Root Cause |
What is going wrong? Why are these practices so widespread?
|
Human trafficking is a global problem, in different backgrounds and places of the world. However, there are some main underlying reasons why it occurs.
Low RiskAs opposed to arms and drugs trafficking, humans are often overlooked by our society, and by law enforcement. Police are more informed about and look out for arms and drugs trafficking, as opposed to human trafficking. In addition, there are several other societal factors that makes trafficking easier for exploiters.
|
High ProfitAccording to the International Labor Organization, forced labor generates approximately US $ 150 billion annually. Studies show that human trafficking is the third most lucrative industry, after drugs and arms trafficking. The "merchandise" (trafficking victim) can be resold many times.
|
Why is such a horrendous crime considered "low-risk" for traffickers?
Victim-blamingHuman trafficking victims, especially sex trafficking victims and undocumented migrants, think they are the abusers. They fear law enforcement because they think they will be convicted as a result of being “prostitutes” or “illegal migrants” as opposed to being helped as victims of trafficking.
Several police and law enforcement agencies are aware of this problem, and attempt to respect and help these individuals. However, many more are unaware, causing them to hunt and prosecute these victims, as they would common criminals. This makes it less likely for victims to seek help, and thus less risk for traffickers. |
Gender InequalityWomen and girls are made dependent and objectified in several cultures around the world (including the US). They are sexualized from a very young age, in many cultures married as children, paid a lesser amount than men (for the same work) and have higher expectations and societal restrictions placed on them. Ex. Yemen and India effectively allow marital rape, and Saudi Arabia still prohibits women from driving.
This oppression makes women and children especially vulnerable to trafficking. Often, women and girls also are introduced to trafficking by patriarchs when income shocks occur (e.g. when jobs are cut, or the patriarch of the family is in debt), a phenomenon that is sometimes considered acceptable to patriarchs. |
Social Instability |
Common Stereotypes |
|
Blistering poverty. Natural disasters such as earthquakes and hurricanes. War. What do all these have in common?
They all threaten people's socio-economic stability, causing them to migrate to new locations in pursuit of a better life. When thousands of migrants move, they are usually separated from their families and all familiarity. Traffickers exploit this disadvantage and individuals' vulnerability—in order to subject them to forced labor and commercial sex exploitation. |
The stereotypical image of trafficked individual is of a woman chained to a bed. However, more often than not, victims are bound by threats and violence, and bonds of debt and blackmail—not physical chains. In our society, these stereotypes prove to be harmful, as we are not aware of these realities, and are not alert to watch out for people who may actually be exploited individuals in need of help.
|