Introduction
Human trafficking is among the most severe crimes known to violate human rights. Majeed and Malik describe human trafficking as “The ultimate form of human exploitation for forced labor, slavery, prostitution, debt bondage or want of human parts; the tactics employed in trafficking area abduction, coercion, deceit, and threats” (2). The victims are usually coerced into prostitution, given forced labor, and even required to donate their organs (Idang 49). Because victims of human trafficking are mistreated and deprived of their fundamental human rights, the practice is sometimes referred to as modern slavery. Millions of individuals worldwide fall prey to this kind of crime each year. Since human trafficking is an illegal activity that violates a person’s human rights, governments should promote public awareness about modern slavery. Implementing strict laws to ensure perpetrators face severe penalties and fund anti-trafficking programs focusing on prosecutions, protection, and prevention is essential.
Discussion
Even though it resembles slavery, human trafficking has only recently been addressed due to globalization and domestic and international migration. People began moving away from their homes to other countries as globalization gained notoriety in search of opportunities to boost their economies (Zimmerman and Kiss 1). Cheap labor obtained through coercion, force, intimidation, or other means fuels human trafficking. Those who fall prey to human trafficking are frequently coerced into prostitution, domestic servitude, and agricultural work (Rothman 1045). Many victims are put in danger by physical force, which is why they are reluctant to report the crimes to the police. Even though immigrants are primarily in danger, anybody can become a victim of human trafficking. Several people are usually kidnapped and trafficked across the world. The issue is not immune to anyone since most people who find themselves being trafficked are forced into it.
Some factors contribute to human trafficking and its prevalence. Three primary situations make it more likely to occur. Before traveling abroad, victims take on debt from the traffickers, which they fail to repay, leading to their exploitation. Second, victims are tricked into accepting the job offer, yet, the entire recruiting procedure and travel to the target country are legitimate. Third, victims are abducted and used for profit (Majeed and Malik 2). Victims are more likely to be frail people or vulnerable groups. Numerous victims of this crime are immigrants or asylum seekers who are members of racial minorities (Haverkamp 2). A more significant chance of being a victim of human trafficking is linked to additional factors, including moving, substance addiction, insecure housing, abuse, childhood trauma, and mental health problems (Biden 11). Many individuals may avoid becoming victims of these crimes by being aware of them.
International bodies like the United Nations and individual countries have adopted several laws and measures to deal with the problem of human trafficking, but few achievements have been made. The authorities have little to show for their efforts to combat human trafficking. The slow progress is evidenced by the lack of increase in court cases concerning human trafficking despite the frequent crime cases. The criminal justice system is crucial in combating human trafficking by ensuring that the perpetrators are stopped and face the law (Villacampa and Torres 5). Therefore, it is concerning that the number of court cases on human trafficking has not increased with all the advancements in technology and the ability of law enforcement officers to gather and use the information to arrest lawbreakers. The lack of effectiveness in the criminal justice system to address the problem arises from law enforcement in most countries lacking sufficient resources, training, and experience to deal with the problem.
Human trafficking is a complex, transnational organized crime that requires professionals with knowledge and experience to investigate. It is also expansive and requires many resources to work effectively. The other problem is the lack of public awareness about the problem (Bogdan 3). Citizens in most countries where human trafficking happens do not know its existence or characteristics. The lack of public awareness hinders information gathering by law enforcement and facilitates crime since criminals and their victims freely interact with citizens. Some countries have yet to implement stringent laws on human trafficking or implement the ones they have, facilitating the problem. Despite these challenges, governments and stakeholders can help improve the fight against human trafficking through concerted efforts.
Governments should promote public awareness about human trafficking. Awareness is a vital tool in addressing the problem. Informing the public about the crime helps to improve the safety of would-be victims of human trafficking since the public will have the relevant knowledge to identify when it happens and report it to relevant authorities. Awareness is also critical because it helps to ensure that there are preventive measures against the issue through community programs. The CDC notes that addressing issues related to human trafficking requires communities to be knowledgeable about the issue (CDC). Community-based programs are the most effective in addressing the issue since members come together to create safe environments for the vulnerable. The CDC recommends the creation of safe neighborhoods for those who are vulnerable to human trafficking. However, these efforts are based on the amount of knowledge the community contains.
Public awareness about human trafficking will support the efforts of security agencies through the provision of vital information regarding the problem. Like any other crime, the police rely on information collected from various sources to resolve. Information gathering, analysis, and interpretation are crucial for law enforcement officers dealing with criminals (Iheanacho and Ojiakor 11). Security agencies partner with civilians to address community issues, which can be effective when a significant section of the public knows about the problem. Community awareness can ensure that people identify the problem the moment it occurs (CDC). It is essential to gather information from areas where the crime happens, which helps concerned professionals address the issue by following up to prevent and arrest suspects. However, efforts to create awareness should be data-driven, with more significant efforts directed toward communities that lack knowledge about the problem. Some communities have sufficient information about human trafficking and will not require government efforts to create awareness unless it is to provide them with new information. Therefore, public awareness is a crucial step toward addressing the problem as it ensures that citizens can identify and help authorities deal with the issue from within communities.
Adopting strict laws to ensure that perpetrators face severe penalties can help to deter people from engaging in human trafficking. The United Nations and other international bodies have enacted laws against human trafficking that their members must adopt and implement effectively (Toney-Butler et al.). Individual countries have also adopted laws that address the problem. The laws adopted in each jurisdiction have a different approach to combating the problem. The severity of the laws adopted in individual countries varies due to impacts. For example, countries that have not identified human trafficking as a vital issue do not always have the strongest laws to address it. On the other hand, countries that have acknowledged it as an essential issue have implemented strict laws that enhance deterrence. The development of strict laws in all countries is an essential intervention. There is a need to ensure that every country is dedicated to preventing and eliminating human trafficking from within its borders. The solution can only be effective when all countries adopt strict laws that ensure penalties for perpetrators.
Implementing anti-trafficking laws should also be done effectively to ensure they work. One of the primary issues facing efforts to stop human trafficking is the lack of effective implementation in most countries. Anti-trafficking laws exist in nearly every country in the world despite some differences in the laws (Chantavanich 234). The primary issue lies in their implementation since most countries have unique approaches to the legislation. The lack of effective implementation is a significant challenge in the fight against human trafficking as it prevents a holistic approach to the problem. Having one country effectively enforce anti-trafficking laws and another fail to enforce them allows the criminals to take advantage of the shortcomings and continue with their activities. It also makes specific countries the hubs for human trafficking, which is a drawback in efforts to address the issue. Therefore, the solution to the problem requires that all countries effectively implement laws that address the issue.
Funding anti-trafficking programs focusing on prosecutions, protection, and prevention is a solution that can help address the problem. The availability of resources is essential in any initiative aimed at resolving a problem, with financial support being the essential resource (Jaramillo 2). Human trafficking usually happens across countries, which makes it difficult for law enforcement officials to investigate, prosecute, and prevent crime effectively. Effective solutions to the challenge require multi-agency teams from different countries to work together. Such efforts require more funding to facilitate the needs of the teams. Also, most investigations take long periods, requiring significant funding and support from related stakeholders. Since the goal is to get justice, respective countries and stakeholders must provide the relevant resources to support the efforts of teams dedicated to the objective.
Conclusion
Human trafficking is a significant challenge that affects people from across the world. It violates the human rights of its victims, who are usually subjected to horrific experiences. The prevalence of human trafficking is a huge concern for various stakeholders, especially governments that should be protecting civilians. Several factors contribute to human trafficking, most of which can be addressed through legal, social, and political procedures. Resolution of the issue of human trafficking can be achieved if governments create awareness among their citizens about the issue. Awareness creation can help improve efforts to address the problem, like providing crucial data. The second proposed solution is the implementation of strict laws to ensure that perpetrators are penalized, and the third is providing sufficient funding to support anti-trafficking programs. The solutions are feasible but require effective implementation for the government and agency efforts to become successful.
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