Human Trafficking Research Articles

Resistentia feminarum in visionibus: Joint fantasizing as a practice of migrant women’s narrative resistance to the Caporalato system

The Caporalato system parallels the gangmaster framework, underlining illicit labor practices mediated by intermediaries. This system is entrenched in master narratives—culturally ingrained stories that dictate behaviors and perpetuate power disparities, safeguarding the privileges of the elite. Within this oppressive framework, women face heightened challenges, including increased vulnerability to human trafficking and exploitation. This study explores the counter-narratives developed by women in response to Caporalato’s master narratives. It gathers empirical data from naturally occurring meetings with 11 women from diverse African nations, conducted between January 2023 and July 2023. Using the joint fantasizing approach, which focuses on collaboratively constructed stories with potential future impacts, the study unveils three prominent themes of resistance: ‘My son will make me a queen’, ‘My body will set me free’, and ‘I want to stay at home!’. This analysis reveals that effective resistance through counter-narratives does not rely on forming a single, unified story opposing the master narrative. Rather, these narratives selectively challenge and sometimes adopt aspects of the dominant stories they confront.

The role of South Africa Border Management Authority in tackling border crime: evaluating security networks and evidence-based policing approaches

Inadequately secured national and international borders enable the influx of illicit weaponry and ammunition, as well as the transit of illegal immigrants over South African frontiers. Organised criminal factions have executed armed robberies, vehicle theft, hijacking, cash-in-transit heists, as well as human and drug trafficking throughout many places, towns, and cities in South Africa. The enlistment of security agencies and other stakeholders is essential in combating crime. This study examines the evaluation of the South African Border Management Authority, security networks, and evidence-based policing as comprehensive strategies for addressing border crime and improving safety and security in South Africa. A hybrid methodology was employed for data collecting. The porous borders facilitate the undetected entry of illegal immigrants, and certain security personnel have undermined the system. Evidence-based policing employs scientific evidence for decision-making, grounded in the principle that research should identify areas requiring law enforcement intervention. The Border Management Authority is tasked with the enforcement of South African immigration laws, as well as the protection, control, and management of borders. Recommendations include adopting evidence-based policing and security networks as comprehensive strategies for addressing illegal transnational trade, drug and human trafficking, organised crime, and terrorism; designing and implementing a multi-agency approach; and utilising criminal justice technology and security engineering to improve border security.

The Impact of the Lomé Charter on Combating Trafficking in Persons at Sea: A South African Legal Perspective

A major maritime problem on the African continent is the widespread proliferation of threats to maritime security, including trafficking in persons (‘TIP’) at sea. The relevant South African legislationis the Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act 7 of 2013. South Africa and other states on the continent have taken several steps to address this scourge; despite those steps, TIP continues. For that reason, and to address many other maritime security threats in Africa, member states of the African Union adopted in 2016 the African Charter on Maritime Security and Safety and Development in Africa (‘the Lomé Charter’), which has yet to come into force. This article analyses the relevant pre-existing international instruments, the TIP provisions of the Lomé Charter and the South African legislation. The South African legislative provisions are then compared with the relevant provisions of the Lomé Charter to establish whether any legal steps are required to ensure that South Africa complies with its TIP-related obligations under the Lomé Charter should South Africa decide to ratify the Lomé Charter and should the Lomé Charter come into force. The legal steps required are that South Africa must, among others, adopt policies that guarantee the availability of resources, either from public funds or by forging public-private partnerships, to invest in equipment, operations and training to combat TIP at sea. In addition, South Africa should join other state parties in adopting guidelines and modalities to assist them in fulfilling their obligations in the Lomé Charter.

International Co-Operation as a Veritable Tool in Combating Human Trafficking: A Review of the Decision in R V. Josephine Iyamu

The investigation, rescue of victims and effective prosecution of human trafficking offences which occurred in two or more states is a major challenge to stakeholders around the world. This paper examined international cooperation (mutual assistance in criminal matters) as an important tool to contain human trafficking. It briefly demonstrated the informal and formal forms of collaboration available to states and highlighted the bases for cooperation, it adopted the doctrinal research method. It also Reviewed the facts and law of the UK court decision in R v. Josephine Iyamu which represents the global expectation of all countries as it brought to the fore the high level of collaboration exhibited by Germany, the United Kingdom, and Nigeria in bringing the offender to justice. The paper concluded with a clarion call on all nations of the world to activate international collaboration as a useful tool in the fight against human trafficking.

Improving the Estimate of Trafficking in Human Beings and Modern Slavery by Integrating Data From ILO/Walk Free/IOM and UNODC

Abstract An improved global estimate of the amount of trafficking in human beings/modern slavery is produced. The paper develops the methodology for data to populate Indicator 16.2.2 in the UN SDGs, ‘the estimated number of victims of human trafficking per 100,000 population, by sex, age, and form of exploitation’. The improved estimate is constructed by integrating data from the International Labour Organization/Walk Free/International Organization for Migration (ILO/Walk Free/IOM) with administrative data from United Nations Organization on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) rather than from the Counter Trafficking Global Data Collaborative (CTDC). The data from the UNODC is more comprehensive and less volatile than that from the CTDC on registered victims of trafficking. The new estimate is more than 30% larger, increases the proportion of trafficking for purposes of sexual exploitation from 27 to 56%, and increases the proportion of victims of trafficking who are female from 54 to 64%. This has implications for the priorities for social and public policy for prevention and for the provision of services to mitigate harms.

Emerging Security Threats and Strategic Countermeasures along India’s International Borders with Bangladesh and Myanmar

India's borders with Bangladesh and Myanmar are intricate and shaped by various geopolitical elements, resulting in considerable security issues that impact regional stability. These challenges include unauthorized immigration, arms, narcotics, drug and human trafficking, insurgency, and various forms of illicit trade. The porous nature of these borders, coupled with rugged terrain, enables unauthorized crossings and illegal activities. This article highlights the emerging threats in these border areas and underscores the pressing need for comprehensive countermeasures. Recommendations focus on enhancing border infrastructure, deploying advanced technological solutions, and fostering both bilateral and multilateral cooperation with neighbouring nations. The findings strongly support an integrated strategy that combines security measures with regional collaboration, promotes a stable domestic environment that fosters social, racial, and communal harmony, and engages in humanitarian and diplomatic efforts. Such a robust framework is crucial for ensuring border safety, protecting national interests, and promoting lasting peace in the region.

Migration, Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery Implications for ‘Japa’ Syndrome in Selected Post-Colonial Texts

Migration has become a prevalent strategy for vulnerable women and girls seeking better opportunities. This study examines the intricate relationship between migration, human trafficking, and modern slavery through a qualitative approach, utilising Dressel & MacDonald (2018) and George & Bennett's (2005) comparative textual analysis. By analysing Nawal El Sadaawi’s Woman at Point Zero (2015) and Patricia McCormick’s Sold (2006), the study highlights the vulnerabilities faced by characters Firdaus and Lakshmi, paralleling the experiences of Nigerian women pursuing 'Japa' (emigration). Crenshaw's (2013) Intersectionality theory provides the framework for understanding these complexities. The study indicates a significant risk of exploitation during migration, emphasising the struggles for agency amidst economic migration. The study calls for increased awareness, education, and policy interventions to address the risks of 'Japa,' human trafficking, and modern slavery, advocating for systemic changes to protect and empower women.

Using Theory and Technology to Build an Interprofessional Community of Human Trafficking Educators.

Human trafficking, a global health crisis, requires interprofessional responses. Skilled teachers are needed to train health care providers about human trafficking. To promote nonhierarchical interprofessional collaborative learning, we applied social cognitive and experiential learning theories within a dialectical constructivist program design to scaffold participants' knowledge and leveraged technology to build and sustain the program's community. WhatsApp and Flipgrid connected participants and faculty prior to the program. Participants' reflections on experiences were used to inform confidential and respectful information sharing. Live case presentations were interwoven with prerecorded didactics, Zoom break-out case analyses, and Q&A sessions with trafficking survivors. Participants used learning theories to cocreate and teach about labor and sex trafficking, disclosure, and the law. A reciprocal teaching activity facilitated participants' integration of new knowledge with authentic work responsibilities. Constructive peer feedback on the content, clarity, and engagement of their teaching reinforced participants' self-efficacy in expanding their education work in their home organizations. As of 2021, 156 physicians, nurses, social workers, advanced practice providers, psychologists, and public health workers, from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Trinidad/Tobago, have graduated from the program. Three-month postprogram surveys indicated lasting knowledge and skills changes in use of the Stop, Observe, Ask, Refer framework, teaching with adult learning principles, and creating organizational trafficking protocols. The strategic application of learning theory and technology has enabled us to foster a nonhierarchical community of interprofessional learners, cultivating a dynamic network of educators who continue to make international impacts on people with an experience of human trafficking.

Reframing Human Trafficking: Indonesia’s Diplomacy in Tackling Chinese Mail-Order Bride Cases

The phenomenon of Chinese mail-order brides in Indonesia gained prominence in the 1980s and resurfaced in 2017, particularly affecting regions like West Kalimantan. This research aims to examine Indonesia’s diplomatic strategies in addressing Chinese mail-order brides as human trafficking cases (TPPO) from 2018 to 2021, focusing on engagements between the Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Chinese Government. Theoretical frameworks of diplomacy, humanitarian diplomacy, and human security provide the analytical lens for this study. The study employs a qualitative research method, leveraging a comprehensive literature review of official documents, academic sources, and credible news articles. The research findings reveal that poverty, limited education, parental influence, and scarce employment opportunities contribute to the prevalence of mail-order brides. Additionally, cultural perceptions and aspirations for an improved life exacerbate the issue. The Indonesian government, through bilateral diplomacy, has made significant efforts, such as negotiating victim repatriation and enhancing law enforcement collaborations with China. Notable successes include framing mail-order bride cases as TPPO, which facilitated victim repatriation. NGOs like the Indonesian Migrant Workers' Union (SBMI) have played essential roles in advocacy and preventive measures. Despite these efforts, challenges remain, such as differing cultural perspectives between Indonesia and China and regulatory inconsistencies. Governmental complicity and inadequate documentation have further complicated diplomatic resolutions. The research highlights that Indonesia’s strategic reframing of mail-order bride cases as human trafficking crimes enhances international cooperation and offers policy innovation for addressing human rights violations.

The Digitalization of Outreach Social Work: Hybrid Practices in Italian Anti-Trafficking Efforts

ABSTRACT This study contributes to understanding digital social work efforts by outreach professionals engaging in anti-trafficking interventions in Northern Italy. It aims to answer the following research questions: How are digital resources being mobilized by outreach social workers in preventing, countering, and redressing forms of exploitation and trafficking in persons? What contribution does this offer to the understanding of the new opportunities and risks created by digital social work, applied to outreach activities toward highly marginalized groups at risk of being trafficked for labor and sexual exploitation? In this paper, we first contextualize the issue through essential literature in the areas of trafficking in persons, outreach social work, and digital social work. We then briefly outline the methodology, which is followed by a presentation and discussion of some of the strategies outreach social workers have enacted to mobilize digital resources to prevent, identify, and redress exploitation. A brief conclusion highlights the main takeaways. Some methodologies aim to enhance the digital agency of persons at risk, while others generate user-led digital contact pathways or promote digital safety practices, thus contributing to achieving UN sustainable goals 5, empowering women and girls, and 16, promoting just, peaceful, and inclusive societies

Unraveling the root causes and challenges of organized crime at South Africa’s border posts

South Africa’s border posts are increasingly becoming crucial hubs for organized crime posing serious national and regional security implications with far-reaching consequences. The country’s national security, economic stability, and community safety are significantly jeopardised by organised criminal enterprises at border posts. As a result, the porous borders of South Africa have fostered an environment that is conducive to a variety of unlawful activities, such as the smuggling of drugs into the country and human trafficking. This paper seeks to identify political, economic, and social factors that lead to organised crime, corruption, and weak border management systems. The paper employed a secondary data analysis of existing scholarly articles, government reports as well as relevant case studies. The study found that local communities are most affected by illegal activities at the ports of entry. The findings further emphasize the importance of inclusive approaches in responding to security challenges that address cross-border flow regulation, fight corruption in service delivery, and promote community resilience. The paper concludes with recommendations for strengthening border controls towards enhancing cooperation between countries and curbing transnational crime networks.

Unveiling the Long-Term Challenges: Disabilities and Post-Human Trafficking Survival - A Survivor Perspective

ABSTRACT Millions of individuals are affected by human trafficking globally, and many of them experience long-term psychological and physiological health issues that remain largely unaddressed. This case study provides a brief overview of the most common long-term health challenges survivors of human trafficking face and the barriers they experience as they try to access services through the unique lens of a survivor. The importance of a healing-centered approach is introduced as a much-needed extension to the more widely used yet still underutilized trauma-informed processes in survivor care. Finally, the case study provides suggestions for future directions to understand and respond to the long-term health care and mental health needs of survivors after their trafficking experience.

Deaf Populations and Human Trafficking: Risk and Protective Factors for Consideration

ABSTRACT Deaf populations have a significant vulnerability to sex trafficking and the commercial sexual exploitation of children. Despite the presence of literature on the incidence of sexual abuse and other types of gender-based violence in Deaf communities, this topic has gone unresearched to date. This integrative review article provides an overview of the research on experiences of Deaf populations and sex work, domestic violence, sexual abuse, and other overlapping types of violence which often obfuscate victim identification. Additionally, the article summarizes findings from the literature and makes recommendations for practice in work with this population.

Assessing community participation in anti-human trafficking in Edo State, Nigeria

ABSTRACT The ineffectiveness of the state-centric legal/institutional approach has marked a paradigm shift in the practice and literature on the global anti-human trafficking efforts to embrace community-based strategies. An understanding of the local contexts of human trafficking is critical to developing a meaningful response to its scourge. Thus, this paper aims to assess community participation in anti-human trafficking efforts in Nigeria. The study adopted the qualitative research design and drew its data from semi-structured interviews with purposively selected 25 stakeholders in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. The findings indicated that legal/institutional response has not been effective against human trafficking in Edo State as well as Nigeria due largely to corruption and other vices. Furthermore, while engagement in anti-human trafficking was very high among FBOs, CBOs and NGOs, it was low among ordinary members of the communities. To address the challenges hindering community participation in anti-human trafficking the study recommends the empowerment of local communities and FBOs, CSOs, NGOs, survivors of human trafficking, and other non-state actors. The study concludes that improved community participation will bridge the gaps in the legal/institutional approach, which will result in the effectiveness of the fight against human trafficking in Nigeria.

Prevalence of Neurodevelopmental, Mental, and Behavioral Disorders in a Sample of U.S. Commercially Sexually Exploited Youth, and Associations with Health and Health Care Access

ABSTRACT Little is known about the prevalence of neurodevelopmental, mental, or behavioral disorders among CSEC survivors, and the experiences of CSEC survivors with these disorders with health care. We conducted a self-report survey study with N = 269 youths between the ages of 13 and 24 years old who disclosed that they had experienced CSEC prior to age 18 in the United States. The vast majority, 82%, reported that they had ever been diagnosed with a neurodevelopmental disorder or neurological impairment (i.e. ADHD, autism, intellectual disability, or learning disorder), a serious mental illness (i.e. schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or bipolar disorder), a mood disorder (i.e. PTSD, depression, or anxiety), or a behavioral disorder (substance use, eating, or conduct disorder). Approximately 26% reported seeking healthcare while being exploited. Those with Serious mental illness (SMI) or behavioral disorder were more likely than other subsets of CSEC survivors to report poor mental and physical health, and negative experiences in the healthcare setting. Our findings have direct implications for efforts that align with the UN's Sustainable Development Goal of “promoting just, peaceful and inclusive societies,” in that they provide support for the idea that health care providers will benefit from training in supporting human trafficking survivors with neurodevelopmental, mental, and behavioral disorders.

Rejection of Federal Guidance by Southern US States and Projected Consequences for Ending the HIV Epidemic.

Evidence-based HIV programming focused on populations at risk of HIV is critical for sustainable disease prevention. In response to the Tennessee Department of Health decision to reject federal HIV guidance, the present study examines the potential impact of Southern US states adopting policies that direct HIV prevention and testing efforts away from populations "disproportionately affected" (DA) by HIV toward populations "non-disproportionately affected" (NDA). Descriptive and projection analyses with publicly available data explored the influence of policies emphasizing NDA populations on HIV cases. Across the Southern US, DA populations (cisgender women, men who have sex with men, transgender persons, and people who inject drugs) represent the absolute majority (90%) of diagnosed HIV cases, whereas NDA populations (pregnant women, infants, first responders, and human trafficking victims) represent only a small proportion (2%) of diagnosed HIV cases. Estimated projections show avoidable HIV cases among DA populations in the Southern US alone could aggregate to over 32,000 by 2030 if prevention efforts exclusively concentrate on NDA populations, which approximates the current national annual incidence of 36,000 HIV cases. Prevention efforts aimed at DA populations compared with NDA populations could reduce new infections across the Southern US by 47% versus 1%, respectively, by 2030. Policies disregarding epidemiological data may hinder efforts to end the HIV epidemic, both regionally and nationally.

Inhibition of the ANGPTL3/8 Complex for the Prevention and Treatment of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease.

Dyslipidemia is a casual risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). There is an unmet need for more effective treatments for patients with dyslipidemias. Angiopoietin-like protein 3 (ANGPTL3) and ANGPTL8 play key roles in triglyceride trafficking and energy balance in humans. We review the functional role of these ANGPTL proteins in the regulation of lipoprotein metabolism, and recent clinical trials targeting ANGPTL3 and ANGPTL3/8 with monoclonal antibody and/or nucleic acid therapies, including antisense oligonucleotides and small interfering RNA. Cumulative evidence supports the roles of ANGPTL3 and ANGPTL8 in lipid metabolism through inhibition of lipoprotein lipase and endothelial lipase activity. ANGPTL3 and ANGPTL3/8 inhibitors are effective in lowering plasma triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, with the possible advantage of raising high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol with the inhibition of ANGPTL3/8. Therapeutic inhibition of ANGPTL3 and ANGPTL3/8 can lower plasma triglyceride and LDL-cholesterol levels possibly by lowering production and upregulating catabolism of triglyceride-rich lipoprotein and LDL particles. However, the effect of these novel agents on HDL metabolism remains unclear. The cardiovascular benefits of ANGPTL3 and ABGPTL3/8 inhibitors may also include improvement in vascular inflammation, but this requires further investigation.

Strengthening Law Enforcement and Public Awareness to Combat Human Trafficking in Indonesia

Human trafficking remains a significant human rights issue in Indonesia, despite the nation’s comprehensive legal framework aimed at preventing crime and upholding justice. This pervasive problem predominantly targets women and children, exploiting their vulnerability through forced labor, sexual exploitation, and slavery. The increasing prevalence of human trafficking highlights gaps in law enforcement, insufficient government commitment, and limited societal awareness, making it urgent to strengthen preventive measures and legal implementation. This study seeks to analyze the challenges in combating human trafficking while exploring strategies to enhance law enforcement and public participation. Employing a qualitative approach, the research utilizes library-based methods with data collected through document analysis, focusing on Law Number 21 of 2007 concerning the Eradication of the Crime of Human Trafficking. The findings reveal significant shortcomings in legal enforcement due to inadequate budget allocation, poor coordination among stakeholders, and the lack of robust community education. Despite the legal framework’s potential, the government’s efforts in ensuring security, developing infrastructure, and addressing societal awareness remain insufficient. The study emphasizes the need for harmonized regulations, increased resource allocation, and cultural and gender-sensitive approaches to strengthen protection and rehabilitation initiatives. By fostering public awareness, regular program evaluation, and collaborative reforms, Indonesia can address the systemic challenges and adopt a holistic strategy to combat human trafficking effectively, ensuring justice for victims and preventing further exploitation.

Neuropsychiatric Vulnerabilities and Sequelae of Human Trafficking in the United States.

Neuropsychiatric Vulnerabilities and Sequelae of Human Trafficking in the United States.

Peran Kejaksaan dalam Penentuan Hak Restitusi Tindak Pidana Perdagangan Orang

This study aims to find out and analyze the role of the prosecutor's office in determining the right to restitution for the crime of trafficking in persons based on case number 27/Pid.sus/2019/PN.Kpg. This research is a normative legal research (library research) supported by empirical data. This research focuses on the Role of the Prosecutor's Office in Determining the Right to Restitution for the Crime of Trafficking in Persons. The approach used in this study is the case approach. This research uses primary legal materials, secondary legal materials and tertiary legal materials. This legal research is analyzed using the Content Analysis legal material analysis technique. The results of this study show that (1) The existence of restitution is contained in Law Number 21 of 2007 concerning Trafficking, Article 4 of Perma No. 1 of 2022, and is contained in the Criminal Procedure Code. (2) The role of the prosecutor's office in determining the right to restitution of victims in the crime of trafficking in persons is to inform the victim of their rights in submitting restitution applications to the court, so that the suggestions that can be given to law enforcers, especially the Public Prosecutor, should be given socialization or training regarding Law Number 21 of 2007 concerning the Eradication of Trafficking in Persons, especially the provision of restitution, so that there is a common perception in handling cases of human trafficking.