Human Rights Careers

5 Essays On Human Trafficking You Can Access Freely Online

Every country faces specific human rights issues, but human trafficking is a problem for every place on the planet. Wherever there’s poverty, conflict, a lack of education, or political instability, vulnerable people are at risk. Human trafficking is the world’s fastest-growing criminal industry. Sexual exploitation brings in most of the billions of dollars of profit, but forced labor also generates wealth. The universality of human trafficking doesn’t negate the fact that the issue is multi-faceted and as a multitude of root causes . Certain countries are more dangerous than others and certain people groups are more vulnerable. To learn more about specific human trafficking issues and solutions, here are five essays you can read or download for free:

“Human Trafficking and Exploitation: A Global Health Concern”

By: Cathy Zimmerman and Ligia Kiss

While labor migration can be beneficial to workers and employers, it’s also a hotbed for exploitation. In this essay from PLOS, the authors argue that human trafficking and the exploitation of low-wage workers have significant negative health impacts. Because of the magnitude of human trafficking, health concerns constitute a public health problem. Thanks to certain business models that depend on disposable labor, exploitation is allowed to flourish while protections are weakened. The essay states that trafficking initiatives must focus on stopping exploitation within each stage of labor migration. This essay introduces a special collection from PLOS on human trafficking and health. It’s the first medical journal collection on this topic. It includes pieces on child sex trafficking in the United States and the slavery of sea workers in South East Asia. Cathy Zimmerman and Ligia Kiss, the guest editors and authors of the first essay, are from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

“Introducing The Slave Next Door”

By: Jen Birks and Alison Gardner

Published in a special issue of the Anti-Trafficking Review on public perceptions and responses to human trafficking, this essay focuses on Great Britain. According to the essay, there’s been a shift in what the public thinks about trafficking based on local reporting and anti-slavery campaigns. British communities are starting to realize how prevalent human trafficking is in their own backyards. The essay takes a closer look at the media and campaigns, how they’re representing cases, and what people are doing with the information. While specific to Britain, it’s a good example of how people can perceive trafficking within their borders.

Jen Birks is an Assistant Professor in media at the Department of Cultural, Media, and visual Studies at the University of Nottingham. Alison Gardner is at the School of Sociology and Social Policy at the University of Nottingham with a Nottingham Research Fellowship. She is part of the university’s Rights Lab.

“My Family’s Slave”

By: Alex Tizon

One of The Atlantic’s biggest stories of 2017, this essay tells a personal story of modern slavery. At 18-years old, Lola was given to the writer’s mother and when they moved to the United States, Lola came with them. On the outside, Tizon’s family was, in his words, “a poster family.” The truth was much darker. The essay sparked countless reader responses, including those of people who were once slaves themselves. Reading both the criticism and praise of the essay is just as valuable as the essay itself.

Alex Tizon died at age 57 years old before his essay was published. He had a successful career as a writer and reporter, sharing a Pulitzer Prize while a staff member at The Seattle Times. He also published a 2014 memoir Big Little Man: In Search of My Asian Self.

“Vietnam’s Human Trafficking Problem Is Too Big To Ignore”

By: Thoi Nguyen

In November 2019, 39 Vietnamese people were found dead in a truck container. They were identified as victims of a human trafficking ring. In Nguyen’s article, he explores the facts about the severity of human trafficking in Vietnam. For years, anti-slavery groups have warned the UK about a rise in trafficking, but it took a tragedy for people to start paying attention. Nguyen discusses who is vulnerable to trafficking, how trafficking functions, and Vietnam’s response.

Freelance journalist Thoi Nguyen is a member of Chatham House and a member of Amnesty International UK. In addition to human trafficking, he writes about the economy, finance, and foreign affairs. He’s a specialist in South East Asian geopolitics.

“History Repeats Itself: Some New Faces Behind Sex Trafficking Are More Familiar Than You Think”

By: Mary Graw Leary

This essay highlights how human trafficking isn’t only a criminal enterprise, it’s also an economic one. Leary looks specifically at how businesses that benefit (directly or indirectly) from slavery have always fought against efforts to end it. The essay focuses on government efforts to disrupt online sex trafficking and how companies are working to prevent that from happening. Human trafficking is a multi-billion dollar industry, so it makes sense that even legitimate businesses benefit. Knowing what these businesses are is essential to ending trafficking.

Mary Graw Leary is a former federal prosecutor and currently a professor of law at The Catholic University of America. The Chair of the United States Sentencing Commission’s Victim Advocacy Group, she’s an expert in exploitation, missing persons, human trafficking, and technology.

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About the author, emmaline soken-huberty.

Emmaline Soken-Huberty is a freelance writer based in Portland, Oregon. She started to become interested in human rights while attending college, eventually getting a concentration in human rights and humanitarianism. LGBTQ+ rights, women’s rights, and climate change are of special concern to her. In her spare time, she can be found reading or enjoying Oregon’s natural beauty with her husband and dog.

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Essay on Human Trafficking

Students are often asked to write an essay on Human Trafficking in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Human Trafficking

Understanding human trafficking.

Human trafficking is a serious global issue. It involves the illegal trade of people for exploitation or commercial gain. Victims are often lured with false promises of well-paying jobs or manipulated by people they trust.

Types of Human Trafficking

The main types of human trafficking are forced labor, sex trafficking, and child trafficking. Forced labor involves making people work against their will. Sex trafficking involves forcing victims into sexual exploitation. Child trafficking includes all these forms but involves children.

Preventing Human Trafficking

To prevent human trafficking, we must raise awareness about its reality. Educating people about its signs and consequences can help prevent it. Additionally, supporting victim services is crucial.

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250 Words Essay on Human Trafficking

Human trafficking, a grave violation of human rights, is a complex issue that has plagued societies globally. It is a form of modern-day slavery, where individuals are exploited through force, fraud, or coercion for various purposes such as forced labor, sexual exploitation, or organ trafficking.

The Scale of the Problem

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) reports that human trafficking is the third most profitable crime after drug trafficking and arms smuggling. This illicit trade thrives due to poverty, political instability, armed conflict, and corruption, affecting millions of victims, predominantly women and children.

Measures to Combat Human Trafficking

Addressing human trafficking requires a multi-faceted approach. Legal measures, such as strict laws and penalties, are crucial. The Palermo Protocol, adopted by the UN, provides a framework for criminalizing trafficking, protecting victims, and promoting cooperation among states.

The Role of Education and Awareness

Education and awareness play a pivotal role in combating human trafficking. By informing communities about the tactics used by traffickers and the rights of individuals, we can empower potential victims to protect themselves.

Human trafficking is a pressing issue that demands global attention and action. Through a combination of legal measures, education, and international cooperation, we can work towards eradicating this heinous crime and safeguarding human dignity.

500 Words Essay on Human Trafficking

Introduction to human trafficking.

Human trafficking, a grave violation of human rights, is a contemporary global issue that transcends borders, cultures, and economies. It is a multi-billion dollar criminal industry that enslaves nearly 25 million people around the world. This heinous crime involves the illegal trade of people for exploitation or commercial gain and is often referred to as ‘modern-day slavery’.

The Mechanics of Human Trafficking

Human trafficking operates on the principles of supply and demand. The demand for cheap labor, sexual services, and certain criminal activities fuels this illicit trade. The supply side, however, is driven by factors such as poverty, lack of education, gender discrimination, armed conflict, and political instability. Traffickers exploit these vulnerabilities to lure victims with false promises of employment, education, or a better life.

Forms of Human Trafficking

Human trafficking manifests in various forms, including forced labor, sex trafficking, child labor, and organ trafficking. Forced labor, also known as involuntary servitude, is the biggest sector of trafficking in the world. Sex trafficking victims are often involved in prostitution, pornography, or sex tourism. Child trafficking, another gruesome form, involves the exploitation of children in labor, soldiering, or sexual slavery. Organ trafficking, a lesser-known form, involves the illegal trade of organs.

Impacts of Human Trafficking

The impacts of human trafficking are devastating and far-reaching. Victims often suffer physical and emotional abuse, rape, threats, and even death. Additionally, they often face long-term psychological trauma, disease, unwanted pregnancy, malnutrition, social ostracism, and death. The societal implications include the reinforcement of gender and social inequalities, perpetuation of poverty, and undermining of public health, safety, and security.

Preventing human trafficking requires a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach. It involves strengthening laws and regulations, enhancing victim identification and protection, promoting awareness and education, and fostering international cooperation. Governments, non-governmental organizations, and individuals all have crucial roles to play in this fight against human trafficking.

In conclusion, human trafficking is a global human rights crisis that requires urgent attention and action. While the task is monumental, with concerted efforts and a commitment to uphold human rights, it is possible to combat this modern-day slavery. Understanding the complexities of human trafficking is the first step towards developing effective strategies to prevent it, protect victims, and prosecute perpetrators. The fight against human trafficking is not just a legal or political issue, but a moral imperative that tests our values as a global community.

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essays on human trafficking

Human Trafficking - Essay Samples And Topic Ideas For Free

Human trafficking, a grievous global issue, involves the trade of humans for forced labor, sexual slavery, or commercial sexual exploitation. Essays might delve into the mechanisms, global networks, and the socio-economic or political conditions enabling human trafficking. Moreover, discussions could extend to international and local efforts to combat human trafficking, support victims, and the legal frameworks surrounding human trafficking and modern slavery. A vast selection of complimentary essay illustrations pertaining to Human Trafficking you can find at PapersOwl Website. You can use our samples for inspiration to write your own essay, research paper, or just to explore a new topic for yourself.

Human Trafficking

Illegal Immigration and Human Trafficking

Human trafficking comes in many different forms such as sex trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation. Sex exploitation is based on the interaction between a trafficker selling an individual, victim being smuggled to customers for sexual services. Labor trafficking includes situations of debt bondage, forced labor, and involuntary child labor. Labor trafficking uses violence, threats, lies, and other forms of coercion to force people to work against their will in which most cases have no knowledge on the activities […]

Human Trafficking in the Age of Social Media

Human trafficking is an everyday recurrence. Lots of people have heard about Human trafficking, but aren't sure how much of a global issue it truly is. The average age a teen enters the sex trade in the U.S. is 12 to 14-year-old(Do something-Human Trafficking), better known as your teenage or adolescent years. Human trafficking is a problem that must be solved for people at any age, though it starts with adolescents as a result of social media platforms and vulnerability […]

Modern-day Slavery in the United States

Human trafficking is a global issue and is often referred as modern-day slavery, in the United States there is an estimate of 244,000 to 325,000 minors that are at risk for sexual exploitation, with an estimated 199,000 incidents of sexual exploitation of a minor. (In Our Backyard) These victims come from all walks of life, looking for love or hopes of a new life. Minor victims are vulnerable and considered an easy target by their traffickers. (Carpenter) As one trafficker […]

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Preventing Individuals from the Dangers of Human Trafficking

A topic that most people probably go through their day without paying much attention to is that of human trafficking. Many individuals do not think that human trafficking will ever affect them nor their families. However, the reality is that such a tragic event could happen to anyone regardless of age, race, or gender, it could occur at any given place or time, and the perpetrator could be absolutely anyone. Human trafficking has become a prominent problem in the United […]

Human Trafficking in the Philippines

What if you were given the most appealing chance to escape poverty and took it, just to find out your efforts landed you into the hands of human traffickers? Human trafficking is a large issue dealt with by countries all over the world, including the Philippines, a tier 1 country that is actively changing their methods of the battle against it. For example, one instance of this took place in 2003 where the country passed the "Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, […]

Modern Slavery – Prostitution, Labor, and Debt Bondage

Human trafficking is a form of modern slavery that serves involuntary solitude, forced prostitution, labor, and debt bondage that happens in the shadows of Charlotte, NC. Involuntary solitude takes away the personal freedom that you have a right as a person. Out of all crimes, Human Trafficking is the fastest growing business of organized crime which can include transnational, national, or local groupings of highly centralized enterprises. It happens through fraud; initiating false promises and/or working conditions, being forced; any […]

Human Trafficking in the United States

Some people have a fear of heights, spiders, or even the dark but in America, the level of fear is far greater. Lions, tigers, and bears are the least of the worries for Americans due to the multiplicative issue of sex trafficking. Sex trafficking includes the purchase of women, children, and in some cases men to be used as sex slaves. Instead of recognizing victims and giving them proper assistance, United States citizens and lawmakers disavow human trafficking. Among the […]

What is Human Trafficking?

Well, human trafficking is any form of recruiting, transporting, or kidnapping, in which the intent is to be held against will, threat, or coercion with payments or benefits to control another person for exploitation. Human trafficking can be practiced in various ways, such as forced labor, sexual exploitation, slavery of different forms, and organ trafficking (1). One issue the U.S. has with this topic is that there is such a small number of victims and their traffickers, which creates contradicting […]

The Impact of Slavery

The participation of England in the slave-trade began in the early 16th century, with the country, on par with Portugal, being the most successful in the trading business until the abolishment of Slavery in the UK in 1807. The original interest of the British traders was more-so with the produce from within Africa, such as ivory and gold, rather than the people of Africa itself. The interest shifted however when the demand for labourers increased and rich British figures became […]

What is Human Trafficking

When people bring up the topic of crimes, the first thing that comes to their mind is gun violence, theft, rape, and murder. A major crime that is not discussed enough is Human trafficking and many people do not recognize that it is not only happening in the middle east, but also in South America and other third world countries. This misdeed can happen to anyone no matter their race, financial background, gender, or sexual orientation and still goes on […]

Human Trafficking and its Relationship with Sex Trafficking

This paper is about Human Trafficking and its relationship with Sex Trafficking. The best way to understand what Human Tracking is would be to define Human Trafficking and give a brief history of Human Trafficking and how long it has actually been going on and what has changed since the early days of Human Trafficking and who is affected by it. This paper will cover which states are the worst for Human trafficking and if there is clearly one state […]

Illegal Immigration and Crime

The United States border is always a topic when the subject is the illegal entry ( entering into a country ) in the United States. Some people defend that building a wall will reduce the criminal activities in the country, while others defend that to stop illegal entry, ( entering into a country) could lapse the United States economy (the process of people making, selling, and buying things). To state that whether criminal activities increases by illegal ( entering into […]

The Construction of Human Trafficking as a Big Social Issue

Specific Purpose: Cognitive, To inform my audience about what is human trafficking and its importance, how human trafficking works, and the statistics on human trafficking. Thesis: Human trafficking is a big social issue, so today, I will explain my knowledge about what is human trafficking and why is it serious, how human trafficking works, and the statistics on human trafficking. Preview: In today's society, It is very scary to be going out anywhere because you never know what is going […]

Human Trafficking in Venezuela

Abstract This research examines the injustices and dehumanization of Latina/os in Venezuela, focusing on its phenomenon of human trafficking. The nation has become a victim of its own economic, social, and political corruption. The trafficking of persons is believed to be the third-largest organized crime worldwide, encompassing many demographics. Human trafficking has plagued Venezuela for many years. This paper ultimately concludes and exposes the extent of the dilemma. The sources used for our research were found through the databases of […]

Societies Role in Human Trafficking

Human Trafficking is defined as the action/practice of illegally transporting people from one country/area to another, typically for the purpose of forced labor or sexual exploitation. Human trafficking is a $32 billion-a-year industry, with 300,000 Americans that are under the age of 18 being allured into the commercial sex trade every year. Society should begin educating the signs of a trafficked victim, go through trainings of how to help a victim, figure out where their products that they use come […]

Celebrity Influences on Human Trafficking

For years human trafficking has been an ongoing problem that people have been unaware of and now many celebrities stepping up to bring awareness to the cause, like Jada Pinkett Smith. Pinkett Smith, displayed in the image on the right, is an American actress who is married to actor Will Smith. In the image we can see Pinkett Smith at an event where her media influence is large. She heard about human trafficking through her daughter who had recently become […]

Spain Criminal Justice

Spain, one of the oldest and most successful countries in the world. One of the biggest countries in all of Europe, and one of the biggest tourist attractions in the world. The history of Spain can be traced back hundreds of years when monarchs ruled the country. Of course, over time many things have changed. The economy, politics, tourism, etc. But, one thing that obviously changed over time is there criminal justice system. How it has developed from the past […]

Human Trafficking in the Tampa Bay Area

The City of Tampa our beloved home where we should feel safe and together as one community. No matter which gender, race or age you are, living in Tampa overall portrays to be a peaceful city where families can stabilize their life and grow with successful opportunity. Tampa is home to multiple suburban communities where kids are raised with their neighbors and play together in their parks. However, when you sit on the park bench and lose sight on your […]

Human Trafficking and Child Welfare

Child victims of human trafficking are more likely to suffer from long term affects rather than adults due to the critic stages of development they may be going through. As time persists after the abuse occurred, strong defensive emotions, like anger and fear, can be associated within relationships the individual has that have no correlation to the abusive event (McCammon, McCammon, & Ramby, 2006). Children who have been abused or trafficked can begin to develop a sense of hypervigilance in […]

Inside the World of Human Trafficking

Have you ever been in a situation where you felt like an object being forced to do things you don't like or feel comfortable? Human trafficking is a big problem in the US and all over the world. Older women, even young girls, are being slaved to participate in a sex labor, labor trafficking, and even forced marriage. In the article, Human Trafficking: A Call for Counselor Awareness and Action it mentions Human Trafficking described as a form of modern-day […]

Human Trafficking in Arizona

Human trafficking is happening here Arizona, right in front of our noses. Let's start off by telling you a little bit more about human trafficking. Human trafficking is criminalized under the United States law, also under federal law, it is a crime to compel another person to provide labor, services, or commercial sex. Human trafficking is a form of modern slavery that is happening in every state, including Arizona. NHTH (National Human Trafficking Hotline), has been working with providers, law […]

How did Slavery Shape Modern Society?

Slavery has never been abolished from America's way of thinking. (Nina Simone) Slavery still exist till this day, from forced labor, sex trafficking, debt bondage, child soldiers, and domestic servitude. Although slavery was abolished in 1865 in the United States, slavery continues to be a worldwide issue from forced child labor, sex trafficking, and debt bondage. Thousands of people suffer every year resulting in injury, kidnapping, and even death so the question remains does slavery still exist to this day? […]

Combating Human Trafficking

Human trafficking is a problem that affects every country in the world, big or small. This practice has become very popular throughout the world because of labor needs and the want to have sex. People are frequently needed to perform labor and a lot of people struggle to meet their sexual needs and as a result they turn to human trafficking to get their fix. While the majority of people in the world recognize that this is a serious global […]

Victims of Human Trafficking and their Access to Healthcare

Access to healthcare has been a dilemma for many years in underdeveloped countries and communities. One reason is the feeble economical dynamics that people are faced with in that territory. However, one of the big issues that tends to hide in the shadows is the global epidemic of human trafficking around the world. There is an inadequacy of access to healthcare for the millions of victims where many of which are frequently predisposed of due to the horrendous conditions they […]

Confronting Human Trafficking in Bulgaria

Overview Human trafficking is a substantial issue in Bulgaria because Bulgaria is a country of transit for migrants who are leaving Eastern Europe to seek a better life and better socioeconomic conditions in wealthier countries in Western Europe (Central Intelligence Agency, 2018). Migrants are the most commonly targeted group for human traffickers in Bulgaria (Petrunov, Weitzer, & Zhang, 2014). Promoting just, peaceful and inclusive societies is a sustainable development goal established by the United Nations (United Nations, 2018). Addressing human […]

The Effects of Human Trafficking and Healthcare Providers

Freedom is inarguably the most treasured right in the United States. But each year, roughly 18,000 men, women and children are trafficked in the United States. Human trafficking is a public health concern that affects individuals, families and entire communities across generations. The health care system plays an important role in identifying and treatment victims of human trafficking; however, how trained are the medical professionals on how to identify and properly treat the victims to ensure a successful recovery? What […]

Why does Drug Trafficking Cause Gun Violence

There is a strong relationship between drug trafficking, drug use, and gun violence. The research attempts to come up with a solution for the research question why does drug trafficking cause gun violence. Most youths have been involved in the use of drugs like marijuana, stimulants, hallucinogens, crack cocaine, heroin, and cocaine hence being involved in violence including gun violence (Johnson, Golub, Dunlap, 2000) This research will play a major role in improving academic research, sow the existing causal effect […]

Victims of Human Trafficking

Limiting victimisation of human trafficking only to the period of traffic or transit of the victim would narrow the true essence of anti-trafficking laws. A sex worker, who was abducted/kidnapped, then trafficked and finally forced into the flesh trade, continues to be a victim of human trafficking and prosecuting him/her under prostitution laws would be penalising a victim of human trafficking. A criminal record for charges such as prostitution, disorderly conduct etc., under general criminal laws as well as specific […]

Human Trafficking in the Textile World

For thousands of years forms of slavery and human trafficking have existed; however, the it was noted best in the 1400s when the European slave trading industry began in Africa (""Timeline of Human Trafficking ). Slavery is defined as a condition in which individuals are owned by others, who control where they live and at what they work (What is Slavery?; the Abolition of Slavery Project ). Many argue that slavery does not exist today because it has been globally […]

Heinous Crime and Global Problem – Human Trafficking

Human trafficking, one of the most heinous crimes, is a global problem that is flourishing in many areas of the world including our local college campuses. The problem has infiltrated Arizona State University (ASU ) as female students have reported exploitation and coercion at university events by traffickers promoting prostitution. Aside from prostitution, students could be at risk of being abducted and exploited for other human trafficking crimes such as drug trafficking, enslavement, organ transplants, or forced labor. Human trafficking […]

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How To Write an Essay About Human Trafficking

Introduction to the complex issue of human trafficking.

Writing an essay on human trafficking requires a comprehensive understanding of its multifaceted nature. Human trafficking, a form of modern-day slavery, involves the illegal trade of humans for exploitation or commercial gain. In your introduction, outline the various forms of human trafficking, including labor trafficking, sex trafficking, and child trafficking. Acknowledge the global scope of this crime and its impact on individuals and societies. This introductory section should provide a clear foundation for your essay, highlighting the significance of the issue and the necessity of addressing it through various lenses, including legal, social, and human rights perspectives.

Analyzing the Causes and Consequences

The body of your essay should delve into the complex causes and consequences of human trafficking. Explore the various factors that contribute to human trafficking, such as poverty, lack of education, political instability, and demand for cheap labor and sexual exploitation. Discuss how human trafficking violates basic human rights and results in severe psychological, physical, and social consequences for victims. This part of your essay should be supported with facts, statistics, and real-life examples to provide a thorough understanding of the issue. It's crucial to maintain a respectful and sensitive tone, considering the severity and personal nature of the crimes involved.

Addressing Legal Frameworks and Global Responses

In this section, focus on the legal frameworks and global responses to human trafficking. Analyze the international laws and treaties, such as the Palermo Protocol, and national legislations that have been implemented to combat human trafficking. Discuss the roles of various international and non-governmental organizations in prevention, protection, and prosecution. Additionally, consider the challenges in enforcing these laws and the gaps that still exist in the global fight against human trafficking. This part of your essay should highlight the importance of a coordinated international response and the ongoing efforts to strengthen legal and practical measures.

Concluding with a Call to Action

Conclude your essay by summarizing the key points and emphasizing the critical need for continued attention and action against human trafficking. Highlight the importance of raising awareness, improving legal frameworks, and supporting victim rehabilitation. Encourage readers to consider their role in combating human trafficking, whether through education, advocacy, or supporting relevant organizations. A strong conclusion will not only provide closure to your essay but also inspire a sense of responsibility and urgency in addressing this global issue.

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Human Trafficking Essay Topics, Outline, & Example [2024]

“People for sale” is a phrase that describes exactly what human trafficking is. It also makes for an attention-grabbing title for an essay on this subject. You are going to talk about a severe problem, so it’s crucial to hook the reader from the get-go.

A human trafficking essay is an assignment where you discuss causes, effects, or potential solutions to the problem of modern slavery. A well-written essay can help raise awareness of this complicated issue.

In this article by our custom writing experts, you will find:

  • 220 human trafficking essay topics;
  • a writing guide;
  • an essay sample;
  • helpful info on human trafficking.
  • 🔝 Top 10 Topics
  • ❓ What Is Human Trafficking?
  • ✍️ Topics for Any Essay Type
  • 📝 Essay Outline
  • 📑 Essay Sample
  • ✏️ Frequent Questions

🔝 Top 10 Human Trafficking Essay Topics

  • History of slavery.
  • Slavery in literature.
  • Human trafficking awareness.
  • Modern slavery: legislation.
  • Cultural background of traffickers.
  • Globalization and human trafficking.
  • Human trafficking vs. human rights.
  • Modern slavery and kidnapping.
  • Human trafficking rates by country.
  • Human trafficking effects on the economy.

❓ What Is Human Trafficking?

The United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime determines human trafficking as the recruitment, transportation, harboring, or receipt of persons for the purpose of sexual slavery, exploitation, forced labor, organs removal, etc.

The picture shows the definition of human trafficking.

According to the recent reports of the Council of Europe,  human trafficking rates have reached epidemic proportions . Millions of people are being trafficked for different reasons, primarily for sexual exploitation and forced labor. Women and children are the primary victims of human trafficking , which makes the problem especially acute.

One of the most worrying factors that directly impact the increase in trafficking rates is the growing number of refugees and migrants. It’s the largest seen since WWII, and it has intensified during the last years.

Types of Human Trafficking

Before you start writing your essay, it’s essential to review the forms of human trafficking. Knowing them will help you see the bigger picture. Here are the most common ones.

Additionally, victims of human smuggling and child trafficking are often involved in various kinds of labor. While sexual exploitation is one of the major reasons for trafficking, it’s not the only one. These are also serious problems that you can focus on in your essay.

According to Polaris Project, there are 25 types of modern slavery . Among them are:

  • Manufacturing in sweatshops;
  • Agricultural work;
  • Food and cleaning services;
  • Beauty and massage salons.

Note that each of these practices has unique traits. It means there are specific methods of recruitment and control associated with them. Make sure to take all essential features of human trafficking into account when writing your essay.

The History of Human Trafficking

If we go back in time, we can see that human trafficking has a long history. Here are some of its milestones:

As you now know, human trafficking is inextricably linked to other crimes against human rights. And the eradication of this phenomenon depends on both governments and ordinary citizens.

What Is Being Done to Stop Human Trafficking

In recent decades, a lot has been done to curb slavery. The United Nations General Assembly has established the World Day against Trafficking in Persons on July 30 . It was done to raise awareness of the situation and promote and protect victims’ rights.

One of the essential frameworks used to combat human trafficking is the 3P: prosecution, protection, and prevention .

Sometimes “ partnership ” is added as the fourth P. Since human trafficking became a pandemic, it requires a combined effort of people working together to overcome this problem. You can learn more about the 3P paradigm from this article by the US Department of State .

You may ask, “What can I do?” Here are some ways in which anyone can help fight human trafficking:

  • In each country, there is a hotline where you can report on a known case of human trafficking or an attempt at recruiting.
  • Be attentive to various kinds of controversial proposals and promises of a better life.
  • Try to avoid bad company.

These recommendations may seem simple, but they can help you stay away from danger, spread awareness, and even save lives.

Before you start writing a human trafficking essay, you need to find a compelling topic. Check out the following list of topics and prompts and choose a subject that interests you.

✍️ Human Trafficking Topics for Any Essay Type

Human Trafficking Argumentative Essay Topics

  • We should let survivors inform the public about the dangers of trafficking.
  • State laws should protect the rights of trafficking survivors.
  • Victim behavior is not the reason for the actions of criminals.
  • Present medical facts about the ability of humans to survive a trauma.
  • What psychological techniques do criminals use to lure victims?
  • School is a safe haven for children from disadvantaged families.
  • High social status is not a guarantee of protection against traffickers.
  • Deception as a tool for controlling victims of modern slavery.
  • Family can provide significant support to a victim of human trafficking.
  • Physical violence and threats are the chief tools for controlling traffickers.
  • Health workers should follow safety rules when rescuing trafficking victims .
  • Countries providing financial advantages for anonymous economic activities should be held accountable.
  • Psychologists should comply with ethical standards when assisting victims of trafficking.
  • Countries with high trafficking rates should develop maps showing hotspots.
  • Victims of modern slavery are not to blame: justification from the criminal perspective.
  • Whom should we hold responsible for what happens to the victims in captivity?
  • Will economic support for vulnerable groups help reduce the level of human trafficking?
  • Prolonged captivity reduces the chances of adaptation after release.
  • Exercise and physical activity help victims of trafficking to overcome trauma .
  • Medication alone is ineffective in combating PTSD among trafficking victims.

Human Trafficking Argumentative Essay Prompts & Tips

  • Who is responsible for human trafficking—the government, police, or society? There is no sufficient progress in stopping human trafficking. This is mainly due to the absence of an unequivocal opinion about who is responsible for the situation. Give your own ideas in this essay.
  • The need to inform the public about human trafficking. Demonstrate the necessity to convey this information to the masses. You can also suggest ways of doing it.
  • Immediate assistance for the victims of modern slavery. Show why it is important to provide psychological aid to rescued victims. What is the role of nurses and community organizations in it?
  • Psychological help to victims of human trafficking: group therapy. Group therapy is based on awareness and acceptance of trauma. These actions are the basis of PTSD treatment. Decide whether it’s the optimal solution for victims’ psychological rehabilitation.
  • Countries with widespread human trafficking should develop appropriate laws. Legislation changes are a crucial element of an integrated approach. In this essay, provide a list of existing laws and possible new regulations.
  • The devastating impact of modern slavery. Describe the disastrous consequences that victims of human trafficking face. Find stories describing their lives in various media. How did they become victims? What happened to them after release from captivity?
  • Tightening police measures as a way to stop human trafficking. Women and children are especially vulnerable targets for traffickers. Demonstrate the need to enable the police to protect them better.
  • The high rate of trafficking indicates a high crime rate in a country. Determine which countries have the highest human trafficking rates. What are the related crimes observed there? Is there a correlation?
  • The use of technology to catch criminals and traffickers. In this essay, discuss technologies that can help officials stop traffickers. For instance, satellite imagery allows identifying places of victims’ detention.
  • International financial law is one of the best ways to stop human trafficking. Would the right to disclose anonymous bank accounts help reduce such crimes? What new laws and agreements are required to allow this?

For an argumentative essay, you need to conduct extensive research and present evidence to support your claim (check out our argumentative essay guide to learn more.) Here are the main steps:

Human Trafficking Persuasive Essay Topics

  • An anti-trafficking tax will help decrease the modern slavery rates.
  • Is preventing new cases of slavery more critical than saving victims?
  • Modern slavery is a serious problem that the CIA should address.
  • Ignoring human trafficking is the same as neglecting Nazism.
  • Forced labor is an economic problem as it is caused by poverty.
  • Border control no longer solves the problem of forced labor.
  • Should producers of weapons pay an anti-trafficking tax?
  • Imprisonment for paying for escort services will stop human trafficking.
  • Will stricter gun control laws help stop human trafficking?
  • Victims of human trafficking should receive lifetime financial compensation.
  • Human trafficking is a national problem that requires coordination of efforts.
  • Treatment of human trafficking victims is a responsibility of society as well as psychologists.
  • Two-year state-funded hospital treatment will help survivors to cope with the trauma.
  • Are social networks a determining factor in the spread of human trafficking?
  • Assess gender disparity in using the labor of human trafficking victims.
  • Did the political polarization of society lead to an increase in people smuggling?
  • Immigration laws are an effective means of combating modern slavery.
  • Human traffickers’ family members capable of domestic violence should share responsibility with criminals.
  • Civil and human rights protection laws do not sufficiently address human trafficking.
  • People smuggling is not a crime from the criminals’ perspective: is this statement true?

Tips & Persuasive Essay Prompts Related to Human Trafficking

  • The President must take personal responsibility. The problem of human trafficking is more acute than ever. It requires the immediate intervention of the President and Vice President. For example, they can declare the upcoming year the year of the fight against human trafficking.
  • Criminals guilty of human trafficking should be kept in special prisons. The government should create special jails for rapists and human traffickers with a stricter regime. Moreover, we should prevent these criminals from becoming part of society again. Is this proposal fair?
  • Trafficking should be punished with life imprisonment . Today, life imprisonment is mainly reserved for murder. Should human trafficking be penalized to the fullest extent?
  • Can self-defense lessons help to avoid the risk of being captured by traffickers? Do you agree that schools should introduce a martial arts training system?
  • State laws should permit surveillance in regions with high trafficking rates. Debate whether security is more important than the right to anonymity. Should the government allow the police to access people’s data ?
  • Public organizations that help the survivors should take official responsibility. If non-governmental associations take it, they can receive financial support. It will help them cooperate more effectively with the police. Do you agree?
  • The existence of human trafficking in a country: deontology, utilitarianism and egoism. The United States is officially a democracy. However, the human trafficking rates show that America is close to a feudal society. Criminal ties among the upper class also enforce it.
  • Fines as a way to motivate social workers and patrol officers to fight human trafficking. Many activists and police officers work in areas with high human trafficking rates. Do you agree that governments should fine them? Would a system of moderate fines motivate them to be more responsible?
  • People who cannot pay rent are easy targets for traffickers. The government should prevent homelessness to combat human trafficking. For instance, it can compensate for the rent of vulnerable demographics.
  • Homelessness as the main reason for being captured by traffickers. Homelessness deprives a person of protection. States with the highest human trafficking rates should start building shelters for the homeless. The state should provide them with food, clothing, jobs, and education. This way, traffickers won’t capture them into slavery.

A persuasive essay aims to convince the reader to share your opinion. You can do it by citing facts and statistics (check out our persuasive essay guide for more info.) Here’s how to write it:

Human Trafficking Informative Essay Topics

  • How do international organizations fight modern slavery?
  • Human trafficking in developed African countries.
  • Outline the demography of human trafficking in the US .
  • How does society stigmatize trafficking survivors ?
  • Fair trade as a way to combat modern slavery.
  • Sex trafficking from a feminist perspective.
  • The role of photography in the fight against forced labor.
  • Fighting human trafficking on the dark web .
  • Media coverage of human trafficking : ethical aspects.
  • Review how anyone can help combat human trafficking .
  • Association of human trafficking with social insecurity.
  • How can medical institutions provide safety to victims of trafficking?
  • Review the political and economic effects of human trafficking in the US.
  • What lessons can the US learn from the trafficking situation in Eastern Europe?
  • Forced labor and higher education in the US: programs for survivors.
  • What US laws protect victims of slavery and define criminal activities?
  • Review government statistics on forced labor in the US over the last five years.
  • Which American states have the highest human trafficking rates?
  • Modern slavery in the Arab world: from ancient times to modern days.
  • Using technology to combat forced labor: the latest solutions.

Tips & Informative Writing Prompts for Human Trafficking Essays

  • Measures that governments can take to reduce human trafficking. Review legal and informative measures to combat modern slavery. You can base this essay on reports from official government agencies.
  • Human trafficking: types, symptoms , and effects. For this essay, present the kinds of trafficking according to the official categorization. It includes divisions according to age, gender, and type of forced labor. You can also describe the symptoms commonly found in victims.
  • The history of human trafficking: from ancient times to the 21 st century. Start by describing ancient cultures that used forced labor. Alternatively, you may focus on the history of slavery in the US . Include the latest statistics on reported cases of human trafficking.
  • Human trafficking and fundamental humanistic values. Outline humanistic values that are violated by forced labor. Back it up with arguments drawn from the works of famous humanists.
  • What are the consequences of human trafficking for victims? Describe the trauma that people develop while in captivity. Use reports from national and global organizations. What physiological symptoms are associated with adaptation after release?
  • How does the US deal with the problem of reporting on forced labor? Present ways of communicating the risks of human trafficking. Base this essay on government anti-trafficking reports. Include a list of trafficker indicators and other red flags.
  • Environments that put a person in danger of becoming a victim of human trafficking. These include unemployment , homelessness, and the absence of immigration status. You can base this essay on data from governmental reports. 
  • Informing the population as means of reducing human trafficking rates. Does informing people actually reduce the number of potential victims? Review the best informing strategies used by community organizations.
  • Why are migrants the most vulnerable population group in terms of human trafficking? In this essay, provide information on migrants’ life circumstances. Mention the aspects that make them the most vulnerable demographic. Examples include unemployment and insecurity before the law. You can also present the most common schemes by which traffickers capture migrants.
  • New approaches to mitigating the effects of modern slavery in psychotherapy. Describe what methods therapists use to help slavery victims. You can present a list of optimal practices for restoring the integrity of survivors’ personalities. For this essay on human trafficking, use scientific articles and reports from practicing therapists.

An informative essay should educate the reader on something they didn’t know before. Have a look at this outline:

Topics for an Expository Essay on Human Trafficking

  • Assess social adaptation methods for victims of sexual slavery.
  • Social adaptation of men who worked for traffickers in captivity.
  • Police memo: evidence sufficient to detain a trafficker.
  • Describe how to identify a trafficker based on 7 criteria.
  • Power of the image: photo reports on human trafficking.
  • Anonymous story of a sexual slavery survivor.
  • Present a psychological and demographic portrait of a trafficker.
  • Describe the conditions of human traffickers’ detention.
  • Dealing with trauma in children who have been in labor slavery.
  • Human trafficking in the Southern and Northern states.
  • How to restore citizenship and documents after release from captivity.
  • How can human trafficking survivors get free medical care?
  • Who is more effective in stopping human trafficking: government agencies or community organizations?
  • Being in captivity during the war , in forced labor, or sexual slavery: psychological consequences.
  • Gender differences in human trafficking victims’ labor.
  • Modern slavery’s connection to the criminal underworld in the Northern states.
  • Enumerate the reasons why homeless people can end up in captivity.
  • How many years does adaptation take for human trafficking survivors?
  • Explore the modern meaning of the word “slavery.”
  • Discuss ways of psychological support for the families of slavery victims.

Modern Day Slavery Writing Prompts & Tips for Expository Essays

  • Human trafficking and modern slavery: real stories told by the media. Review several articles about falling into slavery. You can focus on press coverage from the 2010s. The stories of survivors will speak for themselves.
  • Non-governmental organizations of the USA assisting victims: the power of community . Present five influential organizations from California, Texas, Florida, Ohio, and Nevada. Assess the personal contributions of staff. What is the role of local communities?
  • How to help a friend if they’ve become a victim of human trafficking. In this essay, list tactics and strategies for assisting forced labor victims. Pay particular attention to compliance with safety regulations.
  • What is it like to be a forced labor victim? A more creative task is to describe the situation from the inside. Can victims try to escape and free themselves from slavery? What is the role of psychological pressure from traffickers? How can an ordinary person cope with such a monstrous challenge?
  • Prostitution, forced labor, and organ trafficking: a comparison. In addition, describe what forms of modern slavery prevail in different countries.
  • Therapy methods in human trafficking survivors. Review what therapy practices are the most suitable for working with the survivors.
  • An overview of common human trafficking schemes. These often involve vulnerable demographics, including illegal immigrants and adolescents from underprivileged communities.
  • In what conditions do human trafficking victims live? In this paper, explain how life in captivity affects one’s mental health. Determine the connections between trauma and the body’s response to it. 
  • Ways of integration of human trafficking survivors. Review the best strategies for their adaptation to everyday life. Give examples of social adaptation that include education and employment.
  • Human trafficking in the Southern and Border States. Study the situation in Texas, California, Florida, Georgia, and Arizona. Then, describe how to solve the problem. Don’t forget to emphasize the role of social work with illegal migrants.

An expository essay includes a thesis statement, evidence, and a logical conclusion. You can also use elements of creative writing in your paper (feel free to read our expository essay guide for more info.) Here are the main steps:

Human Trafficking Research Paper Topics

  • Survival in an unfamiliar city: is an escape from slavery possible?
  • What prevents citizens from recognizing victims of human trafficking?
  • Are monthly payments for human trafficking survivors justified?
  • Dietary adaptation for malnourished forced labor survivors.
  • How do the police investigate slavery markets?
  • Economic levers to combat human trafficking: practical approaches.
  • Describe global criminal connections that lead to modern slavery.
  • Being in captivity leads to psychological trauma inherited by victims’ children.
  • The use of figureheads on social media is a successful tactic against traffickers.
  • Five app projects that will help avoid becoming a human trafficking victim.
  • We should ban goods produced by forced labor worldwide.
  • Human trafficking transportation problems as an opportunity to catch criminals.
  • Research the use of symbolic language in informing victims of human trafficking.
  • Funding for the installation of video surveillance systems to catch traffickers.
  • People from what socio-economic background are the most vulnerable to child labour and exploitation?
  • How can we combat human trafficking during a pandemic?
  • Ethics of business and economic relations as a way to combat slavery.
  • Informing vulnerable groups about human trafficking and attracting them to cooperation.
  • Coordinated interaction of police departments is the key to success in combating people smuggling.

Human Trafficking Research Paper Prompts & Tips

  • Deficiencies in US law determine success or failure in the fight against human trafficking. US legislation on human trafficking includes several rules. International acts and agreements also guide it. Nonetheless, the US laws, especially in the leading states, require urgent revision.
  • Human trafficking as modern slavery: history repeating itself. Draw analogies between the trends and schemes from the past and the present. What historical practices can be effective in combating slavery? In particular, this concerns the anti-slavery movement and public awareness.
  • Domestic human trafficking in the US shows increasing tendencies. Here, analyze the growth of domestic human trafficking cases. Demonstrate the need to create new approaches to catch criminals.
  • Technology companies can stop human trafficking. The luring of victims often occurs on social media . Should social networking companies be penalized for failing to act against criminals?
  • Can social media campaigns help protect potential victims? It’s necessary to create a program that will inform users about the dangers of trafficking. This method of targeted communication can be very effective.
  • City officials should be ready to engage in the fight against modern slavery. Provide examples of American cities that are actively fighting human trafficking. What approaches and practices can be adopted throughout the US?
  • Medical institutions are the main asset in combating human trafficking. More than three-quarters of victims receive medical care while in captivity. Health workers have the legal right to place a patient in a hospital and protect them from contact with criminals. This approach has been successful in many states.
  • The police have insufficient funding to combat human trafficking. The police are conducting successful investigations, and there are many cases of solved human trafficking crimes. The state can grant more money to the police to uncover more trafficking schemes. It will allow using more advanced technologies in search of criminals.

The picture shows a fact about trafficking laws in different states.

  • Hotlines should be more accessible to victims of trafficking. Hotlines are highly effective in combating human trafficking. They are easy to find on the Internet, but captive victims rarely have access to the network. How can we improve this situation?
  • Families of trafficking victims and their participation in the search. Demonstrate the need to establish a format for families’ closer cooperation with the police. Would it help to conduct police investigations more effectively? Should we allow families to conduct their own investigations?
  • The US is responsible for the success of international cooperation against human trafficking.

To write a research paper, you study the available information, analyze it, and make conclusions. Here’s a human trafficking research paper outline:

Causes of Human Trafficking Essay Topics

  • Discuss psychological factors of human trafficking.
  • What personal reasons make people become traffickers?
  • Greed as a major reason for human trafficking.
  • What are the major causes of sex trafficking?
  • Substantial profit as one of the human trafficking root causes.
  • Explore the reasons for forced marriages.
  • How does social media promote people trafficking?
  • Commercialized sex and its contribution to human trafficking.
  • Does authoritarianism promote human trafficking?
  • Compare the cases of human trafficking in the United States and Thailand.
  • Explore the court cases of traffickers. Does the judicial system cope with its duties?
  • Why are weak anti-trafficking policies the primary cause of people’s exploitation ?
  • Discuss the role of government in human trafficking.
  • Investigate the reforms on human trafficking. How effective are these measures?
  • Lack of relevant laws leads to more trafficking cases. Do you agree?
  • Should legal punishments apply to victims as well as traffickers?
  • Why is ethnicity one of the main factors of people trafficking?
  • Explore the connection between drug addiction and slavery.
  • Violent force and threats as major leverages of traffickers.
  • Naivety leads to becoming a victim of traffickers. Provide your arguments.

Causes of Human Trafficking Essay Prompts & Tips

  • What are the leading causes of human trafficking? Your essay may start with the definition of people trafficking. Think about social and economic factors. Dig into history to find the reasons. Most importantly, look at this issue from various angles.
  • Explore poverty as one of the reasons for human trafficking. How does poverty influence people? Can it force them to behave illegally? What are people ready to do for money?
  • Migration: is it a cause or a consequence of human trafficking? Some people are so eager to immigrate to developed countries that they can do anything. They are even ready to sell their children to get money or sell themselves into slavery. At the same time, others become traffickers to move to another country.
  • Discuss the connection between human trafficking and education. Think about the following: If a person lacks education, they lack knowledge about their rights. They can be deluded more easily. Following this logic, these individuals can become desired prey for traffickers.
  • What is the role of war in human trafficking? Do armed conflicts provoke or prevent the spread of slavery? How do they facilitate the development of this problem? Is smuggling flourishing in countries that are at war? These are excellent questions to start with.
  • What are the effects of cheap labor demand? Supply and demand are two pillars of economics. If there were no need for a cheap working force, traffickers wouldn’t exploit people so easily. They force their victims to work almost for free while selling the goods at a high price.
  • Investigate institutional racism as a root cause of people trafficking. Who is the most vulnerable social class? Naturally, these are marginalized groups. They lack protection at a constitutional level. That’s why they can become victims of traffickers.
  • Cultural and social causes of human trafficking. For some nations, selling children, slavery, smuggling, and bonded labor are commonplace. In some countries, such as Uzbekistan, people are forced to work in the cotton fields by the authorities. If you do research, you will see many similar examples worldwide.
  • How do natural disasters facilitate human trafficking? The consequences of some natural disasters force people to migrate and find alternative ways to earn money. Some of them have no other option but to let themselves be exploited. 
  • How does the absence of safe migration conditions assist people trafficking?  Many people from developing countries want to move to the United States to achieve their American Dream. Traffickers delude fortune seekers, promising well-paid jobs and help in crossing the border.

Discussing human trafficking in a cause-and-effect essay is an excellent way to investigate this issue in detail. You can learn how to write it from our article on cause-and-effect essays . Here’s a recap:

Solutions to Human Trafficking Essay Topics

  • How can employers help stop human trafficking?
  • Producing films about slavery : is it a problem solution?
  • How can we stop human trafficking by learning the indicators?
  • How can people protect themselves from traffickers when going abroad?
  • Why should employers stop using cheap labor?
  • Compare and contrast solutions to labor and sex trafficking.
  • The role of parents and caregivers in preventing forced labor.
  • How can civic awareness stop human trafficking?
  • What is more important: to persecute traffickers or to protect victims?
  • In what ways can attorneys help stop people smuggling ? 
  • Can creating a reliable online platform for job searching help reduce slavery?
  • Educational curriculum : should students be taught how to indicate and prevent human trafficking?
  • Investigate the list of goods produced by child exploitation as a form of human trafficking. How does this information influence people’s choices?
  • Forewarned is forearmed: discuss the effectiveness of anti-trafficking non-profit websites.
  • How can stricter validity checks on job-searching websites solve the issue of modern slavery?
  • Can the implementation of severe punishments for human trafficking help to curb the problem?
  • Legalization of prostitution as a way of preventing sex trafficking.
  • How can timely identification of human trafficking indicators save the lives of the victims?
  • Fighting against poverty and unemployment as a means of preventing people smuggling.
  • Watching documentaries about modern slavery as a problem solution.

Solutions to Human Trafficking Essay Prompts & Tips

  • What are the primary solutions to human trafficking? Think about the following: How can this problem be solved on personal and national levels? It’s crucial to mention self-awareness , education, volunteering , and the role of charity organizations. You may also address the necessity to change the law.
  • Human trafficking: an international approach. The issue of modern slavery is a global problem. That’s why it should be dealt with at the international level. The authorities all over the world should unite to fight against people trafficking.
  • Compare and contrast the effectiveness of volunteering and adopting new policies. On the one hand, volunteers attract public attention to the issue of human trafficking. On the other hand, we should protect marginalized groups at the constitutional level. Otherwise, human trafficking will remain flourishing in the future.
  • Coverage of human trafficking cases in social media. Is it a good idea for the victims to share their stories on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook ? How can it help prevent this issue? Could it lead to the stigmatization of these people by others? You can start by brainstorming these ideas.
  • Discuss whether fundraising is an effective solution to human trafficking. Ponder on how holding a fundraiser helps bring awareness to the problem of modern slavery. What are some other benefits of fundraising, such as financial assistance?
  • Donations help prevent human trafficking. Do you agree? Every person can donate some money, clothes, or even shelter for the victims of human trafficking. Business owners may ensure employment opportunities, giving these people a chance for a better future. Focus on the importance of psychological and legal assistance.
  • How does the media help prevent human trafficking? The media attracts people’s attention to the problem. They become more aware and careful. The cases of victims are widely discussed, leading to more fundraising and volunteering .
  • Explore the anti-trafficking legislation in the United States. Discuss its strengths and drawbacks. What could be changed or done better? Is it effective? How are the rights of marginalized groups protected? These ideas are only the tip of the iceberg.
  • Education opportunities for disadvantaged groups as a way of preventing human trafficking. Should the government provide marginalized people with free education? How can it affect human trafficking? Discuss it in your essay.  
  • Why is a boycott an effective way of preventing human trafficking? If others start rejecting the goods produced by the victims of human trafficking, traffickers won’t get such huge profits. Everyone can make their contribution to the fight against this issue.

A problem-solution essay is particularly suitable for discussing modern slavery. Explore the facts and suggest how to stop this inhumane practice. Here’s how to write about problems and their solutions:

If you haven’t found a suitable topic, feel free to use our topic generator .

📝 Human Trafficking Essay Outline

Before you start writing, let’s have a look at some aspects to consider in your college essay on human trafficking. Here’s the basic template:

The picture shows the outline of a human trafficking essay.

Human Trafficking Essay Introduction: How to Write

The most important part of an essay introduction is a hook. A perfect attention grabber for a human trafficking paper would demonstrate the seriousness of the problem right away. It, in turn, would make your audience eager to read on.

Have a look at some of the ideas for your essay’s hook:

  • Cite statistical data related to the current situation with human trafficking.
  • Start with a stirring quote to appeal to readers’ emotions.
  • Pose a question related to your essay’s topic. Make the reader want to learn the answer.

Besides the hook, it’s logical to start your essay with some background information. This way, even an unprepared reader will understand your essay’s thesis. Think of what your audience may not know about your topic. It will help you determine what to include in this part of the introduction.

Here are some strategies:

  • Tell about the countries and regions with the highest trafficking rates—for example, Thailand, the Philippines, India, South Africa, and Eastern Europe.
  • Mention reasons behind this problem: unemployment, social discrimination, political instability, armed conflicts, etc.
  • Give a solid definition of human trafficking or its specific type. It’s better to formulate your own one rather than take it from a dictionary.

It’s important to notice that your hook and background information should be relevant to your topic. Make sure these elements help to further the understanding of your essay’s main point.

Human Trafficking Essay Thesis

A thesis statement is your essay’s main point formulated in one sentence. It outlines the paper’s direction and provides an answer to the problem stated in the title. You place it at the end of the introduction.

A good thesis statement for a human trafficking essay usually presents the solution to a problem. However, the thesis’ contents depend on your essay’s type. For example, in an informative essay, you don’t need to prove or suggest anything. Instead, you say what you’re going to explain and how you’ll do it.

Once you’ve written the thesis statement, how do you determine whether it’s strong? Well, one way is to answer the questions from the following checklist.

If your answer to all three questions is “yes,” you can be sure of your thesis’s effectiveness.

Finally, don’t forget that the rest of your essay should support your thesis. If necessary, you can rework your statement to better suit the body paragraphs, or vice versa.

Human Trafficking Essay: Main Body

How do you make your essay on human trafficking credible and persuasive? Naturally, you want to add evidence. Here’s how to incorporate it into your paper:

  • It’s better to start collecting your evidence before you start writing. Once you’ve found all the necessary information, it will be easier for you to structure the paragraphs. The point is to focus each section on a single aspect.
  • Start each paragraph with a topic sentence. It should present the main idea that you will then support with evidence. Ideally, your audience should be able to follow your logic by reading the topic sentences alone.
  • Finally, add your evidence. It can be statistics, facts from scholarly articles, quotes, or even anecdotes. Follow it with your explanation of this information. Say how it relates to the topic and supports your thesis.

Human Trafficking Essay Conclusion: Dos & Don’ts

A strong conclusion is a crucial part of any writing. In this final part, you synthesize your essay in a few sentences while adding a twist to it. If a conclusion is done right, it can leave a lasting impression on your readers.

This dos and don’ts list will help you write a perfect conclusion for a human trafficking essay. Check it out:

Don’t forget to introduce statistics in your essay on human trafficking. It’s available on numerous websites of governmental and non-governmental organizations dealing with the problem. You can find more ideas for your paper in our article about writing a child labor essay.

📑 Human Trafficking Essay Examples

We’ve prepared an outstanding sample essay on human trafficking that you can use as inspiration. You’re welcome to download the PDF file below:

Human trafficking is a global problem. It deprives millions worldwide of their freedom and dignity. Traffickers use various tactics to lure children, men, and women into the trap. For that reason, precaution measures should be taken. It is crucial to educate as many people as possible on the issue to ensure everyone’s safety.

Share your thoughts about human trafficking with us! Why do you think slavery is still in demand? If you were a politician, what would you do to prevent it? Tell us your suggestion in comments below!

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✏️  Human Trafficking Essay FAQ

Human trafficking is a topical issue in society because it’s an inhumane practice that affects millions of people worldwide. Writing on that topic helps understand why it is happening and what can be done about it.

Human trafficking is a very complex phenomenon driven by various economic, social, cultural, and other causes. Factors of a high human trafficking risk are poverty, social instability, exclusion, and lack of education and awareness (e.g., in South Africa.)

Pretty much every fact connected with human trafficking is horrifying. Nearly everything about this phenomenon can be considered a danger. As human trafficking is a form of slavery, it would be naive to presume there are any positive effects whatsoever.

Human trafficking is a serious problem, and you should be able to express your opinion on it. For example, it can be done in the form of an argumentative essay. It is vital to avoid using too many emotionally charged words. Remember to stay objective and provide facts and examples.

🔗 References

  • Tips for Organizing an Argumentative Essay: Judith L. Beumer Writing Center
  • Human Trafficking Essay: Bartleby
  • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Treatment: NHS
  • Embrace AI, Technology to Beat Human Traffickers: Reuters
  • Essay Writing: Purdue University
  • What Is Human Trafficking: Anti-Slavery International
  • Human Trafficking: Encyclopedia Britannica
  • End Human Trafficking: United Way
  • Human Trafficking Facts: CRS
  • OSCE Resource Police Training Guide: Trafficking in Human Beings: OSCE
  • Study on the Economic, Social and Human Costs of Trafficking in Human Beings Within the EU: Europa.eu
  • Writing a Research Paper: University of Wisconsin-Madison
  • Human Trafficking: FBI
  • Human Trafficking: Causes and Implications: Research Gate
  • Writing a Persuasive Essay: Hamilton College
  • Parts of an Informative Essay: Pen and the Pad
  • Expository Essay Outline: Columbus City Schools
  • Introductions & Conclusions: University of Arizona
  • Writing the Introduction: Monash University
  • How to Write a Thesis Statement: Indiana University Bloomington
  • Writing a Thesis Statement: Piedmont University
  • 4 Ways Anyone Can Fight Human Trafficking: The Muse
  • What Fuels Human Trafficking?: UNISEF USA
  • What Is Human Trafficking?: Homeland Security
  • Psychological Tactics Used by Human Traffickers: Psychology Today
  • Psychological Coercion in Human Trafficking: An Application of Biderman’s Framework: NIH
  • Warning Signs of Human Trafficking: State of Nevada
  • Human Trafficking: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement
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College Essays on Human Trafficking

Human trafficking is a devastating issue that has affected millions of people around the world. For students looking to write a college essay on this topic, there are many angles to approach it from. One approach could be to examine the root causes of human trafficking, such as poverty, gender inequality, and lack of education. Another approach could be to explore the impact of human trafficking on victims and their communities, including psychological trauma, physical harm, and the spread of diseases.

To write a successful human trafficking essay, students may want to include real-life examples of cases or interviews with experts in the field. In terms of essay topics, there are many potential directions to take, including analyzing the effectiveness of current anti-trafficking laws, exploring the relationship between human trafficking and other social issues such as forced labor or sexual exploitation, or discussing the role of technology in combatting human trafficking.

As for college essay on human trafficking, applicants could highlight their commitment to fighting this issue and their past experiences working with organizations or communities affected by human trafficking. It is important for applicants to demonstrate their understanding of the complexity and gravity of this issue, as well as their passion and dedication to making a positive impact.

Overall, writing an effective college essay on human trafficking requires careful research, thoughtful analysis, and a deep understanding of the issue. By exploring various human trafficking essay topics at WritingBros, you can write your own perfect essay on this issue.

Organ Donation Ethical Issues in Relation to Human Trafficking

According to code U.S. code 42 presented in the United States Constitution, 'unlawful for any person to knowingly acquire, receive, or otherwise transfer any human organ for valuable consideration for use in human transplantation if the transfer affects interstate commerce.' The black market allows people...

  • Human Trafficking
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Why Is Slavery Wrong Yesterday And Today

 It's dark cold stormy night but we got to keep moving or shots fired. Run let's go hurry we got to the gate but heard people behind us and it's him go then they were never seen again. But this terrible thing is called slavery....

  • Slave Trade

Human Trafficking Not Historical Fact but Nowadays Disease

The topic I decided to do for my vice and narcotics class I felt like was something others would like to know about is on human trafficking, I find it so hard to believe it still goes on you would think it would have came...

  • Slavery in The World

Legalization Of Sex Work: Should Prostituion Be Legal

Retail, sale, or exchange of goods for services or objects is one of the oldest professions in history, as is sex work; payment for sexual services. Since sexual needs are one of the main needs of humans it is of no surprise that the sex...

  • Prostitution

The Biblical Worldview On The Human Trafficking

Choices to commit a crime, fight against crime, or generate justice for criminal acts are all motivated by our worldview. Incorporating a Christian worldview into the Criminal Justice approach allows you to view behavior and response through the lens of God's expectations. This perspective creates...

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The Issue of Child Sex Trafficking Being a Disorder or Crime

Human trafficking is one of the most severe forms of human rights violation against men, women, and children. It is a market fueled by supply and demand forces. Poverty, corruption, and illiteracy are all baits for trafficking. Forced labor, commercial sexual exploitation, and domestic servitude...

  • Sex Trafficking

The Urgent Need to Become Aware of Human Trafficking

Human Trafficking is the action of illegally transporting people from one country to another through the means of force, fraud, deception. Human trafficking is one of the many illegal activities where man controls other people. This type of trafficking usually forms into sex trafficking as...

The Fraud and Deception Behind Human Trafficking

What if someone came into your life and gave you the guarantee of amazing opportunities? This may sound like a great occurrence, but it is quite the opposite once that person enslaves you into human trafficking. Human Trafficking is defined as “the recruitment, transportation, transfer,...

  • Child Labour

The Modern Ford of Slavery: Human Trafficking

Would are we ignoring 25 million people globally that are being treated as modern day slaves? Young vulnerable women are promised work and a new life but are abducted, transported, abused and enslaved. They are forced into labor, prostitution, and drugs, living in poor living...

Benjamin Banneker's Letter to Thomas Jefferson: Confronting Slavery

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Notes and Letters of Thomas Jefferson Regarding Slavery

Jefferson is a man of unwavering convictions. Through his letters it is clear that he devoted much of his time and political resources to the promotion of his viewpoints on slavery and the mental capacity of black people. In the span of thirty-two years, Jefferson...

Thomas Jefferson’s Contribution to Ending the Slavery

“Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that is justice cannot sleep forever, “written by the great Jefferson Thomas in his Notes on the state of Virginia. Jefferson Thomas was the third American president. He grew up in Virginia....

Bringing More Attention to Sex Trafficing: Make Your Voice Heard

Sex trafficking is a serious and common situation that can happen during any time and any day. People should be able to be more aware of their surroundings and should be more cautious especially when they are alone. Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn's book...

Soul by Soul: Accurate Account of Slave Trade

Soul by Soul is based on the interstate slave trade (domestic slave trade) that occurred in the nine-tenth century. In the earlier years, it wasn’t recognized as much. Slaveholders called it a “kingdom” for cotton, and they populated the new states of the emerging South-West...

The Issue of Human Trafficking to North Korea

First and foremost, human trafficking expands across the globe to men, women, and children, it doesn’t matter the gender, age or the status of your social class. However; human trafficking affects women the most, in regards to serious foul violations impacting universal human rights that...

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Need to Raise Awareness About Human Trafficking

Human trafficking is something that should be on everyone's radar. You, your friend or ever a family member could be subjected to this horrendous crime. In a 2019 report, the United Nations Office on Drugs on Crime issued a report on human trafficking with more...

The Practice of Human Trafficking in India

Human trafficking is an issue that has received increased attention in recent years. Around the world, politicians have highlighted the problem as a justification for policies that restrict immigration. For example, the President of the United States argues that a border wall is needed partly...

A Brief history about ISIS: Its Stateless Psychology And Mission

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The Rehabilitation Of Victims Of Human Trafficking Through Partnership

People who are trafficked are daughters and sons, mothers, brothers, fathers and sisters. Most often, they are individuals who believed they were being given an opportunity to earn money to improve their future and that of their loved ones. Once in a trafficking situation, most...

Best topics on Human Trafficking

1. Organ Donation Ethical Issues in Relation to Human Trafficking

2. Why Is Slavery Wrong Yesterday And Today

3. Human Trafficking Not Historical Fact but Nowadays Disease

4. Legalization Of Sex Work: Should Prostituion Be Legal

5. The Biblical Worldview On The Human Trafficking

6. The Issue of Child Sex Trafficking Being a Disorder or Crime

7. The Urgent Need to Become Aware of Human Trafficking

8. The Fraud and Deception Behind Human Trafficking

9. The Modern Ford of Slavery: Human Trafficking

10. Benjamin Banneker’s Letter to Thomas Jefferson: Confronting Slavery

11. Notes and Letters of Thomas Jefferson Regarding Slavery

12. Thomas Jefferson’s Contribution to Ending the Slavery

13. Bringing More Attention to Sex Trafficing: Make Your Voice Heard

14. Soul by Soul: Accurate Account of Slave Trade

15. The Issue of Human Trafficking to North Korea

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Trafficked: Three survivors of human trafficking share their stories

Date: Monday, 29 July 2019

This story was originally published on Medium.com/@UN_Women

Across the world, millions of women and girls live in the long shadows of human trafficking. Whether ensnared by force, coercion, or deception, they live in limbo, in fear, in pain.

Because human trafficking operates in darkness, it’s difficult to get exact numbers of victims. However, the vast majority of detected trafficking victims are women and girls, and three out of four are trafficked for the purpose of sexual exploitation .

Wherever there is poverty, conflict and gender inequality, women’s and girls’ lives are at-risk for exploitation. Human trafficking is a heinous crime that shatters lives, families and dreams.

On World Day against Trafficking in Persons, three women survivors tell us their stories. Their words are testament to their incredible resilience and point toward the urgency for action to prosecute perpetrators and support survivors along their journeys to restored dignity, health and hope.

Karimova comes full circle.

Luiza Karimova. Photo: UN Women Europe and Central Asia/Rena Effendi

When she was 22 years old, Luiza Karimova left her home in Uzbekistan and travelled to Osh, Kyrgyzstan with the hopes of finding work. However, without a Kyrgyz ID or university degree, Karimova struggled to find employment. When a woman offered her a waitressing job in Bishkek, the capital city in the north of Kyrgyzstan, she welcomed the opportunity.

But things took a turn for the worse after arriving in Bishkek. Karimova recalls that, “They held us in an apartment and took away our passports. They told us that we’d be photographed again for our new employment documents, to be registered as waitresses. It felt strange, but we believed them.”

Then, Karimova and the other women were put on a plane to Dubai, handed fake passports instead of their real ones, and shepherded to an apartment after landing. “We were to be sex slaves and do whatever the clients wanted. The next day I was sent to a nightclub and told that I would have to earn at least 10,000 USD by the end of the month,” says Karimova.

For 18 months, her life was consumed by the nightclub work. Upon leaving the club one evening, Karimova saw a police car approaching, and instead of running away, she stayed to let the police arrest her.

“I was deported back to Osh, and since my ID was fake, I spent a year in jail. I filed a police report, and three of the traffickers were captured”.

However, after being released from prison, Karimova was left to live on the streets, ashamed and unemployed. She went back to work in the sex industry until she was approached by Podruga, an organization that assists women subjected to sex and drug trafficking. “They offered me work. I wasn’t sure that I would fit in, but slowly I began to trust them,” she says.

Now, Karimova works to prevent the exact situation in which she found herself. As an outreach worker with Podruga, she visits saunas and other places where sex workers may be. “I often meet girls who dream of going to Turkey and Dubai, to earn more. I tell them, ‘please don’t go...There is nothing good for you there.’”

To prevent their futures from unfolding as hers did, Karimova provides the women with health and safety resources and information about legal aid. “To stop trafficking of women and girls, we have to inform people about the full consequences of human trafficking and how to detect the signs. It is critical to start raising awareness about this in schools, starting young, so that they do not become victims.”

To read more of Karimova’s story and her work to prevent human trafficking in Kyrgyzstan, see her full interview .

Life in limbo.

What I’m passing through right now is so big, so serious, I see myself as a grown-up,” says Mary*, a Nigerian teenager who was taken to Italy by sex traffickers. “I missed ever being a child.” © UNICEF/UN061189/Gilbertson VII Photo.

In the Lake Chad region of West Africa, the Boko Haram insurgency has taken a drastic toll on millions of families. Thousands of people leave home every day, putting their lives in the hands of smugglers in search of a better life.

At 17 years old, Mary did just that. She felt there was no future for her in her home of Benin City, Nigeria, so she sought opportunities elsewhere. She was put into contact with a man, Ben, who promised to pay her way to Italy and use his connections to find her a restaurant job.

Soon after meeting Ben, Mary was called to his house and made to swear that she wouldn’t try to run away. In March 2016, she, along with a group of boys and girls, left for Libya—a stop along their route to Europe.

In Libya, Mary found herself in peril. “Ben took two of us girls one night. He gave the other girl to another man, and he said to me if I didn't sleep with him, he would give me to another man and not bring me to Europe. He raped me,” Mary says.

She wanted out but had no means of contacting anyone back home. “I had to stay there for months until they called me to go on the boat,” she says.

When she was finally put on a boat to Italy, Mary was informed she would be living in a camp and work as a prostitute—unjust conditions that she had never agreed to and couldn’t escape.

“I can't go stand on the side of the road in the name of money," she says, her voice rising. "I have a future. Standing there, selling myself, would destroy my life. My dignity. Everything.”

Now, the people who paid Mary’s way to Italy are demanding money and threatening her mother back in Nigeria. Her voice falters as she explains that, “they said they would do something very bad to her if I don't send money.”

She waits in anguish until her documents are processed. “I'm so sad. I'm under so much pressure. I don't know what to do… I just want to be free. I want it to be over, even for just one day.”

Despite the immense suffering she’s experienced as a victim of human trafficking, Mary’s dream of a better life holds strong. “One day I will have my documents, I will have an education, I will have work,” she says with hope. She wants to become a lawyer and serve those who’ve been trafficked like she has. “I want to give justice to the girls that have to use their bodies for work.”

For more of Mary’s story and UNICEF’s efforts to end the trafficking of children, read the full article .

“I no longer feel alone.”

 Khawng Nu, now 24, was duped by a woman from her rural village in Myanmar, who sent her to a birth trafficking ring in China. Photo: UN Women/Stuart Mannion

Khawng Nu, now 24 years old, is from Kachin, a conflict affected and impoverished state in northern Myanmar. There are few job opportunities, so when a woman from her village offered her work in a Chinese factory, Khawng Nu accepted the offer. However, upon arriving in China, Khawng Nu quickly learned that she had been deceived. The situation wasn’t at all what she was told it would be.

Khawng Nu had been trafficked to birth babies, a type of trafficking that accounts for 20 per cent of the trafficking of women in Myanmar . Khawng Nu recalls seeing more than 40 women on the floor of the building where she was kept, some as young as 16.

“They give pills to women and inject them with sperm for them to carry babies for Chinese men,” explains Khawng Nu. They were beaten and bullied at any sign of resistance.

Once the baby was born, the women would supposedly receive 1 million MMK (USD 632).

Khawng Nu managed to send a message home to her family, and, with the help of community leaders, the trafficking broker in her village was arrested, although he refused to disclose Khawng Nu’s location.

Eventually, Khawng Nu’s family was able to gather enough money from neighbors to pay the ransom for her return. When she came home to her village, Khawng Nu shared the names of other girls she had met in China with local authorities, and five were rescued and brought back.

Through the help of a local organization that partners with UN Women, Htoi Gender and Development Foundation, Khawng Nu is working toward a brighter future. “At first, when I returned, I felt ashamed and I didn’t want to show my face,” she recalls. “Now, after meeting with other women trafficking survivors through the peer group organized by Htoi, I no longer feel alone and seeing that there are other women who went through the same experience gave me courage.”

Read the full article for more of Khawng Nu’s story and how UN Women is working to end human trafficking in Myanmar.

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Human Trafficking Statistics and Facts In 2024

OUR Rescue

“Human Trafficking is the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring or receipt of people through force, fraud or deception, with the aim of exploiting them for profit. Men, women and children of all ages and from all backgrounds can become victims of this crime, which occurs in every region of the world. The traffickers often use violence or fraudulent employment agencies and fake promises of education and job opportunities to trick and coerce their victims.” ( United Nations ) 

An important term to know is child sexual abuse material (CSAM), which is any image or video of sexually explicit content involving a minor (someone under 18 years of age). 

Join us this June for Internet Safety Month and support OUR Rescue in our mission to end human trafficking and child sexual exploitation. Your contribution is crucial in helping us reach our goal of raising $1,500 in online donations. Every dollar donated empowers us to protect and rescue innocent lives from the reality of trafficking. Stand with us today and make a difference. Donate now to be a part of the solution!

Commonplace of Human Trafficking Worldwide

From high profile cities in the United States to remote locations around the world, human trafficking is a relatively silent epidemic that impacts communities everywhere. For this reason, Operation Underground Railroad (O.U.R.) operates internationally in seven regions .

Primary Causes of Human Trafficking

Traffickers, just like other types of predators, usually target vulnerable populations. According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security , victims are likely to suffer from: 

  • Psychological or emotional vulnerability
  • Economic hardship
  • Lack of a social safety net
  • Natural disasters
  • Political instability

Common Types of Human Trafficking

  • Forced Labor – victims are forced to work against their will
  • Sex – individuals are required to engage in sexual acts
  • Forced Marriage – victims are forced to marry another person without giving consent
  • Domestic Servitude – forced labor that occurs in a private household
  • Child Soldiers – minors are used as fighters in acts of war

Statistics of Human Trafficking Worldwide

Human trafficking statistics reveal a very sad reality for many individuals. Behind every stat is a person – someone’s mother, father, brother or sister. These stats provide insight into the severity of the issue. 

  • Today, there are 49.6 million people in modern slavery worldwide, and 12 million of them are children. ( ILO , United Nations )
  • 54% of those trapped in modern slavery are women and girls. (ILO)
  • Sex trafficking is the most common type of trafficking in the U.S. ( Polaris ) 
  • There were 88 million child sexual abuse material (CSAM) files reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children ( NCMEC ) tip line in 2022. 
  • Child sex trafficking has been reported in all 50 U.S. states . (NCMEC) 
  • Human trafficking is a $150 billion industry. ( UNICEF ) 
  • Human trafficking is the second most profitable illegal industry in the U.S. ( UNICEF ) 

Role of Technology in Combating Human Trafficking

The growth of technology has provided numerous tools to human traffickers, increasing the challenges faced by law enforcement and advocate organizations. One such tool is social media. These platforms are often used by traffickers to recruit victims because they provide direct and relatively easy access. 

O.U.R. helps by offering resources to expand and amplify the anti-human trafficking and exploitation efforts of law enforcement.

Human Trafficking Statistics Focusing on Children

Multiple organizations estimate that 500,000 predators are online every day, leaving minors vulnerable each time they access a social media account. 

The following statistics are courtesy of ParentsTogether , a nonprofit organization providing independent reporting and commentary on issues that affect kids and families. 

  • 1 in 3 children are first exposed to social media at age 5 or younger. 
  • 1 in 3 children are expected to have an unwelcome sexual experience online before they turn 18. 
  • Younger social media exposure correlates with more sexual harm online and peaks for kids who start using social media at 11-12 – the age around which most American children get their first smartphone. 
  • 43% of kids exposed to inappropriate sexual content online were under 13. 
  • Kids with disabilities, special needs, or who identify as LGBTQ+ are 2-4x more likely to send explicit images of themselves than their peers. 

The most chilling fact about these statistics is that they only reflect the reported numbers. Human trafficking lives in the shadows, meaning it is impossible to ever know how many cases are happening without being reported.  

Protect your children from predators online with O.U.R.’s Start Talking: A Guide to Keep Children Safe Online . 

Join us this June for Internet Safety Month and support OUR Rescue in our mission to end human trafficking and child sexual exploitation. Your contribution is crucial in helping us reach our goal of raising $1,500 in online donations.

Trafficking Statistics Specific to the United States

With an estimated population of 335 million people (U.S. Census Bureau), the United States plays an important role in the fight against human trafficking. The Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 “equipped the U.S. Government with new tools and resources to mount a comprehensive and coordinated campaign to eliminate modern forms of slavery domestically and internationally,” according to the U.S. Department of Justice. It also established three pillars in the fight: protection, prevention, and prosecution. 

Additionally, the United States’ Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons publishes a Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report annually. The U.S. Department of State describes it as the “U.S. Government’s principal diplomatic tool to engage foreign governments on human trafficking. It is also the world’s most comprehensive resource of governmental anti-trafficking efforts and reflects the U.S. Government’s commitment to global leadership on this key human rights and law enforcement issue.” 

Agencies like the Department of Homeland Security work tirelessly to intercept traffickers and ensure justice for victims domestically and abroad. 

Global Initiatives Against Human Trafficking

On a global scale, the United Nations and International Labour Organization provide guidance in the fight against human trafficking. Both bring awareness to the issue and help provide standards and protocols that are recognized by most countries around the world. 

The international community recognizes the importance of collaboration to end all forms of trafficking. Why? Because the numbers show an urgent need for those around the world to unite against predators. The issue is too large to ignore – too large to leave to any one government or entity.  

So, What Can You Do?

Awareness is the first line of defense against any crime, including human trafficking. Once someone is made aware of the issue, they are better equipped to address it. 

Additional steps to take: 

  • Education – learn the signs of human trafficking
  • Take Action – join the fight with O.U.R. 
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Home — Essay Samples — Social Issues — Human Trafficking — Thesis Statement for Human Trafficking

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Thesis Statement for Human Trafficking

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Published: Mar 20, 2024

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Prevalence of human trafficking, causes of human trafficking, impact on victims, measures to combat human trafficking.

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essays on human trafficking

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Good argumentative essay topics on human trafficking with prompts, bob cardens.

  • August 1, 2022
  • Essay Topics and Ideas , Nursing

Human Trafficking is a controversial and often underserved topic. It’s also an important one. There are many argumentative essay topics on human trafficking you could choose to write about. Here are some ideas to get you started.

  • Can abolishing Sex Work help reduce human trafficking cases Essay prompt: Sex work should be abolished but with consideration to the impact it has on vulnerable groups, particularly women. However, I do not think it would end human trafficking but it will surely contribute to its reduction. Sex work is one of the biggest contributors to human trafficking.
  • Sex trafficking and comparing it to a book called “Oryx and Crake” Essay prompt: Sex trafficking is a violation of human rights. Human trafficking is a serious crime. Sex trafficking involves activities like sex exploitation and sex slavery. The consent of a person cannot be relevant if it was obtained by coercion, fraud, or deception.

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  • Combating Human Trafficking Through Facial Recognition Essay prompt: Trafficking in persons continues to be a growing global health issue. Often, people do not entirely understand the circumstances regarding why people become trafficking victims.
  • Providing Better Services for Human Trafficking Survivors Essay prompt: Human trafficking is a major challenge facing society today. Improving coordination among all entities involved, including local and federal enforcement, health care, social services, and non-governmental organizations will be integral to improving the outcomes for survivors of the vice.
  • Briefing Paper Topic Proposal: Human Trafficking Essay prompt: Women and children are particularly vulnerable to human trafficking, with mean, purpose, and the act itself important ingredients to determine human trafficking…
  • Human Trafficking and Nurse’s Understanding Essay prompt: Human trafficking is a commercial activity involving human beings as the prime goods for forced labor, sexual motives, and removal of body organs such as ova in females. The act is illegal since it has some negative consequences on the psychological, health, safety, and violation of human rights.
  • Human Trafficking and its Impacts on the Health Care Industry Essay prompt: Globalization and the international political economy have resulted in a rapid interconnection between the nations therein. Nowadays, countries are so interconnected that the world has become more like one global village. It has made life more convenient and business more expansive.
  • Law Essay: Human Trafficking and Crimes Against Children Essay prompt: Human Trafficking and Crimes Against Children. Identify and Discuss the Process, Means, And Ends of Human Trafficking. (Argumentative Essay Topics on Human Trafficking)
  • Sex Trafficking and Its Reporting Essay prompt: Despite advancements in technology and tight security across the borders of North American countries, sex trafficking remains rampant. In the United States alone, it is estimated that more than 15,000 foreigners are trafficked every year.

Human trafficking is a controversial and often underserved topic. It's also an important one. There are many argumentative essay topics on human trafficking you could choose to write about. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Opinion Ideas for Writing/Opinion Essay Topics – Writing Prompts for Opinion| Structure | How to Write

  • Worldwide Database on Human Trafficking. Law Coursework Essay prompt: The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is responsible for fighting against international crime, human and drug trafficking.

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United Nations

Office on drugs and crime, 8 facts you need to know about human trafficking in the 21st century.

essays on human trafficking

Human trafficking is a pressing global problem that continues to affect millions of people, despite widespread efforts to combat it. 

To shed light on this pervasive issue, here are eight key facts about human trafficking in the 21st century that help to better understand why this crime occurs, how victims are recruited and exploited, and the links between human trafficking and migration, climate change or conflict. 

1. Human trafficking occurs in all regions of the world 

Human trafficking occurs everywhere, but people are mainly trafficked from lower-income to higher-income countries.  

Most victims, or 60 per cent, are detected domestically, while victims of cross-border trafficking are mainly found within the same region (18 per cent) or in nearby regions (6 per cent). Only 16 per cent are detected in transnational flows and end up in distant regions. 

Most victims of cross-border trafficking come from Africa, especially sub-Saharan Africa, and from South and East Asia. 

2. Human trafficking is a widespread crime and a lucrative business  

Human trafficking is the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of people by force, fraud or deception to exploit them for profit. 

The true extent of the crime is difficult to ascertain. While about 50,000 cases were reported to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in 2020 by 141 countries, as many as 50 million people globally – the equivalent of the populations of South Korea or Uganda – may be subject to various forms of exploitation. 

Human trafficking is one of the fastest-growing crimes , along with drugs and arms trafficking, and a highly profitable business, generating an estimated $150 billion in profits each year.  

3. Human trafficking thrives on poverty, conflict and climate change 

Human trafficking is driven by a complex interplay of social, economic and political factors. 

Conflict and persecution, poverty and political instability, lack of access to education and jobs, migration and displacement, gender inequality and discrimination, natural disasters and climate change all create conditions that fuel human trafficking.  

With nearly half of the world's population living on less than $6.85 per person per day, or with at least three billion people worldwid e living in areas severely affected by climate change and non-climatic environmental degradation, millions of individuals have become vulnerable to exploitation. 

Traffickers capitalize on this desperation, disparity and deficiency, targeting people who are vulnerable, marginalized or in difficult situations, including irregular or smuggled migrants and those in urgent need of work. 

4. Traffickers use everything from deception to violence to recruit and exploit their victims 

Because human trafficking is often under-reported and under-prosecuted, it is characterized by high rewards and low risks for its perpetrators, who reap substantial profits with little fear of punishment. 

Taking advantage of the high demand for cheap labour, commercial sex or other services, criminals exploit shortcomings in legislation and its enforcement, as well as corrupt actors and weak governance, to carry out their illegal activities. 

They fraudulently promise a better life in a new country, offer exciting jobs with great benefits, or use outright violence against vulnerable people to coerce them into exploitative practices, such as sexual exploitation or forced labour.  

5. Escaping exploitation can be extremely difficult 

Victims often endure inhumane conditions and find it difficult to escape from the hands of their exploiters, who utilize a range of mechanisms and manipulations to control them. 

Victims can be beaten, threatened and blackmailed. They can be humiliated, abused or have nowhere else to go. Their passports and other documents can be taken away. Many might not even identify themselves as victims – which is often the case when they are manipulated by a partner or relative.  

Fear of reprisals often prevents victims from seeking help, and they are more likely to self-rescue than be rescued by authorities . While 41 per cent of victims self-report to authorities, in only 28 per cent of the cases does the investigation start with proactive police activity. 

6. The most common forms of human trafficking are sexual exploitation and forced labour 

Human trafficking manifests in many forms . UNODC's latest research shows that 38.7 per cent of victims are trafficked for sexual exploitation, which takes place on the streets, in brothels, massage centres, hotels or bars. The victims – mainly women and girls – often experience extreme violence and abuse. 

A further 38.8 per cent are exploited for forced labour. Some people work long hours in factories, for minimal or no pay, producing clothes, computers or phones. Others work on fields, plantations or fishing boats – often in harsh weather – cultivating corn, rice or wheat, harvesting coffee and cocoa beans or catching fish and seafood. 

Around 10 per cent are compelled to engage in illegal activities, such as pickpocketing, bag snatching, begging or drug selling. Other forms of exploitation include forced marriage, organ removal and domestic servitude. 

7. Women are the most detected victims of human trafficking 

No one is immune to trafficking. People of all genders, ages, backgrounds and in all regions of the world fall prey to traffickers, who resort to a variety of means to recruit and exploit their victims.  

Women and girls make up the majority of victims, accounting for 42 and 18 per cent, respectively. They are mainly trafficked for sexual exploitation and are three times more likely to suffer physical or extreme violence than men and boys. 

At the same time, the number of detected male victims has increased over the last years: 23 per cent of victims are men and 17 per cent are boys. They are mainly trafficked for forced labour. 

In the past 15 years, the proportion of children among identified victims of trafficking has tripled to 35 per cent, or one third of all victims. 

8. Traffickers can be anyone from members of an organized crime group to the victim´s own family

UNODC’s data shows that 58 per cent of those convicted for human trafficking are men. At the same time, the involvement of women in this crime is higher than in other crimes – female offenders account for 40 per cent of those convicted. 

People who engage in trafficking range from organized criminal groups to opportunistic individuals operating alone or in small groups.  

In addition to trafficking in persons, criminal organizations are frequently involved in other serious crimes, including drugs or arms trafficking, as well as corruption and the bribery of public officials. Such groups exploit more victims, often for longer periods, over greater distances and with more violence than non-organized criminals. 

However, traffickers can also be the victim's family members, parents, intimate partners or acquaintances. 

Further information

UNODC is the leading entity within the United Nations (UN) system to address human trafficking. It provides expertise and knowledge to countries and helps them ratify and implement the UN Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children , the main international legal instrument to combat the crime.  

UNODC's experts support the development of national laws and policies on human trafficking and train public officials, including police officers, border control guards, labour inspectors and victim support specialists.  

With the guidance provided by UNODC, countries are better equipped to investigate and prosecute cases of human trafficking, dismantle the criminal networks behind this crime, trace the illegal proceeds and protect and assist victims. 

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Our queerest century: Looking back, and forward, at the LGBTQ+ community’s contributions

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Good morning. It’s Thursday, June 6 . I am Defne Karabatur, a fellow at The Times. Here’s what you need to know to start your day.

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The queerest century ever

A Chicago postal worker named Henry Gerber founded the nation’s first known gay rights organization, Society for Human Rights , a hundred years ago.

Before it could celebrate its first anniversary, Gerber and his associates were arrested on trumped-up charges and subjected to expensive litigation. Gerber escaped a prison sentence but lost everything, including his post office job and life savings.

The backlash Gerber and the Society for Human Rights received echoes today through the ongoing efforts to ban queer books and drag performances and limit conversations surrounding LGBTQ+ issues in public schools .

But the seed they planted helped usher in what has become our country’s queerest century yet. Since 1924, LGBTQ+ people nationwide have carved out queer spaces and communities, contributing tremendously to arts, entertainment, film, law, democracy and more.

Their efforts have shifted American public opinion on LGBTQ+ issues dramatically.

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In a 1985 poll conducted by The Times, 72% of American adults said sexual relations between same-sex adults are always or almost always wrong. That percentage dropped to 28% in a new poll conducted on behalf of The Times this year.

“Queer people should not just be accepted but celebrated,” my colleague Kevin Rector wrote in a Times project that explores the queer history of the last hundred years and the exceptional role LGBTQ+ people have played in helping American society progress.

Bobbi Campbell’s leadership in the fight against AIDS , Hollywood representation, Ernestine Eckstein and countless other queer people of color’s activism complete the picture of American history. Today’s queer youth , who cherish their identities unabashedly, represent a future that looks more queer than ever.

But public opinion toward transgender and nonbinary people hasn’t improved at the same rate — even in California , home to the largest queer population in the U.S.

The groundbreaking poll reveals how adults throughout the country feel about LGBTQ+ issues, especially those related to transgender and nonbinary people, today.

In the poll, 67% of respondents said they either somewhat or strongly approve of transgender and nonbinary people living as they wish. But that percentage rose to 80% when asked about gay and lesbian people.

The poll also found that Americans are more likely to support queer people if they know a queer person.

While 72% of respondents said they have had a gay or lesbian relative, friend or co-worker come out to them, far fewer — 27% — said the same about a transgender or nonbinary relative, friend or co-worker.

Bar chart shows the share of American adults and those who who do or do not know someone who identifies as LGBTQ+ and their views on whether the impact of LGBTQ+ on people has been positive or negative.

“Ignorance of LGBTQ+ people remains a major threat,” especially for queer youth, who “constantly hear negative things about being LGBTQ+ and have no access to the queer books” or familial support, Kevin wrote.

More than half of poll respondents said they favor laws to prevent transgender children younger than 18 from receiving gender-affirming care such as surgery or puberty blockers. And approximately 1 in 4 poll respondents said they would be very upset if their child was transgender or nonbinary.

The reality is, the next generation of LGBTQ+ leaders and thinkers “are no longer willing to segment themselves into socially acceptable pieces,” my colleague Jaclyn Cosgrove wrote . Instead, they’re going out and loving the world, the “queerest thing, proudest thing we can do.”

How have your LGBTQ+ friends, family, co-workers and heroes had a positive impact on your life? We want to hear from you. Fill out our survey to let us know.

  • Poll: Americans approve of LGBTQ+ people living as they wish, but their support drops for trans people
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Who are America’s first drag laureates? Californians ready to fight the war on drag . It’s June and Pride Month is in full swing as LGBTQ+ communities around the world celebrate together as well as commemorate the Stonewall Uprising in New York City in 1969. Two prominent voices — the drag laureates of West Hollywood and San Francisco — are booked and busy. There are wigs to coif, dresses to steam and parties to attend.

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One day before the series premiered, The Times’ Howard Rosenberg wrote about the show’s sophisticated approaches to sex .

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Andrew Tate loses appeal to relax judicial restrictions as he awaits human trafficking trial in Romania

BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — Andrew Tate, the divisive social media influencer awaiting trial in Romania on charges of human trafficking and rape, lost an appeal Thursday to have the court relax geographical restrictions preventing him from traveling outside the eastern European country.

The Bucharest Court of Appeal ruled against Tate, who had challenged a May 10 decision that extended by 60 days restrictions on the 37-year-old stipulating he may not leave the country. Tate had requested that he be able to leave Romania, provided he stay within Europe’s ID-check-free Schengen zone, which Romania partially joined in March.

“It’s not about wanting to leave the country,” Eugen Vidineac, one of Tate’s lawyers, told reporters at the court. “One thing is to travel free and another is to leave the country. The right to travel is a constitutional right, it is a legal right, it is one of the fundamental rights.”

Tate, a former professional kickboxer and dual British-U.S. citizen, was initially arrested in December 2022 near Bucharest, Romania’s capital, along with his brother Tristan and two Romanian women. Romanian prosecutors formally indicted all four in June last year. They have denied the allegations.

READ MORE: Romanian court extends Andrew Tate’s house arrest as human trafficking case drags on

After the brothers’ arrest, they were held for three months in police detention before being moved to house arrest. They were later restricted to the Bucharest municipality and nearby Ilfov county, but may now travel freely within Romania.

Andrew Tate, who has amassed 9.3 million followers on the social media platform X, has repeatedly claimed that prosecutors have no evidence against him and that there is a political conspiracy to silence him. He was previously banned from various prominent social media platforms for allegedly expressing misogynistic views and for hate speech.

On April 26, the Bucharest Tribunal ruled in favor of the prosecutors’ case against Tate, saying it met the legal criteria and that the trial could proceed. However, no date was set. That ruling came after the legal case had been discussed for months in the preliminary chamber stages, a process in which the defendants can challenge prosecutors’ evidence and case file.

In a separate case, Tate is also facing a civil lawsuit by four British women in the United Kingdom, after a claim issued by the High Court in London, according to a statement earlier this month by the law firm representing the four women.

The four allege Tate sexually and physically assaulted them and had reported him to British authorities in 2014 and 2015. After a four-year investigation, the Crown Prosecution Service decided in 2019 not to prosecute him. The alleged victims then turned to crowdfunding to pursue a civil case against him.

In a separate, third case, the Tate brothers also appeared in March at the Bucharest Court of Appeal after British authorities issued arrest warrants over allegations of sexual aggression in a U.K. case dating back to 2012-2015.

The appeals court granted the British request to extradite the Tates to the U.K., but only after legal proceedings in Romania have concluded.

McGrath reported from Sighisoara, Romania.

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essays on human trafficking

Human Trafficking in the United States Research Paper

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Introduction

Human trafficking.

Over the past centuries, different countries have engaged in human trafficking for different reasons. Slave trade, for instance, was common during the pre-colonial period in most parts of the world. In modern times, trafficking of human beings is still being practiced especially into the United States. This research paper seeks to investigate human trafficking in the United States. It offers an understanding of human trafficking and its prevalence in America.

It identifies the victims of human trafficking in terms of their commonalities and the risk factors involved. The paper also discusses the needs of the victims of human trafficking, the challenges faced in the attempt to offer the appropriate services. Moreover, efforts to combat this problem as well as future interventions are highlighted. A conclusion of the research findings is provided.

Over the past centuries, different countries have engaged in human trafficking for different reasons. Slave trade, for instance, was common during the pre-colonial period in most parts of the world. In modern times, trafficking of human beings is still being practiced especially into the United States and some parts of Asia. The research paper seeks to investigate human trafficking in the United States. It offers an understanding of human trafficking and its prevalence in America.

It identifies the victims of human trafficking in terms of their commonalities and the risk factors involved. The paper also discusses the needs of the victims of human trafficking and the challenges faced in the attempt to offer the appropriate services. Moreover, efforts to combat this problem and the future of human trafficking are highlighted. A conclusion of the research findings is provided.

Human trafficking involves and significantly affects almost every country in the world and has been identified as one of the most rapidly growing criminal engagement globally.

According to a study by Estes and Weiner (2001), this crime is likened to other cross-boundary major and minor criminal organizations, illegal immigrations, and other malpractices. Over a long period of time, trafficking has been understood as the trade involving women and young girls for sexual exploitation and other morally unacceptable practices (Europol, 2005).

With the changing times and its experiences, researchers have defined trafficking in general sense to incorporate many factors such as deceptive practices, and the use of force besides exploitation for sexual purposes. The concept of trafficking was initially taken as being the universal transportation of people or other subjects across nations or demarcated boundaries (Estes & Weiner, 2001).

At the dawn of the 21 st century, however, attempts were made to formulate a universal definition of human trafficking. As a result of this quest, according to DeStefano (2007), an international definition was included in the United Nations Protocol which ensures the protection of persons, containment of trafficking and the punishment of those engaged in human trafficking activities, especially those targeting the women and minors.

According to a definition provided by the U.N Protocol, human trafficking is defined as the enlisting of an individual, physically transferring a person from his or her home or country, taking hostage and the reception of a human person, by use of threats and other forms of coercive power like abduction, fraudulence, tactful deception, and other related ways of abusing power, or wooing a person using money and gaining full control of a person for exploitation purposes (DeStefano, 2007).

In the United States, the congress provided a definition of human trafficking. There are two categories of trafficking of persons. First, there is sex trafficking and secondly, labor force trafficking.

Sex trafficking refers to the conscription, holding, transfer, supply, or otherwise obtaining an individual with an intention of using him or her for commercial sex activities, where the acts are induced through intimidation or other forms of coercion and deception or in a situation where an individual being used for commercial sex purposes is under 18 years of age.

A commercial sex act is defined as any sex activity in which a valuable thing is offered in exchange by any given person. There are different classifications of sex trafficking, but all fall under the broad aspects of prostitution and pornography commonly involving women and girls.

Labor trafficking, on the other hand, is defined in the U.S as the systematic enrollment, holding, transfer, supply, or obtaining an individual with an aim of abusing him or her through forceful means of subjecting the person into involuntary servitude (Europol, 2005). Research findings further reveal that men constitute the highest number of labor trafficking victims (DeStefano, 2007).

Human trafficking, otherwise known as trafficking in persons, is used by modern day researchers in place of the ancient term-slavery. According to the definition recognized in the U.S., absence of transportation or physical movement of the victims does not imply absence of trafficking crime. However, the presence of deliberate use of force, deception, or coercion generally referred to as exploitation implies the occurrence of human trafficking (Protection Project, 2002). The legal framework provided by the U.S. offers the measures for preventing trafficking, protecting and assisting the victims (Morehouse, 2009). Efforts have been made to address the problem of human trafficking into and within the United States since these problems have been in existence for a considerably long period of time of now.

Human Trafficking Within the United States

For a long period of time, investigations into human trafficking in the U.S. have focused mainly on the transportation of persons into the country. Most researchers have singled out the United States as the most preferred destination by human traffickers (Morehouse, 2009).

This trend, however, has changed over the recent past and concentrated mostly on addressing trafficking within America, especially involving sex trafficking and prostitution of children. According to many sociological researchers, it is difficult to accurately predict the prevalence rates of human trafficking in any given country. This has been associated with unreliable data and research methodologies. It is estimated that hundreds of thousands of persons are trafficked into other countries annually, most of who are under age 18.

Research data revealed by the U.S. State Department indicate that an overwhelming 80% of internationally trafficked persons are female of which about 70% are victims of the sex industry (U.S. Department of State, 2005). The International Labor Organization conducted research and found that about 12 million people at any given moment in time are in forced labor, child labour abuse, and other means of exploitation (International Labor Organization, 2005).

Most recent studies have attempted to focus on domestic trafficking of persons in the U.S. According to research by Estes and Weiner (2001), about 300,000 youth in America are at risk of sex trafficking, while nearly 200,000 incidents of sexual exploitation of children are estimated to occur annually. These estimates are not inclusive of adults who are at risk of being trafficked and exploited sexually, as well as the adults and minors trafficked into the labor industry.

Research findings by Estes and Weiner (2001) provides an estimate of the prevalence of domestic human trafficking in the U.S. since it focuses on the most vulnerable groups, particularly the youth. They have been identified as being at a higher risk of being trafficked into commercial sex (Estes and Weiner, 2001). Data released by the United States Department of State (2005) indicate that the runaway and homeless youth are at a higher risk of being victims of trafficking.

Another indicator of the prevalence rate of human trafficking within the U.S. is provided by the data from the national juvenile arrests. In 2003, according to the United States Department of Justice, about 2.2 million juveniles were arrested, of whom 1,400 were youth involved in prostitution and other commercialized practices. 69% of these youth were identified as being female and 14% of them were below age 15 (Europol, 2005). These national figures of sexual exploitation of the youth and children had increased significantly since 1994.

On the other hand, American children are also trafficked for forced domestic labor as compared to their adult counterparts (Bruckert and Parent, 2002).

The minors are the most preferred, due to the fact that they offer cheap labor, are easy to control, and are less agitated by inappropriate treatment during work (Estes and Weiner, 2001). A study conducted by the International Labor Organization in 2002 revealed that there is rampant forced child labor in both developed and developing countries. The study found that girl child trafficking for commercial sexual exploitation is common in the U.S. Also, the girls are commonly trafficked for the provision of domestic services.

The same study indicated that boys are mostly trafficked for the purposes of forced labor in large-scale farming, juvenile offences, and drug trafficking. A common recommendation from most of the researchers is that further research should be conducted to provide accurate estimates for the prevalence rates of human trafficking in the United States.

Victims of Human Trafficking

According to Bruckert and Parent (2002), unreliable sources of information always depict the victims of trafficking as being young and innocent girls who are wooed from their homes and exploited sexually. However, people of all sexes and ages are victims of human trafficking (Bruckert and Parent, 2002). This is due to the fact that the traffickers are looking forward to engaging in commercial sex industry and labor exploitation.

This implies that males and females are used as trade objects for prostitution and selling people to countries in need of cheap labor force. A study by the Florida University Center for Advancement of Human Rights revealed that the victims are mostly transported from their home countries into the U.S. are those persons already in America either legally or illegally who are yearning to make their lives better (Caliber Associates, 2007).

Despite the above facts, these victims have some things in common that make them vulnerable to either sex or labor exploitation. People who live in poverty and are searching for opportunities to meet their basic needs and improve their lives are easily caught by the traffickers. Research by Clawson and Myles (2004) found that the relatively low social status of women and girls in some societies expose them to traffickers who are also driven by the need for cheap labor in other countries.

In the United States, other factors contribute a lot to the vulnerability of some groups to human trafficking. These include: underage, lack of enough education, unemployment, poor family background, physical and psychological challenges, and inhabiting insecure places (DeStefano, 2007). International human trafficking may arise as a result of internal social/civil unrest/war and economic turmoil/crises which forces people to look for opportunities in other countries.

In his book, Morehouse (2009) noted that human victims of trafficking are mostly from poor countries where traffickers have identified them as important source of income generation coupled with the high demand for cheap labor in the developed countries. In 2006 alone, statistics indicated that most certified victims of trafficking of persons in the U.S. were identified as originating from impoverished neighboring countries, such as Mexico and El Salvador (United States Department of State, 2005).

Risk Factors of the Victims

According to Estes and Weiner (2001), poverty plays a central role in placing both children and youth at risk of human trafficking. Children born into economically and socially poor families start early to look for better opportunities in life with minimal success and end up falling in the hands of the traffickers. Poorly paying jobs for young girls also exposes them to greater risk of being recruited by human traffickers, both for cheap labor and sexual exploitation.

Moreover, research has found out that children who are abused sexually are at a greater risk of being prostituted by the traffickers. In fact, most recent studies of women who are prostituted, according to Morehouse (2009), reported that they had been sexually abused in childhood.

Some forms of sexual abuse that the prostituted girls reported included physical sexual molestation, emotional abuse, and gang raping. Further findings reveal that victims of trafficking were born into families where there was rampant substance abuse and unstable families due to divorce or orphanage. All these factors are predispositions to human trafficking, especially into and within the United States.

Needs of Trafficking Victims and Challenges

The discussion above has clearly identified two categories of trafficking victims; international and domestic. The needs are generally emergency services, short-term, and long-term (Clawson & Myles, 2004).

Virtually all victims of human trafficking need the fulfillment of basic needs like food, shelter, clothing, and safety. International victims will then need to be given advice on legal matters like immigration status, and court cases involving the traffickers (Caliber Associates, 2007). Other short-term measures for the victims include health/medical services, moral guidance, and other logistical concerns.

Once the immediate needs have been addressed adequately, the victims of trafficking of persons can then be given long-term assistance. Some of the services may include, but are not limited to, post-traumatic treatment, depression and anxiety reduction, education, job training and placement, as well as family reunification/deportation (DeStefano, 2007).

The provision of these services to the victims would not be without associated challenges, both on the side of the service providers and the recipients. According to Bruckert and Parent (2002), many victims fail to identify themselves as such, due to a feeling of shame and fear of stigmatization making it difficult to get them. Also, most of them fear the law enforcers and they lack the necessary knowledge of the available services.

For service providers, communication barriers, lack of adequate and appropriate resources, and the general lack of awareness are among the greatest challenges experienced when it comes to dealing with victims of human trafficking. These challenges have significantly contributed to the difficulty in obtaining accurate statistics on trafficking of persons.

Combating Human Trafficking in the U.S

It is evident that human trafficking is one of the worst exploitative forms that present themselves in the current century, particularly to the United States. According to Morehouse (2009), traffickers of persons are ready to continue violating human rights in their desire to make billions of profits annually. Due to the transnational nature of this criminal activity, both national and international cooperation is paramount if this vice is to be put under control.

The great difference between human trafficking and other forms of trafficking is that persons can be sold and re-sold severally since they are inexhaustible like drugs. The American government, in their attempt to combat human trafficking, has resorted to restructuring immigration policies as well as fiercely fighting prostitution which has been identified as the most motivating factor of trafficking particularly of women and girls.

However, most of the anti-trafficking policies in the U.S. have been criticized as designed to advance hidden policy agenda in the name of combating the trafficking of persons (DeStefano, 2007). This has been characterized by victimization of people suspected to be engaged in terrorist activities.

Interventions and the Future of Human Trafficking

With human trafficking being an international concern, many countries have developed mechanisms to ensure that this problem is put under control. Attempts have been made to put in place effective precautionary practices as well as programs. Concerned parties are strategizing on how the victims, particularly women and minors, can be assisted in overcoming the challenges associated with human trafficking.

The security of the victims is paramount especially in facilitating quick recovery from the trauma associated with trafficking (Caliber Associates, 2007). This is because the traffickers are in most cases involved in other criminal activities and hence are most likely to harass their victims.

To ensure the safety of the victims, the staff handing them are usually trained on how to perform their various rehabilitation responsibilities. In some instances, the members of staff have been the target of the traffickers since they are perceived to be stumbling blocks to their activities.

As a way of protecting these members, their physical locations and any contact address are never made public. Before the victims are grouped together, strict screening of possible infectious diseases is done in order to ensure the safety of everyone in the rehabilitation centers (Caliber Associates, 2007).

Furthermore, in the United States, many organizations have joined hands to combat this vise. This collaborative approach is promising since no single organization can be able to address human trafficking alone. Several collaborations among concerned parties have taking place and their activities are quite promising. Continued evaluation of their successes, however, should be made in order to ensure their effectiveness.

This research paper has explored the concept of human trafficking, particularly in the United States. It has provided a broad definition of human trafficking which involves the use of threats and varied means of coercion and deception to capture the victims and exploit them sexually and or to provide forced labor services. It has also offered an overview of the general prevalence of human trafficking in America. Furthermore, the paper has identified the victims of human trafficking in terms of their commonalities and the associated risk factors.

The research paper has also discussed the needs of the victims of human trafficking and the challenges faced in the attempt to provide the appropriate services. Efforts by the U.S. government to formulate policies that will address and possibly eliminate human trafficking have been discussed. It can be concluded, therefore, that further research has to be conducted if the concept of human trafficking is to be fully understood and dealt with.

Bruckert, C. P. & Parent, C. R. (2002). Understanding trafficking in human beings and organized crime. University of Ottawa Press

Caliber Associates. (2007). Assessment of comprehensive service for trafficking victims. [Peer Reviewed Journal], Journal of Human Rights 3 (4), 40-87

Clawson, H. F. & Myles, B. (2004) Evaluation of needs for service providers and victims of

Trafficking. [A Peer Reviewed Article], A Publication of National Institute of Justice, 5 (3), 251-397

DeStefano, A. M. (2007). The war on human trafficking in the U.S: assessment of American policies . Rutgers University Press

Estes, R. G. & Weiner, N. W. (2001). A focus on commercial sexual exploitation of minors in the U.S. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania

Europol. (2005). Legislation on trafficking of persons and smuggling of illegal immigrants. Europol Public Information Journal, 3 (2), 5-102

International Organization for Migration. (2005). Comprehensive data and research findings on human trafficking: an international survey. [Peer Reviewed Journal], Journal of International Migration, 43 (1/2), 1-356

Morehouse, C. H. (2009). Combating human trafficking crisis in the United States of America.

VS Verlag Protection Project, (2002). A report from human rights on trafficking of persons: women and Children. United States Country Report . Web.

United States Department of State, (2005). The facts about human trafficking in America: forced labor. Web.

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How Biden’s Asylum Order Works

The president issued an executive order that essentially blocks asylum claims at the southern border, a major shift in how the United States has handled claims for protection.

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A tall metal fence at the southern U.S. border, with people standing along it.

By Hamed Aleaziz

President Biden announced an executive order on Tuesday to essentially block asylum at the southern border, a major shift in how the United States has historically handled claims for protection.

The move, a suspension of longtime guarantees that give anyone who steps onto U.S. soil the right to seek a safe haven, is intended to deter illegal border crossings, an issue that has weighed on Mr. Biden’s political fortunes as he heads into the November presidential election.

Here is how it will work.

What does the order say?

The order suspends entry of migrants who cross the southern border illegally and was set to take effect at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, barring legal challenges.

The order will be lifted if the government certifies that fewer than 1,500 people a day on average crossed the border in the span of a week. It can kick back in if the numbers go above 2,500 a day, on average, in a given week.

On Monday, around 3,500 people crossed without authorization, in line with the trends of recent weeks, according to a person with knowledge of the data, so the numbers would have to fall substantially for the suspension to end.

Mr. Biden said in the order that despite a recent decline in crossings from historic highs, the numbers at the border continued to exceed the government’s “capacity.” The order also called on Congress to update immigration laws.

“The current situation is also the direct result of the Congress’s failure to update an immigration and asylum system that is simply broken — and not equipped to meet current needs,” the proclamation said.

What happens if a migrant crosses the border anyway and asks for asylum?

Until now, when migrants have been detained crossing the border, agents have generally asked them if they feared harm if they returned to their home country. Many say they do, and after passing an initial screening they are often allowed to remain in the country while they wait, sometimes years, for a hearing on their claim.

But now, many migrants could be turned back more readily.

Migrants who say they are fearful of returning can still ask for protection in the United States — but they will have to volunteer such claims without being asked, a practice known as the “shout test.” They will also have to use programs other than asylum that have a much higher bar and that most people will not qualify for.

Immigration advocates have said the changes, taken together, amount to a virtual suspension of the asylum system for people crossing the border.

The Biden administration “is eliminating key protections to prevent refugees from being returned to harm through imposition of this ‘shout test,’” said Robyn Barnard, a lawyer at Human Rights First. “It will be a recipe for disaster and certainly result in refugees being sent to danger or worse death.”

The United States will rely on Mexico to immediately take back its nationals. Some migrants from other countries may be detained briefly while transportation is arranged. It will continue to be challenging for the government to deport people to certain countries, like China.

To the extent possible, the Department of Homeland Security will keep those requesting protection in detention rather than release them into the country. But the government’s resources will be tested by the detentions and the need for asylum officers to process the migrants, so some migrants may be able to enter the country when crossings surge.

Could courts block Biden’s order?

Yes. The American Civil Liberties Union has said it will sue to stop the measure, and it is unclear how the suit would play out.

But a federal court in San Francisco stopped the Trump administration from enacting limits on asylum in late 2018. An appeals court and the Supreme Court allowed the judge’s order to remain in place.

The same judge who blocked the Trump measure, Jon S. Tigar, has also halted other Biden asylum restrictions issued early last year. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit allowed that measure, which restricted asylum for those who crossed through a third country on the way to the southern border, to remain in place during the legal challenge.

Are there any exceptions to the order?

Yes. The asylum restrictions do not apply to unaccompanied immigrant children, victims of human trafficking, people who have visas, or those facing serious medical emergencies or threats to their lives, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

Hamed Aleaziz covers the Department of Homeland Security and immigration policy. More about Hamed Aleaziz

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