Human Trafficking Research Articles

O TRÁFICO INTERNACIONAL DE PESSOAS SOB A ÓTICA DOS DIREITOS HUMANOS: MULHERES E CRIANÇAS COMO SUAS MAIORES VÍTIMAS E A NECESSIDADE DE REFORÇO DAS MEDIDAS PARA SUA MAIOR VISIBILIDADE, PREVENÇÃO E COMBATE

This paper seeks to analyze the basic international legislative provision regarding human trafficking, emphasizing the trafficking of women and children. Next, it intends to address human rights and their serious violation through the practice of the human trafficking crime, also pointing out that the non-observance of human rights can similarly be seen as one of the causes of this criminal practice. Furthermore, given the international recognition of human rights and their protection as a top international agenda, the paper aims to emphasize the need for incessant debate on their violation in human trafficking. This includes fostering discussions within the academic realm, encouraging research on the data surrounding this practice. This includes fostering discussions within the academic realm, encouraging research on the data surrounding this practice. Considering the constant growth and invisibility of this criminal conduct, it significantly hampers its international confrontation and internal state efforts. Additionally, this work seeks to demonstrate that through international and internal discourse, as well as international cooperation, it is possible to expand and reinforce preventive and combative measures against human trafficking. This issue is one of the serious problems arising from the growth of transnational migration. This paper is based on the deductive approach method, in addition to bibliographic and documentary research as the procedural method.

Federal Human Trafficking Prosecution Data: Identifying Trends, Gaps, and Disparities to Advance Evidence-Based Reforms

ABSTRACT The Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 gave federal law enforcement the ability to investigate and prosecute human trafficking as a stand alone offense. Over time, prosecutions of human trafficking have risen, partly due to increased awareness and education among federal investigators and prosecutors. Despite all of the effort that has gone into human trafficking prosecutions, there remains scant empirical research examining anti-human trafficking prosecutorial efforts in the United States. The present research begins to fill this gap by presenting a novel dataset, Federal Case Data (FCD), maintained by Allies Against Slavery in its Lighthouse data platform. This paper introduces the methodology behind FCD, discusses its limitations, presents the results of a variety of research questions, and sets forth a robust research agenda for FCD. Ultimately, the findings highlight the complex interplay of demographic factors in predicting case types and reveal significant disparities in prosecution trends nationwide, including the overrepresentation of certain types of cases, defendants, and victims. These insights can empower stakeholders across the anti-trafficking movement to identify knowledge gaps, disseminate critical information, allocate resources, and inform policy and practice moving forward.

Forensic Expert: An analysis of the solution in the App Kidnappings Links to Financial Fraud in South Africa Banking Industry

Research shows forensic experts revealed that as of the 2022/2023 financial year, the total number of kidnappings in South Africa reached 15 343 cases. Gauteng had the highest number of kidnappings, with 7 818 reports. KwaZulu-Natal followed with 3 081 cases of kidnapping in the same period. The escalating number of kidnappings in South Africa has reached unprecedented levels, with recent incidents shedding light on the dire reality faced by citizens. According to Statistics SA (StatsSA), more than 16 000 kidnappings are recorded annually in South Africa. Shockingly, 85% of these victims are women and children. Reasons for the kidnapping range from ransom demands to human trafficking, drugs, business debts, feuds and, in some cases, for muthi (traditional medicine) where human body parts are used. Crime statistics reveal a 183% increase in kidnapping cases over a nine-year period. From the 2012/2013 period, where 3 832 cases were reported, to the 2021/2022 period, where 10 826 cases were recorded, the trend has shown no signs of abating. This study aims to analyses the biometrics technology link app kidnappings to financial fraud in South Africa and Africa. Design/methodology/approach discusses from secondary sources of data, mainly drawn from journal articles, internet sources and scholarly books relevant to leadership and public administration in developing African countries and how the biometrics technology link app kidnappings to financial fraud can be combat crime such as financial fraud to ensure awareness and protection in the society. This will bring about a renewal of thought and practice of public protection on the continent.

The Fight Against Human Trafficking in Indonesia’s Fisheries Industry

Human trafficking in Indonesia's fisheries industry, which gained international attention following the Benjina case, highlights the issue of modern slavery. This study aims to analyze the Indonesian government's efforts to address the threat of human trafficking in the national fisheries sector, a topic that has been scarcely explored in existing literature. The research employs the 4Ps framework (Prevention, Protection, Prosecution, Partnership) by the U.S. Department of State, using a qualitative approach with secondary data. The findings reveal that the Indonesian government has undertaken various initiatives across the four key pillars: Prevention, Protection, Prosecution, and Partnership. These efforts include training and capacity-building for law enforcement, establishing rehabilitation centers for victims, enhancing legal frameworks, and collaborating with national and international stakeholders. However, the study also notes the absence of specific legal provisions addressing human trafficking within the fisheries sector. These findings underscore the need for policy evaluation to ensure that the measures implemented can have a significant impact in combating human trafficking in Indonesia's fisheries industry.

Child Trafficking and Recruitment in Armed Conflicts: Exploring the Worst Forms of Child Labour from a Colombian Perspective

This article examines the relationship between human trafficking and the recruitment of children in armed conflicts, with a focus on Colombia as a case study representative of Latin America. Drawing on global data from the Global Report on Trafficking in Persons and local reports, the study highlights the convergence of “child trafficking” and “child recruitment” in conflict regions, framing these practices as severe violations of children’s rights and some of the worst forms of child labour. Employing an inductive method and documentary analysis, the research identifies key socioeconomic and political drivers of these practices in Colombia, emphasising their broader impact on Latin American society. The findings underscore the need for integrated international and local efforts to address the vulnerabilities of children in conflict settings and propose strategies for mitigation.

Evaluating the Efficacy of Trafficking in Persons Education and Policy Implementation Across Four Acute Care Health Systems

ABSTRACT Background Human Trafficking (HT) victims often seek healthcare for injuries and illnesses without proper screening or support, leading to re-traumatization. Evidence suggests that contributing variables include a lack of organizational protocols and a scarcity of evidence-based, trauma-informed HT education for healthcare providers. Objective This study evaluated the impact of adopting evidence-based HT protocols within health systems and providing trauma-informed education on healthcare professionals’ (HCPs) ability to identify and respond to HT victims. Design/Setting/Participation The study used a quasi-experimental design. Conducted in four large U.S. healthcare systems, the study included 197 participants potentially involved in victim identification within the healthcare setting. Methods Each organization developed and deployed HT policies and procedures, then hosted the HT education intervention, a two-hour evidence-based, trauma-informed, and survivor-informed program. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive and inferential statistical tests. Results The results showed statistically significant improvement in the respondents’ confidence in identifying and responding to potential HT victims in the healthcare setting after adopting organization-specific policies and procedures and attending the HT education program. Conclusion and Implications HT is a global public health crisis and a violation of human rights. This study highlights the importance of adopting trauma-informed, survivor-informed, evidence-based HT organizational protocols and HCP education. The study aligns with the United Nations’ sustainable goals for equitable healthcare, underscoring the significance of HCP education in enhancing the well-being of HT victims and creating an inclusive healthcare system. Global efforts to combat HT must prioritize comprehensive training and policy integration within healthcare systems.

Women Traficking and the Legal Provisions in India

Human trafficking, especially the exploitation of women, continues to be a severe violation of human rights both in India and across the globe. This issue involves deceptive and coercive practices that exploit women, often forcing them into various forms of servitude, including sexual exploitation. Although legal safeguards, such as Article 23 of the Indian Constitution, which bans trafficking, and various national laws intended to combat this issue, exist, human trafficking continues to thrive. Contributing factors include economic vulnerability, inadequate law enforcement, and entrenched social stigmas. This paper investigates the current situation of women's trafficking in India, highlighting important laws like the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act (ITPA) and the Suppression of Immoral Traffic in Women and Girls Act (SITA). It also examines the deficiencies in the legal framework, the cycle of exploitation that perpetuates trafficking, and the critical need for stronger and more comprehensive approaches. Through an analysis of research, judicial decisions, and legal measures, this study seeks to offer an in-depth understanding of the issue and propose effective solutions to address the trafficking of women.

Human trafficking in the Western Balkans: a review of legal and security perspectives

Human trafficking in the Western Balkans: a review of legal and security perspectives

Cab45G trafficking through the insulin secretory pathway is altered in human type 2 diabetes.

In type 2 diabetes (T2D), the rate of insulin secretory granule biogenesis can limit insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells. Using rat insulinoma INS1 β-cells, we show that the soluble Ca2+-binding/trafficking protein, Cab45G, serves as a non-essential chaperone for insulin granule biogenesis. In β-cells, Cab45G is stored within a cis-Golgi reservoir. Cab45G deletion dysregulates Ca2+ homeostasis and leads to secretory abnormality, but insulin granule biogenesis remains intact. Increasing Cab45G biosynthesis leads to anterograde trafficking into insulin granules, stimulating their production. Using human donor islets, we identify increased anterograde Cab45G trafficking in obese humans with and without T2D, consistent with the heightened demand for granule biogenesis. However, humans with T2D demonstrate decreased Golgi Cab45G localization and increased granule Cab45G localization compared to those without T2D. Our study provides the first insight into Cab45G function in specialized secretory cells and opens avenues of investigation into mechanisms associated with β-cell compensation and failure.

Substance Use Disorders Among Human Trafficking Victims: Insights From a National Survey of Emergency Department Visits

Substance Use Disorders Among Human Trafficking Victims: Insights From a National Survey of Emergency Department Visits

Harnessing Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment: A Trauma-Informed Approach to Healing a Survivor of Human Trafficking

Human trafficking is a global concern with a prevalence that likely exceeds 6.3 million people per year worldwide and a significant amount in the United States alone. This unique patient population requires high-quality trauma-informed care to address their complex medical and psychosocial needs. This case study examines the use of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) in combination with trauma-informed care in the treatment of a survivor of human trafficking. The patient had many years of complex trauma and physical abuse, including multiple head injuries, with subsequent chronic migraines, but presented with an acute exacerbation. While awaiting further workup, cranial osteopathy treatment was performed with informed consent and trauma-informed considerations with significant relief of somatic symptoms. OMT, in conjunction with trauma-informed care, offers a unique opportunity to address the physical and psychological symptoms of this underserved population with many opportunities for further application and research.

Preliminary effectiveness of a trauma-informed mind-body intervention for survivors of human trafficking in the Philippines

ABSTRACT Human trafficking survivors report high rates of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Despite growing attention to the mental health needs of this population, there is a dearth of evidence-based mental health interventions and reintegration support programs for survivors in low-resource settings. We report findings from a pilot study exploring the preliminary effectiveness of a trauma-informed, mind-body intervention for survivors in Cebu, Philippines. Data were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models. Findings show significant reductions in symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD among survivors over time. Findings demonstrate the promise of culturally-responsive, low-technology mind-body interventions to address survivors’ mental health needs.

Human Trafficking Tier Rankings: The Effects of Women in Government

Human trafficking is the fastest growing international criminal industry, which disproportionately affects women and children. To monitor the crime, the U.S. Department of State places each country into one of four tiers based on governmental anti-trafficking efforts. This study explores how women in government can influence these efforts. It is hypothesised that women serving in government have two effects—a direct and indirect effect—on a country’s tier ranking. The direct effect is defined as female politicians advocating for anti-trafficking policy. Female politicians are also linked to lower corruption, which indirectly serves to enhance anti-trafficking efforts. The analysis results indicate that the direct effect is identified when women in government are measured as female political power representation but is not found when women in government are measured as simply female political representation. The indirect effect is found in both cases.

The Human Trafficking Campaign in Cameroon: Key Actors, Common and Competing Interests

This article examines how the legal framework of human trafficking, as established by the UN Palermo Protocol and shaped by the US Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA), gains traction in Cameroon. It focuses on the power dynamics among key actors leading the anti-trafficking campaign in Cameroon and how this affects their efforts to combat trafficking. The actors are broadly classified into two groups: external partners, including the UN, the US, and international organizations, and internal partners, such as the Cameroonian government and local civil society organizations. The study draws on the concept of traveling models and their “aura” as developed by Behrends, Park, and Rottenburg and is based on ethnographic fieldwork conducted in Cameroon between 2016 and 2024. The findings reveal tension between the two core elements of the Palermo Protocol—humanitarian and security considerations—as actors involved in anti-trafficking efforts tend to prioritize one element over the other. This highlights the significance of power dynamics and strategic alliances, with Cameroonian stakeholders often seeking to adapt the framework to local contexts. The article also relates to the special issue’s overarching question of how attempts at increasing equality often contribute to generating durable inequality. It shows how measures aimed at preventing human trafficking, particularly of women, inadvertently lead to them resorting to even riskier migration routes.

“Slaves of the Gods” - Vulnerability to Trafficking: Labor and Sexual Exploitation of Women and Girls Among the Ewe Communities in Ghana

This contribution explores how cultural religious beliefs and practices of the Trokosi institution engender vulnerability to the recruitment of girls into bonded life, sexual and labor exploitation, and trafficking in Ghana. Here, trafficking and exploitation are conceptualized at three levels: (a) the family level where young girls are taken away from home through deception, false promises, abduction, threats, or coercion and moved elsewhere (e.g., from rural areas to towns); (b) intra and inter-community transfers; and (c) moving women and girls through marriage arrangements organized within the Trokosi (“slaves of the gods”) practice. The girls are often deceived about the destination, or their transfers are carried out through forced marriage arrangements. The above practice of transferring girls from one place to another and their sexual and labor exploitation fall within the UN Palermo Protocol definition of human trafficking and the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention No. 29, respectively. This study therefore aims to enhance our understanding of how the underlying patriarchal power relations and violence against women, underpinned by traditional religious beliefs and practices in the Trokosi institution, perpetuate bondage, labor, and sexual exploitation and aid trafficking of children and young women among the Ewe communities of Ghana.

Characteristics of criminal organizations which commit crimes in the field of surrogacy

The article examines the characteristics of criminal associations committing crimes in surrogacy with a view to its further use in the detection and investigation of these torts. Customers of services in the field of criminal commercial surrogacy are primarily foreigners (citizens of France, Italy, Germany, China, and other countries, including those with a prohibited surrogacy regime). Members of criminal associations specializing in commercial surrogacy use secrecy measures to prevent their exposure and prosecution for human trafficking and other criminal offenses: conceal information about the surrogate mother’s fictitious marriage to a foreign client, about the presence of a common biological child; communicate in closed groups (for example, in the Viber messenger); prohibit surrogate mothers from informing third parties about the onset of pregnancy, participation in the surrogacy program, registration with doctors to monitor the course of pregnancy, etc. The victims of the torts under study are persons who are in a vulnerable state due to a combination of difficult life circumstances and voluntarily agree to participate in commercial surrogacy programs but may be subject to coercion in the future. Organizers of surrogacy crimes may include persons who establish and manage medical centers (e.g., hold the position of director). The members of criminal organizations that commit these torts are primarily persons working in medical services, lawyers, translators, and persons with connections to customers. Other persons (e.g., medical professionals, lawyers) may be involved in these criminal activities who do not have information about the criminal purpose of the criminal organization since the line between legal and criminal surrogacy is insignificant.

Optimizing the Functions of Immigration Intelligence and Immigration Assisted Villages in the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons: An Integrative Approach to Enhancing Community Resilience in Indonesia - A Systematic Literature Review

Trafficking in Persons (TP) is a serious threat to national security and human rights in Indonesia. The complexity of this crime has increased over time, with an evolving modus operandi, especially in border areas and vulnerable communities. This research aims to analyze the optimization of the immigration intelligence function and the Immigration Assisted Village program in preventing TP, with an integrative approach based on technology and community empowerment. The research uses the systematic literature review (SLR) method to compile a comprehensive synthesis of related literature in the 2010-2024 period. The results of this research show that the integration of immigration intelligence functions, Early Warning Systems (EWS), and the Immigration Assisted Village program is proven to be able to increase the effectiveness of preventing TP. Big data technology and artificial intelligence play a key role in analyzing TP patterns and trends, while community empowerment through education and job training increases community resilience to this crime. However, the implementation of these strategies faces challenges, such as limited resources and inter-agency coordination. Implications This research recommends a multidisciplinary approach involving technology investment, community empowerment, and continuous evaluation to strengthen Indonesia's position in combating TP as well as increase community resilience to this threat.

Justice denied! COVID-19 and human trafficking in India and the USA

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened socio-economic vulnerabilities, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities and amplifying the risks associated with human trafficking. This paper examines the pandemic’s impact on human trafficking trends in India and the United States, focusing on shifts in vulnerabilities and victim profiles during and after the pandemic period. By employing rigorous selection criteria, the review synthesizes a robust dataset from the Counter Trafficking Data Collaborative (CTDC), to provide an understanding of the issue. Data on trafficking is complemented with a critical analysis of existing legislation, including India’s Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act and the US’s Trafficking Victims Protection Act, and evaluates their efficacy in addressing the dynamic challenges posed by the pandemic. Through a comparative approach, this study underscores the necessity for adaptable strategies and innovative solutions, offering insightful policy recommendations tailored to the specific contexts of India and the US, with broader implications for global anti-trafficking efforts.

Velké oblasti harmonizace trestního práva – základy srovnání

The presence of fifty-two separate criminal processes in the United States would be much less significant if those processes all were subject to a single law that mandated an exclusive comprehensive regulation for all fifty-two jurisdictions. The U.S. Constitution is not such a law. It is only source of substantial legal regulation that is applicable to all fifty-two jurisdictions. It locks those fifty-two jurisdictions into a basic procedural structure that guarantees a commonality in most overarching principles reflected in the fifty-two different processes. In Australia there are nine different sets of criminal laws operating. Each of the six states, the two territories and the federal jurisdiction has its own criminal laws. Each state or territory has control over crimes occurring with its borders and a corresponding duty not to interfere with the affairs of other jurisdictions. Criminal Codes do not supersede the system of precedent as the provisions are not free of all ambiguity and need to be interpreted. Such a situation is quite similar to the European Union where separate twenty-seven jurisdictions reflect different systems of criminal procedure based on exclusive rights of each Member State to perform criminal justice on its own territory. Nevertheless the process of “europeisation” of criminal law launched after the ratification of EU Treaty in 1993 and in particular after its amendment through Amsterdam Treaty in 1999 opened a bulk of theoretical problems in this area. The criminal law in the U.S. is not a subject as to which there is a natural pressure to achieve uniformity. One factor said to lead to individuality in each state's criminal law is the diversity from state to state of the administrative environments in which that law is applied. Such differences exist in the EU as well but in general administrative a judiciary structure of European states does not differ that much as this is the case among some states in the U.S. In Australia the traditional territorial theory has been challenged by the rise of international offences. There are many offences where federal, state and territory legislatures have exercised their sovereign powers to apply the criminal law beyond their territories. There is as well a growing global interest in expanding the ambit of what are known as extraterritorial offences to include crimes against human rights such as torture, terrorism and sexual trafficking in women and children. There can be found other factors that encourage lawmakers of the different states to look to common sources in shaping criminal procedure of their individual state. All U.S. or Australian states started with the common heritage of the English common law. This is obviously not the case for Europe where we have a heritage of continental criminal procedure and English common law tradition. The American or Australian criminal Jaw thus has more common principles for its jurisdictions than we can find for twenty-seven jurisdictions in Europe. Concerning the instruments of criminal law harmonisation in Europe we definitely have a more formalised system (EC directives, EU framework decisions) than in the U.S. The American or Australian systems seem to be more voluntary for individual states to adopt common principles but less burdensome as to its effects.

Key Challenges Experienced by Bangladeshi Human Trafficking Survivors During Social Reintegration: Insights from Survivors, Experts, and Social Workers

ABSTRACT Purpose Human trafficking survivors’ successful social reintegration is of paramount importance. However, survivors found it difficult to build their lives in Bangladesh upon return. The specific challenges encountered by Bangladeshi trafficking survivors remain underexplored, particularly regarding individual, socio-cultural, and systematic factors. We aim to investigate the obstacles survivors encounter during social reintegration by examining survivors’ experiences, and subjective perspectives of experts and social workers who provide life-skill and vocational training to survivors. Materials and method This qualitative study intends to gather in-depth insights by conducting 40 semi-structured interviews with the key stakeholders, including survivors, experts, and service providers. Results After thematically analyzing the qualitative data, the study denotes that survivors encountered several challenges to social reintegration, including social stigmatization, victim blaming, family rejection, limited access to essential support services, economic hardship, health issues, and difficulties in relationships. Notably, social reintegration is more challenging for female survivors than for male survivors in Bangladesh due to the widespread misconceptions about sex work and trafficking. Discussion and conclusion Our findings contribute to the literature by offering new insights regarding previously underexplored challenges to social reintegration, highlighting significant gender differences in social stigmatization and systematic barriers like the scarcity of essential support services. Finally, the article puts forward actionable implications for social workers and policymakers in developing targeted interventions to foster survivors’ successful social reintegration in Bangladesh, ultimately contributing to achieving the UN SDGs, especially Goals 1 (No Poverty), 3 (Good Health and Well-being), 5 (Gender Equality), and 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).