Trafficking For Labour Exploitation Research Articles

A Look at Human Trafficking and the Anti-Trafficking Apparatus in Mexico through the Experience of Victoria, a Trans Woman

In this article, we discuss the experience of Victoria, a trans woman who was trafficked in the context of the criminal war in Mexico. Drawing on anthropological and feminist perspectives that privilege the dialogue of knowledge, Victoria’s experience allows us to problematise two central elements of the phenomenon of human trafficking in Mexico: first, the relationship between organised crime groups and human trafficking, and its effects on daily life in local contexts in Mexico, specifically in the experience of a trans woman. And second, the functioning of the Mexican anti-trafficking apparatus which, by focusing on the rescue of victims of sexual exploitation in places where independent sex work occurs, overlooks the identification of other forms of trafficking, such as trafficking for labour exploitation and servitude, both experienced by Victoria at the hands of organised crime groups.

Exploring the Links Between Racial Exclusion and Human Trafficking of Migrant Workers in Qatar

Qatar has become a significant destination for migrant workers looking to escape unemployment in their home countries. However, highly active labour migration pathways create migration industries that exploit the increased supply of labour migrants, leading to trafficking. Human trafficking has been a longstanding concern in Qatar, especially with low-skilled migrant workers in the informal, domestic service and construction sectors. United Nations bodies and non-governamental organisations have criticised Qatar over the treatment of its migrant workforce, especially with concerns about trafficking for labour exploitation and forced labour. In addition to complaints of human trafficking, concerns have been raised concerning perceived racialised drivers of exploitation in Qatar. According to the former United Nations Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, Ms Tendayi Achiume, Qatar battles with issues of structural racial discrimination concerning its migrant workforce. This article examines the links between race and the trafficking of migrant workers in Qatar.

There’s an App for That? Ethical consumption in the fight against trafficking for labour exploitation

Among the market-based strategies being used to fight trafficking for labour exploitation are apps aimed at encouraging ethical consumption. Such apps have surfaced in tandem with the increased involvement of businesses in anti-trafficking efforts and the promotion of social entrepreneurism. In this article, I describe and critically analyse three apps aimed at individual consumers, arguing that they do little to actually address labour exploitation. They rest on questionable assumptions about consumption, employ problematic assessment methodologies, and rely on business models that do more to provide opportunities for social entrepreneurs in the burgeoning anti-trafficking field than solutions for labour exploitation in the global economy.

Beyond Victimhood and Beyond Employment? Exploring Avenues for Labour Law to Empower Women Trafficked into the Sex Industry

Abstract This article explores under which circumstances a labour law approach could make a meaningful contribution to combatting human trafficking into the sex industry. In this, I critique the existing criminal law approach to human trafficking and its policies, which focus on trafficked persons as idealised victims in need of protection, rather than on their rights as workers, migrants and women. Furthermore, I also challenge the exclusion of sex workers from arguments for a labour law response to human trafficking, as they maintain the construction of trafficking for sexual exploitation and trafficking for labour exploitation as separate phenomena. Instead, this article advocates an alternative labour law approach to human trafficking, which incorporates wider interdisciplinary issues of gender equality and societal exclusions for women and migrants, and particularly female migrant sex workers, within a labour response. My focus is therefore on exclusions maintained by existing labour legislation, which are based on the standard employment contract and amplified by barriers to labour protections faced by workers in female-dominated service jobs in general and by sex workers in particular. As sex workers’ embodied feminised labour is deemed not to be ‘real work’, they seem to be unworthy of labour protections. My proposed labour response to human trafficking into the sex industry therefore combines some of the strengths of the existing labour rights-focussed anti-trafficking and exploitation discourse with arguments from feminist labour law theory in order to tackle the intersectional dimension of human trafficking into the sex industry.

Dilemmas in Rescue and Reintegration: A critical assessment of India’s policies for children trafficked for labour exploitation

This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the Indian government’s efforts to combat pervasive child trafficking for labour exploitation through rescue and reintegration of affected children. It evaluates the extensive policy and legal frameworks against on-the-ground realities in the states of Bihar and Rajasthan, using empirical findings from a qualitative study carried out by the FXB Center for Health & Human Rights at Harvard University. The results demonstrate that current practices fail to adhere to human rights norms or protect rescued children from risk of future exploitation. They underscore important challenges in the rescue and reintegration of trafficked children, and call into question the singular focus on this category of post-harm response over preventative interventions. The findings point to a critical need for future research, sustained multi-stakeholder discussion and concrete reforms.

Human trafficking for labour exploitation: the results of a two-phase systematic review mapping the European evidence base and synthesising key scientific research evidence

ObjectivesOur objectives were (1) to systematically map the contours of the European evidence base on labour trafficking, identifying its key characteristics, coverage, gaps, strengths and weaknesses and (2) to synthesise key scientific research.MethodsWe took a two-phase approach: a systematic map followed by a detailed synthesis of key scientific research evidence. Our search strategy included 15 databases, hand searches of additional journals, backwards searches, snowball searches and expert recommendations. We identified and screened 6106 records, mapped 152 and synthesised eight.ResultsOverall, the literature was limited and fragmented. Reports produced by official agencies dominated; academic authorship and peer-reviewed outputs were comparatively rare. Few publications met minimum scientific standards. Qualitative designs outweighed quantitative ones. Publications typically described trafficking’s problem profile and/or discussed interventions; they rarely assessed trafficking’s impacts or evaluated interventions. Even among the key scientific research, the quality of evidence was variable and often low. Particular weaknesses included poor methods reporting, unclear or imprecise results and conclusions not properly grounded in the data. The synthesised studies were all exploratory, also sharing other design features. Common themes identified included: poor treatment of victims; diversity of sectors affected and commonalities among victims; inadequacies of current responses; and barriers to interventions.ConclusionsThere is a lack of high-quality studies into European labour trafficking. Methodological opacity, insufficient rigour and publication in non-indexed locations impede the identification, assessment and synthesis of evidence. Adherence to higher reporting standards would further the field’s development and particular research gaps should be addressed.

The fight against the least visible form of human trafficking: trafficking for labour exploitation

The least visible of human trafficking is the one that is carried out for labour exploitation purposes. The aim here is to focus on two different needs: first, finding an accurate definition of forced labour, that encompass controversial questions, such as the meaning of clauses as “coercion” and “abuse of a position of vulnerability”, and the difference between human trafficking for the purpose of labour exploitation and forced labour; and second, identifying causes of human trafficking for labour exploitation. The article tries to put forward proposals regarding the best way of making these phenomena more visible and effectively combating them.

Recruitment of Migrant Workers in Bangladesh: Elements of Human Trafficking for Labor Exploitation

ABSTRACTThis paper looks at the recruitment process of Bangladeshi migrant workers for employment in the Gulf States through the legal framework of human trafficking. The migrant workers are recruited through a complex process by various recruitment actors which include private recruitment agents, brokers, and social networks. This paper argues that because of harmful recruitment practices, many Bangladeshi workers are often deceived and become victims of human trafficking for labor exploitation under the Prevention and Suppression of Human Trafficking Act, 2012 of Bangladesh as well as the United Nations Trafficking Protocol. Some recruitment actors in Bangladesh deceive the prospective workers during recruitment for the purpose of exploitation or with the knowledge that the workers would face exploitative consequences. The study is significant in several respects; first, it links the recruitment process of migrant workers in the origin state with human trafficking though it is commonly associated with exploitation in the destination. Second, it reveals the prevalence of the crime in apparently regular/legal migration channel where potential victims go through formal procedures. Finally, and most importantly, it contributes to the legal analysis of mens rea element which is a crucial factor in establishing human trafficking as a criminal offence.

A Diaspora Approach to Understanding Human Trafficking for Labor Exploitation

ABSTRACTThis article offers new conceptual tools to understand the dynamics and relationships between trafficking in persons and diaspora networks. A diaspora approach provides a more nuanced and in-depth mode of analyzing human-trafficking cases, and takes into account the intersections between traffickers, victims and diaspora communities within the human-trafficking process. Data come from 72 court files handled as cases of trafficking of adults and children for labor exploitation by various courts between 2004 and 2014. The results confirm that traffickers, to a certain extent, rely on diaspora networks in the recruitment, transportation, and exploitation of the victims. In particular, there is a strong correlation between the nationalities of traffickers and victims, as well as between traffickers and their intermediaries and collaborators. These findings hold in both transnational and domestic trafficking cases. Most traffickers prefer to recruit co-ethnics, but once the recruitment phase is over, traffickers are ready to move across the globe in search of the most advantageous sites of exploitation guided by a commitment to minimizing costs and maximizing profits.

Modern Aspects of Human Trafficking in the Context of Labor Exploitation and Irregular Labor Migration in the Russian Federation

For the Russian Federation, human trafficking for labour exploitation has become particularly acute due to the country’s special socio-economic situation and geographical location. In Russia, the collapse of the USSR was followed by a sharp increase in socio-economic inequality and a rise in unemployment and poverty, which created a socio-economic rationale for the involvement of sizeable socio-demographic groups among the Russian population in trafficking. Russia is not only a source and destination country for internal and external trafficking in human beings for labour exploitation, but by virtue of its geographical location and size, Russia has become a country through which a significant number of migrants from Asia, Africa, and the Near East attempt to enter Europe. The aim of this research is to identify trends and patterns in human trafficking for labour exploitation as well as related irregular labour migration in the Russian Federation under the current socio-economic conditions and to formulate recommendations to combat these adverse phenomena. In this research trafficking for labour exploitation is considered from a broad perspective, not only focusing on the legal definition of trafficking for forced labour but also on less legally severe cases of labour exploitation that constitute and facilitate the context in which a trafficking situation can occur. Slave labour and trafficking for labour exploitation are utilized as synonyms to trafficking for forced labour throughout the article of authors. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n3s2p67

Labour Trafficking in China: Analysis and Recommendations

Despite the likely prevalence of trafficking for labour exploitation in China, law enforcement agencies focus narrowly on the two areas that the government regards as priorities for anti-trafficking activities: the elimination of the illegal adoption of babies and the sexual exploitation of women. Drawing on a review of Chinese legislation, analysis of reports and interviews with experts, this article examines the scale of trafficking for labour exploitation and the scope and effectiveness of the legislation drafted to combat this crime.

Labour Exploitation and Health: A Case Series of Men and Women Seeking Post-Trafficking Services

Research on the health of trafficked men and on the health problems associated with trafficking for labor exploitation are extremely limited. This study analysed data from acase series of anonymised case records of a consecutive sample of 35 men and women who had been trafficked for labor exploitation in the UK and who were receiving support from a non-governmental service between June 2009 and July 2010. Over three-quarters of our sample was male (77%) and two-thirds aged between 18 and 35years (mean 32.9years, SD 10.2). Forty percent reported experiencing physical violence while they were trafficked. Eighty-one percent (25/31) reported one or more physical health symptoms. Fifty-seven percent (17/30) reported one or more post-traumatic stress symptoms. A substantial proportion of men and women who are trafficked for labor exploitation may experience violence and abuse, and have physical and mental health symptoms. People who have been trafficked for forced labor need access to medical assessment and treatment.

The profile less considered: The Trafficking of Men in South Africa

ABSTRACT Human trafficking can broadly be described as the illegal trade of human beings mainly for the purposes of commercial sexual exploitation or forced labour. Trafficking is most commonly associated across the world with the trafficking of women and girls for sexual exploitation, to some extent with the trafficking of children for sexual exploitation, and to a lesser extent with trafficking for labour exploitation. While the trafficking of women and girls for sexual exploitation has been explored at length, the trafficking of men and boys for both sexual and labour exploitation has received less attention. Consequently, victim assistance focuses almost exclusively on women and children who have been trafficked for sexual exploitation. Reports of male victims are rare as men have traditionally been overlooked as potential victims of trafficking. Generally, very little is known about the trafficking of men. The trafficking of men in South Africa, or as a regional phenomenon in southern Africa; the extent to which it exists, the exploitative purposes for which its victims are trafficked, suffers from a similar lack of attention. Human trafficking violates several human rights of the trafficked and the impact of trafficking on individuals is severe. One of the stated objectives of the United Nations Trafficking Protocol is the protection of victims of trafficking. Sustained research on the trafficking of men and boys in South Africa is required to shed more light on the forms of exploitation men and boys are subject to. This will inform policy and practice and allow for effective protection and assistance for a hitherto neglected population.

Trafficking in human beings for labour exploitation. The case of the Netherlands

Exploitation of women in the sex industry is the best known but probably not the most common outcome of trafficking in human beings. Still, trafficking for labour exploitation gets less attention from policy makers, the police and researchers. The legal framework allows dealing with trafficking for labour exploitation, but the prosecution of such cases is still in its infancy. In this contribution we focus on labour exploitation. We first present the legal framework. Then we go into the lack of knowledge in this area, followed by what we do know about risk sectors, victims, and what makes them vulnerable for exploitation. Focussing on the Netherlands, we describe the perpetrators and the difficulties in investigating and prosecuting trafficing cases in general and labour exploitation in particular, rounding off with some general conclusions.

Trafficking and Contract Migrant Workers in the Middle East

The paper addresses a number of issues regarding the extent to which trafficking may be applied to migrant domestic workers who enter under the kafala system of sponsorship in the Middle East. Migrant domestic workers are the most numerous of those mentioned in reports on trafficking for labour exploitation in the region. The discussion seeks to determine whether "trafficking" can be ex post facto, rather than ex ante? In other words, can the label of trafficking be attributed only after the worker has arrived in the receiving country and is victimized according to the principles of trafficking protocols? In addition, must there be a proven intent to traffic by agents, or can employers who harm and/or exploit them be considered as traffickers alone? Should the harm done to workers on arrival at their place of work be classified (and assisted) as victims of trafficking, or as exploited workers?

Human trafficking for labour exploitation:<br> Interpreting the crime

The definition of human trafficking for labour exploitation, as follows from the European Council Framework Decision, proves to be unclear. Literal interpretation does not suffice, because it does not clarify all elements of what is deemed to be criminal behaviour, and hermeneutical interpretation also falls short discouraging the aim of this legislation, namely harmonisation. Hence, another solution is required. This article does so by firstly challenging assumptions about human trafficking for labour exploitation that are generally pertinent, but nonetheless untrue. This accurate appraisal of the crime’s nature is followed by a synopsis of national legislation and adjudication in three Member States, so as to also focus on these actualities regarding the crime that are commonly not conceived. This article examines two countries that have implemented the Framework Decision, namely Belgium and the Netherlands, and one that has not yet done so, the United Kingdom. Thereafter remaining unexplained elements of the Framework Decision’s definition are interpreted with use of international, pan-European and European legislation and adjudication. Based upon all this, a suggested interpretation of the Framework Decision’s definition is provided so as to overcome all identified difficulties with it.

Structural Violence and Human Trafficking: Migrant Domestic Workers in Lebanon

Human trafficking and its link to migrant domestic labor in the Arab region is acomplex, sensitive, and challenging issue. It raises numerous questions and demands further exploration. Under international law human trafficking consists of the recruitment, transfer, or receipt of human beings by coercive or deceptive means for purposes of exploitation. This legal definition is relevant to migrant domestic workers, and the present analysis seeks to address human trafficking for labor exploitation in particular. The primary objective is to identify and analyze the key factors that make migrant domestic workers vulnerable to human trafficking within the specific context of Lebanon. These key factors include the sponsorship system, the recruitment process, and the lack of labor protection and legal redress; each one will be addressed in turn.In the process, the present analysis will also highlight structural violence that subjects migrant women to systemic oppression and increases their vulnerability to human trafficking.