Trafficking: A Modern Scenario

Abstract

Trafficking in persons is an increasing problem that involves both sexual exploitation and labour exploitation of its victims. Both men and women may be victims of trafficking, but the primary victims worldwide are women and girls, the majority of whom are trafficked for the purpose of sexual exploitation. Traffickers primarily target women because they are disproportionately affected by poverty and discrimination, factors that impede their access to employment, educational opportunities and other resources. Perhaps the strongest factor is a desperate economic situation, which impacts the availability of satisfactory employment in many countries for women. Traffickers prey on women's vulnerable circumstances and may lure them into crime networks through deceit and false promises of decent working conditions and fair pay. The majority of trafficked women find themselves trapped in debt bondage servitude or “slavery like” condition as a result of being trafficked. The problem of women has been addressed at the international, regional and national levels. Before the creation of the United Nations protocol to prevent, suppress and punish trafficking in persons, especially women and children in October 2000, international treaties refer to trafficking without defining or clarifying whether trafficking includes all form of sex work. Victims are always entitled to the protection of their basic human rights and any measures adopted to protect victims should take into account age, gender and any special needs. “It is a matter of bitter shame and sorrow and deep humiliation that a number of women have to sell their chastity for men's lust. Man, the law giver, will have to pay a dreadful penalty for the degradation he has imposed upon the so-called weaker sex. When woman freed from man's snares rises to the full height and rebels against man's legislation and institution designed by him, her rebellion, no doubt, non-violent, will be nevertheless effective” - Mahatma Gandhi.