Information
General Information:
What is Human Trafficking?
Human trafficking is defined as the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring, or receipt of persons through the use of force, coercion, fraud, deception, or abuse of power for the purpose of exploitation. Exploitation can take various forms, including sexual exploitation, forced labor, and the removal of organs. (Source: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children, 2000)
Is Human Trafficking the same as Modern Day Slavery?
Short answer is yes.
Modern-day slavery is a broad term used to describe various forms of exploitation where one person's freedom is restricted by another, forcing them to work or provide services against their will. This includes human trafficking, forced labor, debt bondage, forced marriage, and other practices similar to slavery. The common factor in all forms of modern-day slavery is the use of coercion, deception, or force to exploit individuals for personal or commercial gain. (Source: International Labour Organization, Global Estimates of Modern Slavery: Forced Labour and Forced Marriage, 2017)
Who Can Fall Victim to Human Trafficking?
Anyone can potentially fall victim to human trafficking, regardless of age, gender, nationality, or socioeconomic background. However, certain individuals and groups are more vulnerable to trafficking due to factors such as poverty, lack of education, social marginalization, and limited access to resources or support systems.
Some of the most vulnerable populations include:
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Children and youth, particularly those living in poverty or unstable home environments.
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Women and girls, who are disproportionately targeted for sex trafficking and forced marriage.
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Migrants and refugees, who may face language barriers, limited legal protections, and isolation from their support networks.
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Members of marginalized racial, ethnic, or religious groups, who may experience social exclusion and discrimination.
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Individuals with disabilities, who may be particularly vulnerable due to social isolation or dependency on others for care.
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LGBTQ+ individuals, who may face family rejection, discrimination, or violence, increasing their vulnerability to trafficking.
It is important to note that human trafficking can affect anyone, and traffickers often exploit pre-existing vulnerabilities or use deception and manipulation to lure victims into exploitative situations. (Source: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Global Report on Trafficking in Persons, 2020)