Recent findings from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) indicate an alarming rise in human trafficking globally, with sexual exploitation serving as a primary driver. The 2018 UNODC Global Report on Trafficking in Persons details the stark reality of this worldwide issue. This, being the fourth report of its kind, was commissioned by the General Assembly through the United Nations 2010 Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons.
The Scope of the Report
The UNODC report surveyed 142 countries for a comprehensive overview of the patterns, flows, and trends of global, regional, and national human trafficking activities. The data was mainly collected from detected trafficking cases between 2014 and 2016. The report placed a particular emphasis on analyzing the impact of armed conflict on human trafficking.
The Effect of Armed Conflict
In areas of armed conflict, where the rule of law is compromised and civilian protection is minimal, criminal groups and militias seize the opportunity to traffick individuals. These victims are often used as incentives to attract new combatant recruits.
Human Trafficking in India’s Constitution
India’s Constitution vehemently opposes any form of human trafficking through Article 23. It forbids human trafficking, begging, and other forms of forced labor, with stipulations for punishment upon violation of these laws.
Key Findings of the Report
Based on the 2018 survey, women and girls form the majority of victims of human trafficking worldwide. Roughly three-quarters are trafficked for sexual exploitation. Additionally, forced labor claims 35% of trafficked women and girls. Today, children represent 30% of those being trafficked, with girls being the more commonly detected gender.
Sexual Exploitation and Forced Labour: Regional Dynamics
While sexual exploitation is the dominant form of trafficking in European countries, forced labor is the prevalent type in sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East.
Human Trafficking in South Asia
South Asian countries, particularly Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan, record high numbers of human trafficking victims. To a lesser extent, Nepal and Sri Lanka also contribute to this grim tally.
Detection and Reporting: A Continual Challenge
Asia and the Americas have seen a significant increase in the detection of trafficking victims, which may be due to improved data recording and reporting methods, or, alarmingly, an actual rise in the victim count. The report also shows that vast areas of impunity still persist in many Asian and African countries, with very low conviction rates for trafficking crimes.
| Reported Victims | Year |
|---|---|
| Steady Increase | 2010-Present |
About United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)
The UNODC was established in 1997 to assist Member States in their fight against illicit drugs, crime, and terrorism. The organization relies on voluntary contributions, predominantly from governments, for 90% of its budget. In July 2013, the General Assembly designated July 30 as the World Day against Trafficking in Persons.
The Journey Ahead
Tackling human trafficking is a principal priority in the UN’s Sustainable Development Agenda. It necessitates Member States to monitor progress in addressing the issue, while reporting the number of victims by sex, age, and type of exploitation. Despite these efforts, significant knowledge gaps remain. Many countries in sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and some parts of East Asia lack the sufficient capacity to record and share data on human trafficking. This report underscores the urgent need to enhance cooperation, improve technical assistance, and fortify nations’ capacities to protect victims, bring criminals to justice, and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
