Human Trafficking Throughout the World - Research Paper Example

 Human Trafficking Throughout the World Abstract This paper explains about the societal degradation in the midst of 21st century related to the crime of human trafficking and its negative implications. The enlarged network of trafficking has created immense hurdle in the application of advanced measures to counter the crime, implying the failure of regulatory reforms enforced to counter the same. This paper entails the analysis of the various literature theories inscribed in relation to human trafficking discussing about the psychological, physical and emotional impacts on the victims. Moreover, the study reflects about the gender, ethnicity, sex and racial issues contributing to human trafficking in the modern world. Introduction Human trafficking, as a problem, persisted within society since ages, which was regarded as illegal, unfair and immoral based on humanitarian principles in the modern era. Even though, in recent scenario it has only accelerated to a next level. Initially, human trafficking was conducted mainly for sexual trade or for the purpose of sourcing labor in hazardous working environment. But in the modern era, the network has apparently expanded its motive to even illegal health care practices concerning the removal of human organ (WHO, 2012). Correspondingly, this research paper intends to discuss about the theories and views related to human trafficking by reviewing various literatures studied in the recent years. Furthermore, the paper reflects about the underlying issues such as race, ethnicity, sex and family among others, that has been contributing to human trafficking. Analysis of Relevant Theoretical and Practical Issues Trafficking is often criticized and opposed as the widespread display of the modern-day slavery. Research conducted with respect to this issue, ascertained that around four million humans are trafficked worldwide every year. In the era of globalization and technological advancements, many factors have been contributory and assisting the criminals to frame a strong network, which further applied for human trafficking and thus, can be regarded as a major reason for the rise observed in this type of crime (Dalrymple, 2005). Trafficking against human beings was considered as the violation the normative principles of humanity in early days, which has been lawfully defined as a crime in the modern society as well, emphasizing the human rights and democratic values of an economy today (Chuang, 2006). Astonishingly, every country is affected by trafficking mainly for sexual exploitation and forced labor (Costa, 2008). In accordance to Costa (2008), the data derived from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) reflects about the problem pertaining to trafficking of people from 127 countries to 137 countries for exploitation (Costa, 2008). In the view of Costa (2008: 6), “…Trafficking in persons is dynamic, adaptable, opportunistic and, like many other forms of criminal activity, it takes advantage of conflicts, humanitarian disasters and the vulnerability of people in situations of crisis”. To combat with the rising toll of trafficking crimes, various measures have been taken by global governing bodies in alliance with the national regulatory institutions. For instance, International Labor Organization (ILO), International Organization for Migration (IOM) and UNODC are the list of few major bodies that have been engaged in exploring the severity of human trafficking globally and also in their respective home countries as well as taking due remedial strategies to obstruct such crimes (Costa, 2008). According to Rahman (2011), ILO estimated that around 2.5 million labors have been trafficked to be sexually exploited by 2011. The regions such as Asia, Latin America and Middle East among others, a substantial rise in human trafficking crimes were recorded. With respect to the global estimation, it has been found that around 12.3 million human beings are being trafficked and enslaved on an average every year around the world. Causing greater nuisance in the socio-political stability of various regions around the world, these crimes have been targeting the child group at an increasing number recently, targeting poor families from the developing or under-developed nations (Fowler, Che & Fowler, 2010). In correspondence to the report presented by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) states that 1.2 million children are trafficked every year. It has been further reported by the UNICEF that majority of the children lies within the age group of 18-24. It has been found that out of this mass 95% of them have suffered physical violence (Rahman, 2011). As mentioned by Rahman (2011), human trafficking basically revolves around five participants. On first instance, human trafficking involves the migrant victims being transported and trafficked. Secondly, it incorporates the recruit victims for the transport. On third instance, human trafficking involves the buyers who mainly claim possession on the victim. The following inclusion is of the enablers that mainly work behind the scenes. Lastly, the human trafficking involves the consumers (Rahman, 2011). Hence, admittedly, the channel of human trafficking is a wide ranging network. Consequently, it can be rationally affirmed that its continuous growth imposes substantial threat to the global economy not only in its political or social realms, but also in its philosophical values of humanity. Integration of Issues of Race, Gender, Sexual Orientation and Other Areas of Difference/Diversity Issues of Race Pertaining To Human Trafficking Human trafficking incorporates issues related to race and ethnicity, wherein the victims being trafficked are inherently being discriminated with no obligations towards their humanitarian rights. It is explicitly believed that race and ethnicity greatly effects the human trafficking. According to Bell (2011), it has been noted that majority of the humans being trafficked belong from the vulnerable populations around the world. The majority of the population being trafficked commonly includes escapees, undocumented migrants and poor families facing scarcity of basic amenities in life. The report further revealed that the foreign nationals being trafficked within the US were basically women, men and children from Mexico, Africa, Europe and Central America within the Western trafficking markets (Bell, 2011). Again, when focusing on Europe, it is observed that human trafficking is mainly channeled through the markets of Asia and South America. The demands for human trafficking have also been noted as high in Europe targeting Hungary, Slovenia, Romania and Serbia. Middle Eastern races are also in great demand within the Europe, especially targeting the Turkish refugees or victims illegally trafficked within the European nations (Kelly, 2005). Even children from Nigeria, Togo, Benin and various other underdeveloped countries from the African continent have also been found to be in great demand within the Sub-Saharan consumers of human trafficking (Adepoju, 2005). Issues of Gender Pertaining To Human Trafficking In general, it has often been argued that women are the major sufferers of this discrimination. Research studies conducted in this regard have thus revealed that women along with girls are comparatively more vulnerable to human trafficking crimes than men, who are mostly demanded for labor works. To be noted, with the advent of advanced technologies and rigorous governmental interference, the major traditional markets for human trafficking demanding males, i.e. mining industries has declined substantially. On the contrary, demand of women for sexual exploitation basically, has increased around the world, which makes female populaces more vulnerable to the crime. Women are also observed to be more comfortable in working within the labor-intensive units than men. Correspondingly, with the expansion in the informal sector where the wages are very low, hazardous work category and casual employment among others have increased the demand for women. Moreover, the increase in the demand for the foreign nationals within the workforce has also contributed to the demand for women raising gender based issues in human trafficking (United Nations Rule of Law, 2013). Issues of Sexual Orientation Pertaining To Human Trafficking Trafficking is not similar to prostitution, although sexual orientation can be found as deeply rooted in this type of criminal conduct. It has been frequently observed that the victims of human trafficking, mostly engaging women, are forced to perform prostitution. Certainly, unwanted association with prostitution and high risks of health hazards cause major impression on the psychological and physical well-being of the victim, which can also be identified as few of the issues top listed in the category of sexual orientation of human trafficking (Nair, 2007). In the observations made by Hickman (2013), it has been ascertained that the victims who are being trafficked suffers from mental hurdles, which in turn causes substantial effects on their health. The feeling associated with low esteem and exploitation also plays an important role in the emergence of post-traumatic disorder and depression amid these victims (Hickman, 2013). Other Issues Pertaining To Human Trafficking Human trafficking encounters numerous problems, among which the major problem posing danger to the society is removal of organs along with forced commercial surrogacy of the victims as identified in the recent phenomenon. Recent studies have revealed that apart from labor works and prostitution, humans are also trafficked for forceful organ removal crimes. According to the view of OSCE (2013), the victims being trafficked with the purpose for organ removal faces adverse health challenges pertaining to before and after the removal phase. It has been observed that victims in such cases receive no money or very less amount, either slaughtered or left handicapped for their rest of the lives. Further analysis reveals that the victims are mostly unaware of the post removal consequences upon their long term health and become ready to perform the act in return of a nominal value. Victims to this kind of crime mostly involve men and children (both girls and boys) and are associated with serving illegal medical experiments of demand for spare body organs in the modern healthcare system (OSCE, 2013). Critical Analysis of Human Trafficking Undoubtedly human trafficking reflects upon the darkest side of the modern world in recent scenario. In accordance to the identified issue, The Global Report 2012, as analyzed in Costa (2008), reveals about the pattern and flow related to the human trafficking in the worldwide context. It has been analyzed from the survey reports that humans are trafficked for involuntary labor, prostitution and illegal removal of organs forming the basic reasons and motive of this crime. On further analysis, human trafficking can be observed as incorporated within the physical boundaries of environment referring to its execution process networks. This implies that the rate of human trafficking is also dependent on the geographical limits and regulatory strictness of the environment to a substantial extent (Costa, 2008). For instance, child slavery and its corresponding demand for human trafficking in the cocoa business sector of West Africa can be noted as a best example in this regard (Costa, 2008). Furthermore, in the current scenario related to human trafficking, the various survey reports depict that sexual violence along with health problems are basically associated with women and girls being trafficked, where governmental bodies often fail to have a strict vigilance in a consistent manner. According to the recent observation, it has been estimated that ‘Child Soldiers’ are also being in use within the currently on-going armed conflicts as can be apparently observed in Africa, which further increases the rate of child trafficking n the nation (Costa, 2008). Bring In an Interdisciplinary Perspective Utilizing Literature/Research from Sociology, Cultural Anthropology, As Well As Psychology and Sexology Sociological Perspective of Human Trafficking Human trafficking undoubtedly causes an adverse effect on the stability and future prosperity of any society to a large extent. In accordance with the sociological perspectives, the criminal conduct of human trafficking is argued to raise various demographic issues including imbalance in gender diversity and economic disparity of the society, apart from health issues that further give rise to the mortality rates in the societal context. Notably, when studying the human trafficking trends in South East Asia and other continents, it has been explicitly mentioned that a major concern to the societal issues is basically associated with the trafficking of women. In the recent scenario, it has been observed that race and ethnicity are also responsible for the rising rate of human trafficking around the world, apart from economic reasons of poverty. In accordance to the sociological perspective, another vital issue pertaining to the human trafficking is the trafficking of human organs that not only pose a threat to the mortality rate n a society but also hinders the physical well-being of a large proportion of the population causing long-run degradation of social stability. It is worth mentioning in this regard that women trafficked for sexual exploitation also pose threat to the future generation well-being as victims are often identified as minors and fail to acquaint their children with adequate basic amenities in life, which in turn affects the well-being of the entire society (Costa, 2008). Cultural Perspective of Human Trafficking From a cultural perspective, human trafficking has been argued as incorporating ‘gendercide’ to a substantial extent, especially among those societies where conservative idealism is followed with greater significance such as in the case of China (Tiefenbrun & Edwards, 2008). It is worth mentioning in this context that to mitigate the issue persisting in the cultural context of the modern world, and often acting as an encouraging factor to women sex trafficking, many non-governmental associations have come forth with a vision to generate social awareness regarding the challenge. In alliance with governmental bodies, these associations have also been quite effective in unveiling many human trafficking networks around the world and thereby, aiding the society at large (Kong, 2013). Psychology Perspective of Human Trafficking As argued by Rafferty (2008), victims of human trafficking receive inhuman treatments. This adverse condition lays a greater impact on the health and mental conditions of the victims of this crime. Furthermore, inadequate diet, abuse and unhealthy accommodation are also accountable as among major causes imposing negative impacts on the psychological and physical developments of the victims (Rafferty, 2008). In this regard, it has often been identified that psychological effects of human trafficking, especially related to involuntary labor works, ignites a depressive behavior amid the victims, which again hinders their social progression even after being rescued from the network. In addition, social segregation performed by mainstream participants of the culture also hinders their level of self-esteem and confidence, motivating them to perform suicidal acts. Notably, these prospects often become a beneficial tool to terrorism acts around the world, involving victims who were once trafficked (Cinar, 2010; Kim & Chang, 2007). Sexology Perspective of Human Trafficking Sexology perspective basically relates the interdisciplinary study related to the human behavior and sexual interest among others. It is in this context that sex exploitation in human trafficking is a common phenomenon. Correspondingly, there are numerous factors that act as the driving force for the accelerated sex exploitation worldwide. It has been observed in this regard that trafficking of foreign victims has increased the level of globalized sex recently (Chin & Finckenauer, 2012). In precise, unwanted pregnancies, unsafe practice of sex and high-risk pertaining to sexually-transmitted disease causes emotional break-down among female victims trafficked with an intention of sexual exploitation. As human trafficking causes immense stress on the victims, they are also observed to become increasingly vulnerable to anti-social behavior and detachment with the mainstream society (Rafferty, 2008). Integrate Personal Experiences and Reflection In essence to the overall study, I received a strong feeling about human trafficking and its adverse effects on the societal context. Human trafficking has been embedded within the society since long. In recent years, it has accelerated to an extent that governmental regulations have failed in controlling the trafficking business. The inequality status and social norms have been greatly responsible for the increase in this business. Victims are also therefore abducted by luring them for greater opportunities. Raising concerns in this regard, the study has reflected that in human trafficking business, women and children are the greatest sufferers. Children and women are considered to be the weaker sections of the society. Their patience and adaptability standards has further made them more desirous objective in human trafficking. The study also provides an insight about the human trafficking cycle that involves the victims, traffickers, buyers, enablers and consumers. Family background and standard of living also forces women as well as men into the trafficking business. Considering the ill-effects of the crime, it can be affirmed that more strict measures are need to combat the challenge where governmental bodies should also be focused on mitigating issues related to poverty, equal distribution of wealth and gender non-discrimination, rather than being solely focused on applying regulatory measures, which has already proved to be ineffective. In addition, proper awareness should also be raised amid the common people regarding the increasing rate of human trafficking as well as the enforced regulatory norms to counter such practices, so as to make them well-equipped in independently reducing the chances of such crimes. Conclusion Adverse impact of human trafficking and its long term effect on physical, psychological and emotional aspects of the victim has been concluded throughout the study. It reflects about the various theories and practical issues that are associated with human trafficking. It also reflects about the relevant issues such as racial, family, sex and ethnicity contributing to the acceleration in human trafficking. Society and government must take necessary measures to overcome this societal problem worldwide to ensure bright future of the next generation. References Adepoju, A., 2005. Review of Research and Data on Human Trafficking in Sub-Saharan Africa. Data and research on human trafficking: A global survey, 43.(1/2), 75-98. Bell, J. (2011). Race and Human Trafficking in the U.S.: Unclear but Undeniable. Retrieved from http://rhrealitycheck.org/article/2011/01/11/race-human-trafficking-unclear-undeniable/ Chuang, J. (2006). Beyond a Snapshot: Preventing Human Trafficking in the Global Economy. Indiana Journal of Global Legal Studies, 13(1), 137-163. Chin, k. L., & Finckenauer, J. O. (2012). Selling sex overseas: Chinese women and the realities of prostitution and global sex trafficking. USA: NYU Press. Cinar, B. (2010). Human Trafficking is used for Recruiting Terrorists. Second Annual Interdisciplinary Conference on Human Trafficking, Paper 24. Costa, A. M. (2008). Human trafficking: an overview. The United Nations Global Initiative to Fight Human Trafficking, 1-47. Dalrymple, J. K. (2005). Human trafficking: protecting human rights in the trafficking victims protection act. Boston College Third World Law Journal, 25(2), 451-473. Fowler, J., Che, N. & Fowler, L. (2010). Innocence lost: The rights of human trafficking victims. Procedia Social and Behavioral Sciences, 2, 1345–1349. Hickman, R. (2013). Sexually oriented businesses and human trafficking: associations, challenges, and approaches. Report to the Texas Legislature Sexually oriented Businesses and human trafficking: Associations, challenges, and approaches, 1-24. Kelly, L. (2005). “You Can Find Anything You Want”: A Critical Reflection on Research on Trafficking in Persons within and into Europe. 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