Human Trafficking | EssayIvy.com

Running head: HUMAN TRAFFICKING

Human trafficking

Name

Institution

HUMAN TRAFFICKING

Human Trafficking

Human trafficking crime is present in almost all countries of the world. The crime is

associated with transnational criminal organizations, local gangs, violation of labor and

immigration as well as government corruption. The United States Department of State projects

that 600, 000 to 800, 000 women and children are trafficked across international borders

annually. In the United States alone, an estimated 14, 000 to 17, 000 people are trafficked across

United States borders annually. 80% of these are women and girls while 50% are children below

18 years (Belser, 2005). The statistics demonstrate that the crime of human trafficking is a global

menace that needs a new approach to address it. The paper focuses on the history and currents

trends in human trafficking and the effects on the victims of human trafficking.

Though the crime of human trafficking is described as a new phenomenon, the crime is

very old. The United Nations defines human trafficking as any crime that involves any form of

recruiting, transporting, transferring and receiving a person through the use of force, abduction,

fraud or deception. Women and children are enticed into the crime by the promise of an

opportunity for a better life for them and their families. Human traffickers are located abroad and

in their countries where they have an easy access to the vulnerable category of persons. They

employ cunning techniques to convince desperate persons of a better life abroad before selling

and transferring them to foreign nations where they end up being misused.

History of human trafficking

Several studies exist to show how human trafficking began. In the colonial times, African

slaves were captured and then shipped to American slave-buyers who had a ready market for

them. The African slave trade was the first form of human trafficking, which has grown in the

HUMAN TRAFFICKING

modern society with new techniques and methods of practicing the crime (D'Agostino, 1999).

The persons captured were taken to work as domestic workers, as home guards while others

worked in the agricultural farms. Although some of the masters were kind, most of them were

cruel and ruthless to the slaves. Most of them slaves suffered physical assault, rape, forced child

labor and even death.

A tremendous growth in traditional slave trade experienced immediate growth in 16

century when European acquired new slave workers from Africa, Asia and America. The

massive enslavement resulted in the growth of sugarcane, rice and tobacco plantations.

According to D'Agostino (1999), the slaves were overwhelmed by work in the fields and new

workers had to be imported from Africa. The new entrants were desperate for work and offered a

cheap source of labor. Towards the end of 19

century, abolishment of slave trade began to take

shape and US presidents were pushing to outlaw the trade in the United States.

In the modern society, human trafficking has become an international menace. Human

trafficking is a modern form of slavery which replicates the characteristics of the traditional form

of human trafficking. The women and children are sourced from the poverty-stricken developing

countries that have a ready source of cheap labor (Zimmerman, 2007). Asian and African

countries present a ready market for human trafficking. Women and children sourced from these

countries end up being used for sexual exploitation and forced labor. Once they have been lured

into the system, the persons lose control of their lives and this allows the traffickers to physically

and psychologically assault them. By the time they get to their masters, they have completely

lost control of their lives and they have no freedom at their master’s house.

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Effects of Human Trafficking

Victims of human trafficking are exposed to a lot of risks and conditions that are likely to

affect their mental, physical and emotional health.

The victims are subjected to physical torture, which may comprise causing bodily harm

and sexual assault. The victims are subjected to sexually transmitted infections such as

gonorrhea, urinary tract infections and HIV/Aids. Sex trafficking victims suffer physical abuse

and torture, unwanted pregnancies and forced abortions (Zimmerman, 2007). Also, they are

affected by occupational health hazards such as skin infections, physical injuries and respiratory

infections due to unsafe working conditions.

Trafficked women and children may also suffer psychological trauma due to the changes

in sleep patterns, weakened immune systems, increase in the use of alcohol and food deprivation.

The victims respond to the psychological trauma through shock and fear, feelings of betrayal,

disorientation, nightmares and flashbacks, suicidal thoughts and attempts at suicide. A study by

Phinney (2001) showed that sex-trafficked women were less stable and isolated, had higher

levels of stress and greater mental health needs than other victims of crime.

Conclusion

The problem of human trafficking among women and children has become significant

and it is a growing problem in the United States as well as the global community. As a result,

women and children have been subjected to physical and mental torture and even death. There is

need to design new laws that will safeguard the rights and freedom of women and children. The

law should also be punitive to those involved in the trafficking of persons. Also, health

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professionals should be at the forefront in assisting human trafficking victims and helping them

in accessing legal and social services.

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References

Belser, P. (2005). Forced Labour and Human Trafficking: Estimating the Profits. Geneva:

International Labour Office.

D'Agostino, J. (1999). The New Illegal Immigrants: Sex slaves. Human Events, 55(24), 4.

Phinney, A. (2001). Trafficking of Women and Children for Sexual Exploitation in the Americas.

DC: Inter American Commission of Women .

Zimmerman, C. (2007). Health Risks and Consequences of Trafficked Women in Europe:

Conceptual Models, Qualitative and Quantitative Findings. London: London School of

Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

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