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The Fight Against The Sex Trade in Cambodia

sex trade cambodiaThe sex trade in Cambodia is often portrayed as an underground crime, but the reality is far more complex. Poverty, tourism and rural migration create a system where traffickers exploit women in plain sight. Women are lured by the promise of well-paid work into labour camps or forced into the exploitative sex trade. While Cambodia is not unique in treating women and girls as commodities, cultural myths fuel local demand.

“Many Asian men, especially those over 50, believe sex with virgins gives them magical powers to stay young and ward off illness,” says Chhiv Kek Pung, president of Cambodia’s leading human rights organization, Licadho. “There is a steady supply of destitute families for the trade to prey on here, and the rule of law is very weak.” Although few people hold this belief, it combines with poverty and limited economic opportunities to make struggling families easy targets for traffickers.

The Scale of the Problem

In 2024 alone, Cambodian authorities reported 197 human trafficking cases, rescuing 523 victims and prosecuting 273 perpetrators. Around 44% of those rescued were children, highlighting the particularly severe risks for minors. Yet these numbers likely underestimate the true scope of the problem, as many incidents remain hidden, unreported, or undocumented. Exploitation often occurs under the radar, with traffickers taking advantage of systemic poverty, migration patterns, and inadequate protections for women and girls.

Poverty and Vulnerability

Poverty drives many women and girls into exploitation and the sex trade in Cambodia. The Hagar study notes that Cambodia’s vulnerability to trafficking happens due to high unemployment and poverty rates, especially among adolescents and youth. Poverty is particularly severe in rural areas, creating unsafe migration pathways and making young people more likely to be deceived by traffickers or pushed into sex work.

Children from extremely poor families are especially at risk, with some having to beg on the streets of Thailand or work in agriculture, construction, domestic servitude, or prostitution. Trauma researchers also note that poverty, hunger, and exhaustion can mimic trauma responses, leaving young survivors stressed and disconnected – conditions traffickers exploit. Combined with stigma, social marginalisation and a cultural expectation for women to endure suffering in silence, poverty becomes not just an economic issue. It acts as a multiplier of vulnerability, trapping girls in cycles of exploitation.

Women Leading the Fight

In Cambodia, women are not just surviving—they are leading the charge against exploitation. Survivors of the sex trade are stepping forward as mentors and advocates, using their experiences to protect others. At the Cambodian Women’s Crisis Centre (CWCC), women who once faced abuse now guide new arrivals through safe shelters, teaching skills, and sharing strategies to avoid traffickers.

Organizations like AFESIP empower women to reclaim their lives. They provide secure housing, counselling, medical care, and legal support, while helping survivors return to school or train in trades like tailoring and hairdressing. Some ambitious women even pursue university degrees in psychology, IT, or accounting, transforming personal trauma into tools for advocacy and change.

According to The Guardian, Mu Sochua, former Minister of Women’s Affairs and opposition leader, stresses that tackling the sex trade in Cambodia requires addressing broader gender inequality, raising awareness of women’s rights, and enforcing a rule of law that punishes buyers rather than sellers of sex.

Government Response

The Cambodian government has laws criminalizing sex and labour trafficking, with penalties ranging from seven to 20 years depending on the victim’s age. In practice, however, enforcement remains inconsistent. Corruption and weak courts let many traffickers escape punishment, while some victims do not receive justice. Amnesty International has criticized the government for failing to adequately investigate abuses in scamming compounds, highlighting concerns about official complicity and weak enforcement. NGOs report that while some traffickers face conviction, many cases do not result in meaningful penalties, and the system struggles to protect survivors effectively.

The Fight Is Not Over

Across Cambodia, women are rewriting the narrative. They are not just victims – they are mentors, leaders, and advocates, fighting back against a system that seeks to silence them. Their courage and determination show that the battle against the sex trade in Cambodia is being pursued not just in courtrooms, but in the lives of every woman who refuses to stay invisible.

– Iona Gethin

Iona is based in Exeter, UK and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Women-Led Groups Fighting To End Trafficking in Latin America

Trafficking in Latin AmericaJuly 30 is recognized as the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. Globally, an estimated 27 million people are victims of trafficking. While exact figures vary, reports show that trafficking rates in Latin America (44%) are higher than in regions like Asia and Europe.

Trafficking takes many forms, including forced labor, forced marriage, sexual exploitation and child exploitation. No region in the world is immune to trafficking. However, Mexico and other parts of Latin America face increasingly high and rising rates.

In response to this growing crisis, international collaboration is gaining momentum. Project Turquesa, a joint initiative by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and INTERPOL, brings together 16 countries to coordinate prosecuting human traffickers. New investigations are continuously launched until the projects end in September 2025. This combined effort has led to more than 200 criminal arrests, spanning dozens of countries and continents.

Alongside Turquesa, other key organizations are dedicating themselves to ending this inhumane crisis. Notably, six of the leading forces in the fight against trafficking are women-led. Here’s who they are:

CATW-Latin America and the Caribbean

Regional Director, Teresa Ulloa Ziáurriz, leads the Latin America and the Caribbean branch of the Coalition Against Trafficking in Women (CATW) organization, focusing on raising awareness and advocating for victims of trafficking. Besides her leading efforts at CATW-LAC, she is Mexico’s first female lawyer to defend women’s rights in court.

CATW-LAC not only focuses on advocacy but also on supporting surviving victims. This promotes expert leadership as victims who share their stories encourage awareness. In 2024, a survivors’ network addressed the Organization of American States General Assembly. This attendance advocates for perpetrator accountability.

United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime

Ghada Waly serves as the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna and as the Executive Director of UNODC. Since taking office, projects and reports represent a steady increase in awareness of trafficking in Latin America. Programs such as GLO.Act Women’s Network, MENTHOR, TRACK4TIP, STARSOM and others have been led by the UNODC.

The UNODC not only leads its projects but also collaborates with other organizations that share the goal of ending human trafficking. In 2024, the International Academy on Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling was launched as a joint effort between the University for Peace, INTERPOL and other partners. Following its success, plans are underway to expand the academy.

The Marcela Loaiza Foundation

Founded by Marcela Loaiza, this powerful foundation supports trafficking survivors and offers them a platform to share their stories. Established in 2011, the Marcela Loaiza Foundation is a philanthropic organization that has partnered with UNODC and other key leaders in the fight against human trafficking.

“I am a survivor who is passionate about making significant changes to provide services to ALL people who have been hurt by this modern-day slavery now called trafficking in persons,” stated Loaiza. The organization spreads awareness and allows law enforcement to study the tactics and ploys traffickers use. One notable project, Breaking the Silence, was led by Loaiza’s foundation to unite international forces and survivors on the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.

Covenant House International

Carolyn Barker-Villena is Senior Vice President of Covenant House International’s Latin America division. The organization has a broad mission, supporting victims of human trafficking and other inhumane conditions. According to its 2024 impact report, Covenant House programs assisted more than 50,000 youth worldwide.

In Latin America, human trafficking data reveal that one in every two individuals at Covenant House has experienced trafficking. The organization offers long-term support through a strategic three-step model focused on prevention, intervention and restoration.

Together Women Rise

Co-founders Barbara Collins and Marsha Wallace launched this global movement to create an equal platform for women affected by injustice. Together Women Rise has contributed millions of dollars to support more than five million women worldwide for more than two decades. The organization provides active grants and strategic support to combat violence against women.

Through its Transformation Partnerships, Together Women Rise connects sister and brother organizations to address issues ranging from human trafficking in Latin America to economic equality in Asia. Some partnerships receive between $35,000 and $100,000 annually. One example is The Fuller Project, a newsroom reporting on gender inequality. Together Women Rise offers flexible funding focused on intervention strategies and driving systemic change.

International Organization for Migration (IOM)

Amy Pope is the first female Director-General of IOM. For more than 70 years, IOM has focused on those who are in vulnerable, inhumane crises. As a leading organization in counter-trafficking, it has impacted more than 100,000 victims worldwide.

Regional Director María Moita leads IOM’s Latin America and the Caribbean office, where targeted counter-trafficking strategies are actively implemented. IOM collaborates with key regional partners, including the Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM), to strengthen prevention efforts and respond to trafficking operations. These joint initiatives continue to grow, leading to multiple plans and programs that contribute to the ongoing decline in trafficking across Latin America.

– Emma Rowan

Emma is based in Boston, MA, USA and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project..

Photo: Unsplash

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DSWHUB Fights Poverty in Nigeria

DSWHUBNigeria, the most populous country in Africa, continues to grapple with severe socioeconomic issues that have left millions in poverty. As of 2023, nearly 87 million Nigerians live below the poverty line, with inflation hitting a 24-year high of 31.7%. Despite efforts to address unemployment, the youth face high underemployment rates and a lack of quality job opportunities, leading to widespread poverty in Nigeria.

This economic disparity is a major factor in irregular migration, with many Nigerians risking their lives to seek better opportunities abroad. In 2017 alone, more than 18,000 Nigerians arrived in Italy via the perilous Mediterranean route. The desperation that pushes individuals to migrate also makes them vulnerable to human trafficking, often ending up in forced labor or sexual exploitation.

Denny Social Welfare Hub

Denny Social Welfare Hub (DSWHUB), a nonprofit organization, is tackling the root causes of irregular migration and human trafficking by focusing on community empowerment, education and advocacy. One of its key initiatives is the iEMPATHY Campaign, which raises awareness about the dangers of irregular migration and human trafficking. This campaign specifically targets women and other vulnerable groups, educating them about the risks involved in irregular migration and empowering them to make informed decisions.

In 2023, DSWHUB held a notable community engagement event in Ogun State, where it educated residents on the risks of illegal migration and the tactics traffickers use to exploit vulnerable individuals. The event emphasized the role of women in migration decisions and promoted the idea of safe and legal migration pathways​. By increasing awareness and fostering informed decision-making, DSWHUB reduces the number of individuals falling prey to traffickers.

Support for Migrants and Survivors of Human Trafficking

In addition to awareness campaigns, DSWHUB actively supports the reintegration of returned migrants and survivors of human trafficking. These individuals often face stigma and difficulty rebuilding their lives. Through vocational training, education and capacity-building programs, DSWHUB equips them with the skills they need to reintegrate successfully into society. Its focus on long-term economic empowerment ensures survivors are less likely to become re-trafficked.

DSWHUB’s efforts have had a tangible impact on the communities it serves. By educating vulnerable populations and offering alternatives to dangerous migration routes, DSWHUB has helped reduce instances of irregular migration and human trafficking. Many individuals who participated in the iEMPATHY Campaign have shared testimonies of how the program equipped them with knowledge that helped them avoid falling victim to traffickers.

Moreover, DSWHUB’s reintegration programs have enabled survivors of trafficking to rebuild their lives. Through skills training and support, individuals have gained the confidence and resources to start small businesses, seek employment or return to education. By addressing the root causes of poverty and unemployment, DSWHUB is making a lasting impact in breaking the cycle of exploitation and preventing retrafficking​.

Summary

DSWHUB is addressing the systemic issues of poverty and unemployment in Nigeria, which drive irregular migration and human trafficking. Through innovative campaigns like iEMPATHY and comprehensive reintegration programs, DSWHUB is creating long-term solutions that empower individuals and strengthen communities. Its work not only saves lives but also offers a model for how grassroots organizations can combat human trafficking and irregular migration in regions plagued by socioeconomic challenges.

DSWHUB is helping vulnerable populations build safer, more secure futures free from exploitation by focusing on education, empowerment and advocacy. DSWHUB’s ongoing work highlights the importance of addressing the root causes of migration and trafficking to create lasting change in Nigeria.

– Staff Reports
Photo: Flickr

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Sex Trafficking and Child Poverty in Belarus  

Sex Trafficking in BelarusBelarus is a country in Eastern Europe which only recently gained its independence in August 1991 after a long history of the Soviet Union. The country, occupied by the Russian Empire since the 18th century, fell into Nazi hands years after the Russian Revolution, and following World War II, the country returned to Soviet Union’s control in 1944. In 1994, three years after declaring independence, Aleksandr Lukashenko became president and has been in office since his initial election.

Vulnerable Communities

In 2017, the rate of child poverty in Belarus stood at 11.3% while the population as a whole stood at 5.9%. The most vulnerable communities and families have been and still are those that live in more rural areas of the country, single-parent homes and homes with three or more children.

The multidimensional child poverty (MDCP) is higher than the overall poverty rate in the country. It is 16.7%, but the number varies across individuals. For larger households with three or more children and families in rural areas, the rate stands at 29.5% and for single-parent households, the rate is 23.8%, UNICEF reports.

UNICEF defines MDCP as “the situation of children suffering from multiple deprivations, rather than just income deprivation. Children may lack necessities or basic rights such as access to water and sanitation, a healthy, diverse diet, adequate living space or access to a personal computer to aid learning.”

Child Sex Trafficking in Belarus

Due to child poverty in Belarus, these underprivileged groups are especially vulnerable to trafficking, one of the major issues in the country. According to Interpol, Belarus has been identified as the country in Eastern Europe with the single most individuals identified in child abuse material. In 2013, there were a total of 91 victims in explicit abuse photographs and videos from Belarus.

The number of cases only increased. In 2015, there were a total of 506 separate cases of “commercial exploitation of children,” according to ECPAT. The traffickers often take victims abroad to countries like Russia, Poland and Turkey where their exploitation continues. The number of victims each year has fluctuated, but has remained consistently high, with the government identifying 251 victims in 2019.

The Good News

Although sex trafficking and child poverty in Belarus remain prominent, there is international support from NGOs and international aid groups to provide resources to victims and low-income households, according to the U.S. Department of State.

The number of victims of child trafficking has slowly increased since 2020; although, the government of Belarus has made small steps in providing resources for these vulnerable individuals. The government provides housing for up to six months in centers for children between the ages of three to 18 as well as free legal assistance, the U.S. Department of State reports. In July 2019, Belarusian and Israeli officials worked together to coordinate an operation to take down a sex trafficking ring composed of Belarusian and Ukrainian women, leading to the arrest of 15 people.

To address child poverty, the country has begun to provide aid to low-income families and families with underage children. There are also one-time benefits provided to families experiencing hardships and children up until 2 years old are provided with food supplies, regardless of income. Belarus is making efforts to address the issues of child poverty and human trafficking. No matter how slow, there are still efforts being made.

– Maya Renfro

Maya is based in Chicago, IL, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Anirban Helping Trafficking Survivors in Bangladesh

Trafficking Survivors in BangladeshBangladesh is the sixth largest migrant-sending country. Bangladeshi workers migrate to India, Maldives, the Middle East, Pakistan and Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. Migrant workers from Bangladesh consist of low or unskilled workers. Middlemen and private recruitment agencies arrange for the migration process. Bangladeshi workers are subject to high migration fees and repay loans obtained from recruiters. This forces them to overstay visas and makes them vulnerable to trafficking, according to the U.S. Department of State.

Trafficking in Bangladesh

Women and children can be subject to recruitment fraud. Traffickers promise jobs to these vulnerable groups and exploit them in sex trafficking upon arrival at the location. According to the U.S. Department of State, 40% of Bangladeshi children become victims of sex trafficking victims and face exploitation abroad. Men are subject to forced labor. Forms of labor exploitation include discrepancies in wages or work hours, low or unpaid wages and fraudulent contracts. The U.S. Department of State report has shown passport retention, physical abuse and death due to inadequate protections in working environments.

The reason why these groups of people become vulnerable to exploitation stems from debt-based coercion, absence of adequate legal protection, lack of formal contracts and homelessness. Children become subject to hazardous forms of child labour and serve as collateral for their parents’ loans. Traffickers tempt rural people with alleged good employment opportunities and ultimately become victims of exploitation, the U.S. Department of State reports.

Helping Trafficking Survivors in Bangladesh

Anirban (the flame that never dies), is Bangladesh’s first trafficking survivors’ group. Founded in 2011 with the help of Winrock International, an NGO based in the United States, and USAID, Anirban continues to actively advocate for the rights of trafficking survivors in Bangladesh. Survivors manage Anirban groups and take the lead in helping other trafficking survivors in Bangladesh to build self-confidence and identity. Under the USAID Fight Slavery and Trafficking activity (2021-2026), Winrock International has supported them to become a nationally registered, self-sustaining organization that continues to advocate for the needs of these survivors.

Anirban groups work toward changing public perception of these trafficking survivors in Bangladesh, especially the stigmatization of trafficked people as victims. Sessions and meetings take place in schools with civil society organizations, journalists, the local government and survivors. The main agenda for these sessions is to promote human rights, women’s rights and “safe migration days” for the people, according to Winrock International.

The Flame That Never Dies

Saiful Islam’s story continues to inspire many individuals. An active member at Anirban, Saiful uses his experience as a cautionary tale to spread awareness of the hardships of migrants. Due to being unable to find a job and subsequently being unable to support his family and falling victim to poverty, Saiful began looking for jobs abroad. He comes across a job in Singapore with a two-year contract and a monthly salary of $1,600, Winrock International reports.

The recruiters receive a lump sum amount from Saiful to emigrate to Singapore. Saiful experiences severe hardships in Singapore. He does not secure a published job, does not receive his salary and faces threats. It is only after one year abroad he can return to Bangladesh. Saiful’s woes do not end. He no longer has a job, has lost his family property and has no money.

Through the support from the Bangladesh Counter Trafficking-in-Persons project, funded by USAID and implemented by Winrock International, he was able to get back on his feet. As a member of Anirban, he conducts outreach efforts and spreads awareness about the risks of child marriage and its illegality in Bangladesh. In cases where families are in entanglements with traffickers or suspected traffickers, Saiful guides these communities to develop practical alternatives and solutions. He emphasizes the importance of education and helps trafficking survivors in Bangladesh with social and support programs. Saiful is a beacon of hope for the trafficking survivors in Bangladesh. He uses his funds to support migrants in Bangladesh. With Saiful’s funds, he has been able to help 13 vulnerable families and uplift them from having the same plight as himself, according to Winrock International.

Looking Forward

The work of Anirban continues to be exemplary. The focus on participatory action research ensures addressing the needs of victims of child marriage and human trafficking. The continuous promotion and conversation on safe migration and survivor reintegration within these communities contribute to an effective bottom-up systemic change. Survivor networks have been effective in leading changes in local conditions such as poverty, which drive vulnerable groups to the risk of exploitation.

– Caren Thomas

Caren is based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Human Trafficking in Libya Exploits the Vulnerable

Human Trafficking in Libya Exploits the VulnerableCurrently, the Global Organized Crime Index rates Libya as one of the worst places for human trafficking, with a high score of 8.5 out of 10. The country’s resilience score is also very low, indicating that little effective action is being taken to end this trafficking epidemic. The United States Department of State has reported that instability, conflict and lack of government oversight and capacity in Libya allow human trafficking crimes to persist and remain highly profitable for traffickers. Furthermore, the Department of State notes that the population suffers abuse not only from criminals but also from governmental and nonstate armed groups. This abuse includes physical, sexual and verbal assaults; abduction for ransom; extortion; arbitrary killings; inhumane detention; and child soldiering.

Poverty in Libya

In recent years, poverty levels in Libya have surged, raising significant concern among the Libyan government and NGOs. The Libyan News Agency reported in 2023 that the National Institution for Human Rights in Libya (NIHRL) found a 40% increase in poverty rates, nearly affecting half of Libya’s population. The NIHRL identified several critical factors contributing to this rise: escalating inflation, the depreciation of the local currency against foreign currencies, increased prices of basic goods and food items, higher costs for health services and lower income levels for families, particularly among the most vulnerable and needy groups.

International Aid and NGO Involvement

The political and economic climate in Libya struggles to protect its impoverished population from exploitation effectively. Despite these challenges, support from NGOs and international governments offers hope for improvement. Numerous organizations are actively working to enhance Libya’s welfare by combating poverty and violence and striving to secure basic human rights for its people. Prominent groups like Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International are at the forefront, diligently seeking solutions and fostering hope for a better future in Libya.

International Organization for Migration

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is making significant strides in Libya, where its efforts are profoundly felt. As of 2023, the IOM has identified a total of 706,062 migrants from more than 44 nationalities across 100 Libyan municipalities. This substantial migrant presence has unfortunately increased trafficking activities, but the IOM’s assistance is a crucial step toward addressing these challenges. The organization collaborates with embassies, community leaders and humanitarian partners to enhance critical health care, including mental health and psychosocial support, for migrants and trafficking survivors. These vital collaborations form a multi-pronged approach that promises strategic solutions and hopeful outcomes in the fight against trafficking and poverty in Libya.

Looking Ahead

Libya’s ongoing crisis of human trafficking and poverty demands urgent and coordinated action. International organizations like the IOM and NGOs such as Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International are working to provide essential services and advocate for the rights of vulnerable populations. These ongoing efforts, alongside greater international support, could address the systemic issues and improve the lives of those affected by trafficking and poverty in Libya.

– Abigail Johnson

Abigail is based in Sapulpa, OK, USA and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Human Trafficking: 5 Companies Fighting It

Human TraffickingThe fight against human trafficking stands as one of the most important causes in the modern world. Every year, it is estimated that some form of international slave trade traffics 600,000 to 800,000 people. Therefore, the fight is essential because it champions providing basic human rights to everyone and aids impoverished countries in improving. 

While not every single person has the capacity to stop slave labor physically, everyone can contribute in many ways, even by simply purchasing useful or pretty products. Here, we list five interesting products and companies that help stop human trafficking.

Purpose Jewelry

Purpose Jewelry is a company that sells handmade jewelry made by survivors of human trafficking. The company rescues the girls from brothels and sends them to live in its trademarked “Sanctuaries,” where it trains them to make jewelry. It also provides them with health care, mental care and education. The girls also earn full salaries for their work. The company invests 100% of its profit back into helping the victims. Currently, the company assists victims from Mumbai, Cebu, Kampala and Tijuana. 

Elegantees

Elegantees creates casual but stylish clothes that any woman can wear. Its priority is sustainability, using cotton and deadstock materials. Most importantly, the employees are primarily girls who are survivors or at risk for human trafficking from Nepal or India. “The Nepal-India border is one of the busiest human trafficking gateways in the world,” with a report showcasing that around 50 women are illegally transported from Nepal to India daily.

The company explains very simply that poor girls often get tricked into brothels because they are looking for jobs. If companies quickly provide safe jobs, human trafficking intermediaries are cut out. All workers are adults, earn a livable wage and receive overtime, vacation and any other benefits you would expect from normal working conditions.

Dignity Coconuts

Dignity Coconuts is a company tackling a unique poverty-related problem in the Philippines. Coconuts are the country’s largest crops grown, with both large plantations and small-scale farmers involved in their production. However, this has resulted in a serious issue known as “copra slavery.” Many companies and countries prefer to purchase products from large-scale farmers, which often drives smaller farmers into poverty. This leaves them vulnerable to human trafficking and at the mercy of larger farms. 

As a result, they are usually forced to beg for loans that they will never be able to repay. Dignity Coconuts changes this dynamic by enabling customers to purchase coconut oil directly from the farmers in the Philippines. The organization has more than 150 farmers on board, which means 150 farms providing jobs for people, protecting them from poverty and desperation that might lead them to trafficking jobs, including running the slave trade.

The Starfish Project

The Starfish Project is an organization that rescues girls from brothels and provides them with training in making jewelry and crafts. Additionally, the girls can continue their education while working there. They can move up in the company hierarchy from crafting to having full careers in fields such as accounting and photography. It is worth noting that the Starfish Project focuses on rescuing rather than prevention. More than 180 women have been able to escape human trafficking situations and turn their lives around thanks to the Starfish Project’s efforts.

Good Paper

Good Paper is a company that creates handcrafted cards for various occasions. The cards are produced in two locations: one in the Philippines, which supports victims of sex trafficking and the other in Rwanda, which helps victims of genocide. 

The Philippines is one of the highest-risk countries for trafficking, with 60,000 to 100,000 children being the victims of sex trafficking. You can make a difference in someone’s life by purchasing a card from Good Paper. Each card is signed by the person whose life you have helped change by supporting this company.

The above products are available for purchase by the average consumer. By buying them, you can help support victims of human trafficking and prevent more people from falling into this terrible crime. Furthermore, improving the economic situation of the victims can help reduce poverty overall.

– Varsha Pai
Photo: Pixabay

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Human Trafficking in ST. MAARTEN

Human Trafficking in St. MaartenHuman Trafficking is a threat affecting millions worldwide, with 2021 figures estimating annual revenues of more than $150 billion worldwide. St. Maarten is no exception to the allure of this illicit enterprise. This article gives voice to the dangers of Human Trafficking in St. Maarten and what efforts are in place to combat it.

Trafficking in Persons Report

Estimates show that Human Trafficking affects more than 24.9 million people around the world today. States with ineffective political structures, weak government and amplified poverty and crime levels typically show the most noticeable effects of the Human Trafficking trade. As a means of evaluation, the Department of State for the U.S. designed the Trafficking in Persons Report (TIP Report), a report used internationally to measure the efficiency of practice and response to Human Trafficking in different countries around the world. The report assigns countries to a Tier Ranking according to their capacity to meet the minimum standards for addressing the Human Trafficking trade for the previous year, operating on a hierarchical system.

The ranking system consists of three tiers:

  • Tier 1: Optimal. Governments fully comply with the minimum standards.
  • Tier 2: Falling just short of expectation but demonstrating promising efforts for improvement.
    • Tier 2 Watchlist: Falling just short of expectation but demonstrating promising efforts for improvement, although victim rates are at, or on the verge of, critical status and proportional efforts are not being made.
  • Tier 3: Fail to meet minimum standards and show little sign of improvement efforts.

Human Trafficking in St. Maarten – Under Review

In 2022 the TIP Report downgraded St. Maarten to Tier 3, labeled as “failing to meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and making no significant effort to do so,” and has maintained this verdict in the 2023 report. This gives for bleak reading when considering St. Maarten’s ongoing battle with Human Trafficking in terms of protection, prosecution and prevention measures.

The government maintained the decreased minimal prosecution charges for trafficking in 2022, where incidents involving persons aged 16 or older could face up to nine years imprisonment or a fine, while those affecting children aged under 16 can be penalized for up to 12 years imprisonment or a fine. For the fifth consecutive year, St. Maarten failed to submit any reports of providing protection services to victims. For the third consecutive year, authorities identified no trafficking victims. No reported efforts have been made to screen regions and industries particularly exposed to the effects of trafficking. Government funding for protective measures such as care services, shelters and financial support is considerably lacking, with an NGO-run shelter for victims of domestic violence carrying much of the burden. (U.S. Department of State, 2023).

Trapped and Exploited

In St. Maarten, human traffickers use a host of tactics to manipulate their victims, with local accounts suggesting migrants seeking passage to the United States or Canada are most vulnerable. One common tool for manipulating victims is selling the idea of the “American Dream” under false pretenses. Typically migrants coming from poverty-stricken conditions in places such as Venezuela, Colombia, Haiti and the Dominican Republic are seeking a better life. Desperate, uneducated and undernourished, they are especially susceptible to the false promises of human traffickers. Human traffickers then employ intricate debt coercion schemes to pressure victims into sex work, forced labor and domestic servitude.

Captors maintain their control over victims by invoking themes of fear, violence, shame, isolation and debt. Traffickers frequently employ tactics to subdue victim rebellion, such as indoctrinating captives to believe government authorities are corrupt, confiscating means of travel vis a vis documentation, physical torture and rape. These conditions are applied mercilessly until the notion of escape becomes incomprehensible to the victim.

The Effort for Change

Human Trafficking in St. Maarten looked set to improve in 2022. They instigated a poster campaign focused on raising public awareness of trafficking and those who are vulnerable. They drafted a new National Action Plan (NAP) which set out important guidelines, including establishing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for victim identification and referral and creating a national anti-trafficking hotline. However, St. Maarten did not implement this plan, and measures for change continue to fall short of national expectations.

The more local government proves lackluster, the greater the reliance on international aid. NGOs have become imperative to the country’s preservation from further collapse. Organizations like Lifeline Network International, the West Indee Committee and the Society of Mediators are playing an indispensable role in protecting even the most basic of human rights, establishing the platform for social, economic and agrarian education and facilitating the means for long-term sustainability.

The U.S. Department of State has articulated basic actions St. Maarten can take to revive this effort. These efforts include the re-adopting and implementing of the 2022 NAP, appropriate funding for protective and preventive services, educating authorities to be proactive in trafficking identification and informing the public, migrants and potential victims of their rights. Applying these basic actions sets the precedent for change and the foundations for a better future.

– Ruairi Greene
Photo: Flickr

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Human Trafficking in Angola

Human Trafficking in AngolaAngola is a country of origin and destination for men, women and children who are victims of trafficking, for the purpose of forced prostitution and forced labor. Domestically, victims of trafficking end up working in agriculture, construction, households and artisanal diamond mines. Women and children are often victims of human trafficking in Angola, with many women coming from Vietnam, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Namibia, and traffickers sending many Angolan women and children to Namibia, South Africa and some European countries like Portugal. Since traffickers often lure victims with the promise of employment and a better life, Angola can implement several measures to improve the lives of its citizens. Here is some information about some of the challenges that Angola is facing that may play into the prevalence of human trafficking in Angola.

The Right to Form Unions

The law indicates that workers, except those that the armed forces or police employ, have the right to form and join independent trade unions. However, an issue is that authorities in Angola do not always enforce its laws adequately. The law states that for a union to form, at least 30% of workers in an industry or province must go through a registration process and receive approval from the authorities. The law also provides for the right to collective bargaining but excludes public sector workers. However, the country has prohibited strikes by members of the armed forces, police, prosecutors and judges, prison staff, firefighters, public sector workers and oil workers. 

Employment

The Angolan government enforced the Minimum Wage Act in the formal labor sector. In 2019, the national minimum wage was Kwanzas 16,503 ($52.60 USD) and the aim was for it to reach Kwanzas 21,454 ($68.30 USD) for the agricultural sector, Kwanzas 26,817 ($85.50 USD) for the trade and manufacturing sector and Kwanzas 32,181 ($102.50 USD) for the extractive industries sector. Furthermore, while the law guarantees a safe working environment for all sectors of the economy, labor protection standards do not protect most workers in the informal sector.   

Discrimination and Working Labor

The Constitution and the law prohibit discrimination in employment based on race, sex, religion, disability or language, and the government has generally enforced these laws effectively in the formal sector. The law provides for equal pay for equal work, and women often hold at least some high-level positions in state industry and the private sector. However, many women tend to hold low-level positions, especially in the informal sector. The law prohibits all forms of forced or compulsory labor too.

The government reportedly does not enforce this law effectively, partly because there are not enough labor inspectors. Penalties are reportedly inadequate to deter violations. Children under 14 are prohibited from working too. To obtain a work contract, children must prove that they are at least 14 years old and that the work does not interfere with their formal education or cause them physical or mental harm. Between the ages of 14 and 16, parental consent to work is necessary. Tuition is free and compulsory for children up to sixth grade.

NGOs and Immigration Policies

There are several hundred non-governmental organizations (NGOs) working for transparency, human rights and political reform regarding human trafficking in Angola. Organizations critical of the government are often subject to state interference and can experience the threat of legal action or closure. In 2017, the Constitutional Court ruled that a 2015 decree requiring NGOs to register with the government and subjecting NGOs receiving donations to further scrutiny was no longer constitutional due to criticism from civil society. This criticism openly described the decree as restrictive and intrusive, as it required NGOs to obtain government approval before engaging in activities and allowed the government to monitor the organizations.

One of the best-known NGOs in Angola that is working on human rights is Missio, which has the main objective to support the Catholic Church in missionary dioceses around the world. The organization changes lives by listening to local needs and aiding in the creation of infrastructure, such as chapels, schools, orphanages, clinics and dispensaries and centers where young church members can thrive and grow. All this support is most tangible in the funds that it collects and distributes, but even more tangible in the spiritual and pastoral unity it creates. Therefore, the organization has two main areas of activity: mission animation and education and fundraising. It was registered in April 1996 and has raised more than £7 million to date and may have an impact on reducing human trafficking in Angola.

Several obstacles exist that prevent refugees and migrants from finding employment. Regulation 273/13 prevents refugees from obtaining a compulsory business license, which is necessary to own and operate a business. Refugees have also reported that they often have difficulty working in the formal sector because they cannot obtain legal documents. The government is making significant efforts to combat human trafficking in Angola. It has educated the public about the dangers of trafficking, amended the constitution to explicitly prohibit trafficking and maintained anti-trafficking funding despite a significant decline in government revenue and subsequent cuts to the national budget.   

– Manos S. Karousos
Photo: Flickr

2 Organizations Combating Human Trafficking

Far outnumbering the global cocaine market, the “industry” of international human trafficking sees about $99 billion as of 2022. The connection between poverty and human trafficking manifests in how the crime tends to concentrate in lower-income countries such as Cambodia, Pakistan, Romania and Belarus. While authorities continue to work to eradicate the crime, Freekind and STOP THE TRAFFIK (STT) are two organizations combating human trafficking.

What is Human Trafficking?

Human trafficking is a crime that trades and exploits people for profit. According to the United Nations, three important elements define trafficking: the act, the means and the purpose. The act refers to the recruitment or transportation of victims. The means include the violence and deception that traffickers use to traffic victims. Lastly, the purpose is the exploitation of victims.

Different Types of Human Trafficking

There are two main types of human trafficking: sexual and forced labor. Sexual labor is the most common form of human trafficking. Research on sex trafficking shows that, on average, 4.8 million are sexually exploited at any given time. Among these victims, 99% of the sex trafficked are women and girls, according to the U.N. International Labour Office. The same report states that about 25 million were in forced labor in 2017. Of this group, 42% were male, and 19% were children.

Poverty and Human Trafficking

While human trafficking is a global crisis, lower-income countries often have the highest cases of trafficking due to a lack of resources. Lack of employment opportunities is highest in places with extreme poverty. Consequently, traffickers exploit this vulnerability by falsely offering jobs or training. Job seekers in lower-income areas frequently migrate for work. These migrant workers, particularly young people and children, become vulnerable targets. Sociocultural structures in other regions lacking equal rights for females also see more child and forced marriages.

Freekind and STOP THE TRAFFIK

Two organizations are combating human trafficking by using education and technology.

Freekind focuses on rebuilding lives and raising awareness. To meet these objectives, Freekind designed the Prevention Project curriculum in 2012.  This award-winning program was produced by human trafficking survivors, educators and advocates, rooted in the belief that “if change is going to happen, it must begin with the young generation.” The curriculum is designed for secondary school students and youth service providers. Through interactive sessions, many students have become aware of the seriousness of human trafficking and have become committed to combating the crime.

STOP THE TRAFFIK uses technology to fight human trafficking. Like Freekind, STT believes in uniting people across the globe through information, inspiration and mobilization to understand human trafficking better. In addition, STT also trains people to report trafficking with the STOP APP, a smartphone app that people can use globally to report suspicious activities of human trafficking securely and anonymously.

STT analyzes the app’s data to provide information on global human trafficking hot spots and trends. According to STT’s Final Impact Report of 2020, data from the STOP APP progressed 11 human trafficking cases to authorities.

Human trafficking is an issue that requires more attention from authorities. In areas with extreme poverty, individuals are at a greater risk of becoming targets of traffickers. Organizations such as Freekind and STT have dedicated themselves to combating human trafficking. Through prevention education and technology, both organizations address the seriousness of human trafficking and aim to bring people together to prevent trafficking from taking place.

– Mimosa Ngai
Photo: Pexels