against human trafficking is to be fought successfully. There is a need for international cooperation and ratification of conventional agreements by all member countries to criminalize and take preventive and corrective measures towards stopping human trafficking. Human trafficking is also an international issue because source countries lose part of their labor while destination countries suffer the costs of illegal immigration.
Previous actions taken to stop human trafficking
Human trafficking has occurred for a long time, and efforts to stop the vice have been undertaken with limited success as evidenced by the continued increase in the crime. In 1904, an International Treaty to outlaw the trading of women was passed in Europe. The law was, however, deficient as it specifically mentioned women only excluding men and women of African heritage despite the fact that white men were not frequently traded. The passing of the treaty was a culmination of conferences in London and Budapest in 1899 and in Paris in 1902. In 1910, the International Convention for the Suppression of the White Slave Trade was signed by 13 countries, which criminalized human trafficking. In 1921, 33 states signed the International Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Women and Children allowing countries to prosecute individuals involved in traffic women and children. However, the focus of the convention was human trafficking for prostitution and sexual exploitation. A legally binding agreement in 1949 was signed and member nations required to ratify; only 66 nations have ratified so far. The United Nations Protocol to prevent, suppress and punish trafficking in persons, especially women and children in 2000 acknowledged modern-day slavery and trafficking of males and included organ harvesting, forced labor migration, and slavery. The lack of effective laws and regulations aimed at human trafficking and the limited international collaboration has prevented the effectiveness of these policies to achieve significant success.
Recent movements have been the implementation of regional and domestic instruments
Recent movements have been the implementation of regional and domestic instruments aimed at prevention and elimination of human trafficking including the United States Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act (2000), European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (1950), and the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (2008). The establishment of the Coordinated Mekong Ministerial Initiative against Trafficking (COMMIT) in 2005 consisting of China, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Thailand is an example of regional efforts to stop human trafficking.
The challenges that prevail in achieving success through legislation in the eradication of human trafficking
The challenges that prevail in achieving success through legislation in the eradication of human trafficking include the problematic nature of enforcing laws. Prosecution is difficult because victims are unwilling to identify traffickers for fear of repercussions. Human trafficking transcends borders and the application of international law to individuals of different states is costly and complex undertaking affecting the achievement of progress in deterring the crimes through law enforcement. Building a case against traffickers is also a problem since several laws are violated and occur over a long period. Countries with limited resources cannot adequately enforce anti-trafficking laws allowing the crimes to flourish. Countries that face political challenges and upheavals and control by criminals and gangs are also a haven for human trafficking activities and the conditions in these countries prevent the enforcement of laws. The other challenge with enforcement of anti-trafficking laws is the lack of adequate training for border patrol officers, local police officers, and federal agents in the application of international and domestic laws. Information gathering is a problem since victims of trafficking speak different languages to that of the officers creating language barrier. The treatment of victim s is also a problem with most treated as criminals and deported.
Policy recommendations to stop human trafficking
Human trafficking is a huge problem at a domestic and global level, and there is a need for policy implementation that will aid in mitigating the rise and reduce the negative impacts on the victims and the society. The policies that will be effective include:
1. Increasing awareness of human trafficking
Increasing awareness of human trafficking through the development, implementation, and evaluation of training of professionals, promotes local awareness and raising awareness among potential victims. Training personnel helps them to effectively identify victims, investigate cases and developing an effective response including collecting the data for prosecution. The victims and public awareness help ensure the society is willing and able to provide information to law enforcement agencies and collaborate in finding traffickers.
2. Development of laws to offer victims
Development of laws to offer victims of human trafficking opportunities to access services and agencies. This way the victims can understand their conditions and opportunities for development including education and provision of social services will help them open up about trafficking and reveal the perpetrators. Current laws that treat victims as criminals prevent the collection of information to help the development of strong cases against perpetrators. The policy recommendation is feasible owing to the availability of education centers and rehabilitation facilities for victims in different countries. The benefits of solving or reducing human trafficking will far outweigh the costs of catering for the needs of the victims.
3. The other policy recommendation is the review
The other policy recommendation is the review, strengthening, and implementation of laws holding traffickers, exploiters, and solicitors accountable for their human trafficking roles. The individuals who benefit from human trafficking have mostly escaped prosecution, and there is a need for enforcement to act as deterrence reducing the demand for trafficked labor and sexual exploitation of children and women. Reviews help identify gaps in federal and state laws and aid in coming up with stricter laws that will help in reducing the human trafficking problem. Providing funding and ensuring implementation of the laws across state and federal lines will ensure the feasibility of the proposal in reducing human trafficking.
4. The strict enforcement of employment
The strict enforcement of employment and recruitment processes can also be used as a policy measure to fight human trafficking. The businesses that benefit from the trafficked labor should be held to account to deter others. Individuals and businesses must adhere to employment laws strictly and take precautions to ensure the employees are treated fairly and not exploited.
5. The other recommendation is using a closed border system
The other recommendation is using a closed border system in states and other countries. This proposal involves setting up border checkpoints in all state and country borders and all vehicles passing through must be checked. Any individuals held against their will be held until further notice while the perpetrators are prosecuted and sentenced to jail to deter others. The closed border system will also aid in the fight against drug trafficking that has serious consequences and is commonly undertaken with human trafficking. The proposal will also aid in providing job opportunities for enforces. The proposal is feasible considering the availability of resources and personnel to man the stations and few entry points frequented by human traffickers will become a major focus.
6. The development of guidelines and technical assistance
The development of guidelines and technical assistance for multi-sector information sharing and collaboration is required to achieve reduced levels of human trafficking. Human trafficking is multifaceted and requires concerted efforts of different agencies to develop approaches that are centered on the victims and tailored to their unique needs. The collaborative efforts offer a chance to share knowledge and understanding among law enforcement agencies and other public agencies allowing for the success of efforts to reduce human trafficking. Information sharing also allows agencies to dismantle routes and be proactive instead of reactive when responding to human trafficking activities.
7. The other policy recommendation is the improvement
The other policy recommendation is the improvement of international collaboration and information sharing by law enforcement agencies and governments. The global nature of human trafficking means there is a need for collaboration international with regional bodies and committees set up and provided with resources and personnel. These bodies will be tasked with providing recommendations and executing plans that dismantle and prosecute gangs and other organizations involved in human trafficking. The international agencies will also have the power to operate across borders allowing for international laws to be enforced and perpetrators brought to book. The feasibility of the policy requires international collaboration between countries. This requires an understanding of human trafficking as a crime against dignity and rights of individuals.
Conclusion
Human trafficking is increasing despite global efforts aimed at reducing the crimes. The focus of international agencies including the United Nations in reducing the trafficking of persons has not been adequate, and enforcement of laws internationally is faced with challenges. There is a need for the implementation of policies that make law enforcement activities more effective in deterring demand for trafficked individuals, promotes collaboration internationally, improves victim and public awareness, and promotes multi-sector collaboration. Human trafficking continues to challenge law enforcement and governments alike, and there is a need for policy changes to promote effectiveness in solving the problem. The global impacts of implementing these policies will include reduced levels of human trafficking and promotion of human dignity and respect, and increased collaboration among countries in achieving common security goals. The society will be a better pace for disadvantage members of the community and social understanding of the ills of human trafficking will increase.
Bibliography
Atasü-Topcuoğlu, Reyhan. Ideology and the fight against human trafficking. Routledge, 2014.
Belser, Patrick and Danailova-Trainor,Gergana, (2006),Globalization and the Illicit Market For Human Trafficking: An Empirical Analysis of Supply and Demand, International Labor Office Geneva.
Conrad, Cecilia A., John Whitehead, Patrick L. Mason, and James Stewart, eds. African Americans in the US economy. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2005.
European parliament, (October 18, 2016), Human trafficking: more than 20 million victims worldwide, http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/headlines/world/20161014STO47261/human- trafficking-more-than-20-million-victims-worldwide
Europol, “Trafficking of Human Beings: A Europol Perspective”, EUROPOL, December 2003.
Hart, Joyce. Human trafficking. The Rosen Publishing Group, 2009.
King, Lindsey, (2008), "International law and human trafficking," Human Rights and human welfare online journal of academic literature review.
Kneebone, Susan. "Trafficking and the Global Sex Industry. Edited by Karen Beeks and Delila Amir." (2007): 539-542.
Mishra, Eira. "Combating human trafficking: a legal perspective with special reference to India." Sociology and Anthropology 1, no. 4 (2013): 172-179.
Oster, Grant, (October 3, 2015), The history of human trafficking, Hankering for History, http://hankeringforhistory.com/the-history-of-human-trafficking/
Ramsey, George, (2011), Human Trafficking is World’s 2nd Most Profitable Crime: Report, In Sight Crime,http://www.insightcrime.org/news-briefs/human-trafficking-is-worlds-2nd- most-profitable-crime-report
Regello, Rosemary, (2007), A Short History of Sexual Slavery, The City Edition.http://www.thecityedition.com/Pages/Archive/February/HistorySlavery.pdf
Venson, Anamaria Marcon, and Joana Maria Pedro. "Human trafficking: a historical approach to the concept." Revista Brasileira de História 33, no. 65 (2013): 61-83.
