Stopping Human Trafficking

At least 12 million people worldwide are trapped in conditions of forced labor, a fifth of them being exploited as a result of human trafficking. These forms of modern day slavery have become one of the most profitable and most horrifying businesses in the world. Human trafficking and coerced labor are said to be the fastest growing source of income for organized crime and its third most important source after drugs and the arms trade.

A fundamental reason for trafficking and exploitation is the demand for cheap workers and prostitutes in both developing and developed countries. At the same time, there are millions of poor and vulnerable people who want to seek a better life abroad. But with partially closed borders, there are only a few legal job opportunities in destination countries. This situation has created a breeding ground for smugglers, traffickers and exploitative employers willing to use force or restraint to make a profit.

Can the current anti-trafficking campaign have any real impact? Are more severe trafficking laws and amnesties for trafficking victims helpful or might they exacerbate the problem? And how could better information provision by both governments and businesses help to raise awareness of the problem among consumers, investors and private citizens?