- Gunilla Ekberg, Special Advisor on Prostitution and Trafficking for the Government of Sweden
"Prior to the recent creation of international and domestic anti-trafficking treaties, little enforceable legislation existed to address the problem of trafficking. The perpetrators of the illegal trade of people often went unpunished, with crimes undetected or ignored. Victims of human trafficking themselves have often been the ones criminalized, and out of fear and/or deportation, have often been reluctant to testify against their abusers. It is often very difficult for victims of human trafficking to be detected or to be helped due to the illegal nature of their forced labor, the isolation that is imposed upon them, language and cultural barriers, and/or the illegal immigration status of many victims.
The United Nations “Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons” of 2000 is the first piece of international legislation to directly address the issue of international trafficking since the 1949 “Convention for the Suppression of the Trafficking in Persons and of the Exploitation of the Prostitution of Others .” On October 28, 2000 , the U.S. also signed anti-trafficking legislation with the “Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000.” [For the most up to date information on international efforts to curb human trafficking, please see refer to the annual TIP reports generated by the U.S. Department of State]. Since this time, many other countries have adopted anti-trafficking legislation and victim assistance programs. While the efforts of some countries are proving effective, other countries are failing to implement their laws and empty promises. In some countries, corrupt law and immigration officials themselves continue to participate in the trafficking of humans or turn a blind eye to the problem in return for financial compensation.
Anti- trafficking advocacy among non-governmental organizations (NGOs) has been growing steadily since the mid-20th century. Many U.S. and international human rights groups and NGOs are actively working to prevent and combat trafficking, detect, and assist its victims. A number of these organizations can be found in the New York area, working alongside law enforcement to try to eliminate this devastating problem that affects so many men, women, and children every day" (AIFirefly.org). Check my blog later for a list of NGO's united in the fight against human trafficking!
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| The need to fight human trafficking has never been greater. |
The United Nations “Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons” of 2000 is the first piece of international legislation to directly address the issue of international trafficking since the 1949 “Convention for the Suppression of the Trafficking in Persons and of the Exploitation of the Prostitution of Others .” On October 28, 2000 , the U.S. also signed anti-trafficking legislation with the “Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000.” [For the most up to date information on international efforts to curb human trafficking, please see refer to the annual TIP reports generated by the U.S. Department of State]. Since this time, many other countries have adopted anti-trafficking legislation and victim assistance programs. While the efforts of some countries are proving effective, other countries are failing to implement their laws and empty promises. In some countries, corrupt law and immigration officials themselves continue to participate in the trafficking of humans or turn a blind eye to the problem in return for financial compensation.
Anti- trafficking advocacy among non-governmental organizations (NGOs) has been growing steadily since the mid-20th century. Many U.S. and international human rights groups and NGOs are actively working to prevent and combat trafficking, detect, and assist its victims. A number of these organizations can be found in the New York area, working alongside law enforcement to try to eliminate this devastating problem that affects so many men, women, and children every day" (AIFirefly.org). Check my blog later for a list of NGO's united in the fight against human trafficking! 
