HUMAN TRAFFICKING DEFINED
Human trafficking is the exploitation of people through forced labor or sexual exploitation by means of force, fraud, or coercion. It is modern day slavery.
There are various forms of exploitation:
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SEXUAL EXPLOITATION
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FORCED LABOR
INCLUDING CHILD LABOR
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ORGAN REMOVAL
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FORCED MARRIAGES
At least 1.7 million children are believed to be victims of Commercial Sexual Exploitation (CSEC) [1]
A GLOBAL PROBLEM
Human trafficking (modern slavery) is a multi-billion dollar industry and the fastest growing criminal business in the world.
According to the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), human trafficking is among the top three most profitable crimes in the world, together with drug trafficking and illegal weapon trafficking. (3)
Trafficking in children has been reported in all parts of the world.
Victims of trafficking endure severe physical and psychological damage and suffering, but the following obstacles make it difficult for the police and support organizations to rescue survivors and take action against perpetrators:
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Language barriers with foreign survivors
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Lack of education
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Lack of knowledge about human trafficking and their human rights
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Traffickers move survivors frequently, making it difficult to find and track them.
MILLIONS OF CHILDREN EXPLOITED WORLDWIDE
According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), there are 49.6 million people living in modern day slavery in 2021, of which 27.6 million were forced labor and 22 million in forced marriage.
12% of all those in forced labor are children, and more than half of them are victims of commercial sexual exploitation. [4]
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According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), 4.9 million women and children are exploited for commercial sex and 6 million in forced labor in other economic sectors. (4)
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Children who are trafficked have more than double the risk of developing serious mental health problems, including severe depression, personality disorders, and dissociative disorders that require clinical action.