(Human trafficking shouldn’t add up to an acceptable industry!)
We know human trafficking exists. No doubt about it. We hear of it all the time. But why does it even exist? It is such an evil element of our society.
Well, unfortunately, human trafficking is a market-driven industry. It’s a criminal one at that. It stands on the platform of supply and demand. This includes drugs and arms trafficking. While its victims – typically children and young women – are highly vulnerable to this form of modern day slavery, the industry is fueled by the demand for cheap labor, services and commercial sex.
Those who work within the human trafficking ring use force, fraud and/or coercion to victimize others. Meanwhile, they deviously plot to gain profit from the existing demand. The solution rests in addressing the demand-driven factors. At the same time, altering the market incentives of high profit and low risk need to be addressed.
Spotlight on high profits.
A market is created when people will pay for commercial sex. Traffickers stand to profit as they sexually exploit children and adults. In this industry, the traffickers are in a position to maximize their revenue with minimal associated production costs. They simply force their victims into the acts.
Spotlight on low risk.
With such a high profit margin in this industry, the criminals involved don’t perceive much risk when it comes to what they are doing. Yes, investigations, penalties and prosecutions have gained acceleration over the years. However, it is still not enough of a deterrent to those bent on making a grand living in this manner.
Among the reasons this criminal activity remains low risk is that there is due to minimal government or law enforcement investigations performed. Community awareness is low. Resources are scarce when it comes to aiding its victims in recovery efforts. Further, many victims are subject to blame, with people pointing a finger of culpability to them as opposed to the traffickers.
We must not leave this criminal act unchecked! Communities need to pull together to reduce the sex trafficking in their areas by not buying the services and not participating in the industry on any level. Change your habits with respect to consumerism. Buy fair trade and survivor-made products, for example. Hold your favorite brands accountable for fair labor practices. Every little step we take, in conjunction with increased efforts on the part of law enforcement and criminal prosecutors, helps.
Source :humantraffickinghotline.org
