The world is always in a state of motion with problems evolving and morphing into new forms. One such problem is the trade in human beings, commonly referred to as human trafficking. Individuals who find themselves caught in this intricate maze are exploited, forced into labor or commercial sex exploitation. In other cases it may involve persons being transported from one area to another as forced brides, actions that often occur against the subjects will (Cullen-DuPont 78). Due to its prevalence around the world, it now occurs within the context of a country or trans-nationally. In essence, it violates person’s right to free movement because they are victims of coercion and control by the trafficker(s). Victims are often women and children owing to their vulnerability within social settings where it now becomes easy to abduct them and force them into various forms of commercial exploitation. Each year, millions of children, men and women are trafficked around the globe, including developed countries such as the United States. The trade is so lucrative that it ranks second after drug trafficking which is the reason why the numbers of those falling victim to this state of affairs keep on rising by the day. It is a hidden crime with the victims hardly ever coming forth to seek help due to fear of law enforcement, language barrier and threats from the traffickers. In this essay, I will provide an evaluation of human trafficking and the impacts that it has had around the world.
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Human trafficking is done by ruthless individuals whose only aim is to profit from the illicit trade. They use coercion, deception, and even force to lure potential victims into their elaborate trap. It is after individuals have fallen victim to their wicked ways that they now force them to become commercial sex workers or wage laborers. Persons are experiencing economic hardships, emotional or psychological vulnerabilities and in areas experiencing political instability fall victim to these traffickers. One of the effects of this condition is that it affects the health of those enslaved. Estimates have it that 85% of the victims are abused, raped and forced into prostitution at a very young age. Most of them are either women or children and may cater to 9 to 15 clients every day. Only a small fraction of these persons use sexual protection which puts them at the risk of contracting Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) or even worse acquire HIV/AIDS. It is common for the traffickers to drug them which eventually leads to addiction with the victims remaining hooked to their oppressor. Furthermore, they work mostly during the night when it is cold and are required to wear revealing clothing that would attract potential clients. Since they are on drugs, most of these young girls are numb to the elements. Most of them die young as a result of treatable infections such as tuberculosis and bronchitis. Moreover, food is scarce, and that which is available is not nutritious which leads to malnutrition. Coupled with their poor living conditions, they develop occupational diseases which are never treated and leads to their demise.
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An estimate by the International Labor Organization (ILO) quotes the trade’s profit as being $150 billion every year with around 22 million victims who are permanently trapped in this form of modern-day slavery (Hart 60). In total, those controlling this trade generate around $32 billion with half of this money made in industrialized countries. Researchers now acknowledge that the number of sex slaves around the world has risen to astronomical levels, which subsequently means that the money made in this illicit trade also increases. It is a widely known fact that it is the most profitable type of slavery that generates millions of dollars annually. Those involved in the sex trade are paid very little or nothing at all. The assumption is that they are clearing their “debt,” which then keeps them dependent on the traffickers. Moreover, the money is meant to cater for their clothing, lodging and food expenses. Those in situations of bonded labor are in a similar case where they receive meager wages that cannot compare with the labor that they engage in for the traffickers. Their presence provides cheap work which leads to the unavailability of employment opportunities, reducing the nation’s per capita income (In Brysk and Choi-Fitzpatrick 89). One of the consequences of this trade is that the traffickers earn so much money that they are now able to evade capture by the authorities and move from country to country without fear of the law. They, therefore, pose a significant threat to the fidelity of officers tasked with ensuring that such individuals are behind bars.
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They are also responsible for perpetuating illegal immigration which is a cause of concern for many countries as it poses a threat to their national security. Incidences such as these have been responsible for a steady rise in the population which results in reduced living standards. Unemployment also becomes a big issue, especially when dealing with individuals who lack any skills whatsoever. Crime rates even soar, and law enforcement is forced to outstretch their resources to maintain law and order in the nation. Additionally, all these victims also become overburdened by their debts and often result in the forced labor for them to survive. These victims are also affected psychologically and find it somewhat challenging to cope. They experience violent sexual acts, domestic abuse, and gang rape. They remain with cases of complex trauma which encapsulates self-hatred, anxiety, dissociation, depression and severe substance abuse. Victims are subject to countless hours of medical care which is even more expensive in the case of complex trauma. Some of the victims are usually “branded” by their pimps as a sign of ownership (Malloch and Rigby 24).Tattoos are the most common method which makes it difficult for the victim to recover since they serve as painful reminders of their checkered past. Psychologists often advise that the removal of tattoos to help them avoid emotional distress, which is a costly affair. The children’s psyche is broken as they are vulnerable to psychological and developmental consequences of this illegal trade. They may exhibit self-harm, substance abuse, distrust of adults, attention deficit disorder and oversexualized demeanor.
In conclusion, human trafficking is an illicit trade in human beings that have adverse effects around the world. Those subjected to this life face health problems, death, trauma, and debt while the government is forced to bear the economic repercussions. It is essential that influential people realize the danger that modern-day slavery poses and find solutions to this existential plague.
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