Though in the Indian Constitution, human trafficking is prohibited, it is still prevalent on a large scale in our country. It is one of the greatest organized atrocities, which includes the trafficking of thousands of children and women every year. One should not be of the view that human trafficking is all about women and children. Instead, it affects men and women of all ages. The main purpose behind trafficking is exploitation.
According to a report from the International Labour Organisation, around 40.3 million victims are ambushed in modern slavery.
Human trafficking is a heinous act whereby humans are forced or falsely lured for sexual exploitation, debt bondage, or forced labor. This illegal trade is done by means of recruitment or through force, fraud, or coercion. Inflicting violence on the subject, i.e., the victim, is one of the most common ways to control them. Violence can be of all types, which may include physical, psychological, or sexual violence. It has been found that the percentage of male victims has increased from 10% in 2003 to 20% in 2018. When it comes to global figures, one in every three victims is a child.
Human trafficking can be found in every industry, whether it be the garment or textile industry, entertainment industry, agriculture, construction, or the sex industry.
It has been reported by the International Labour Organization that forced sex is the highest profit-earning business per victim when compared to some other types of labor, like domestic work.
Who Can Become A Victim?
Many individuals fall into the trap of traffickers, thinking that they will get a good economic opportunity. And later on, realize their mistake when it’s too late. People who are vulnerable, desperate, or looking for ways to lead a better life can easily become prone to trafficking. However, it has been observed that children who belong to a dysfunctional, poor families or are orphans are mainly targeted by the traffickers. It’s easy to lure them.
According to United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime’s (UNODC) 2020 Global Report on Trafficking, it has been ascertained that out of over 148 countries, female victims are the primary target. In the year 2018, 46% of the victims were women, and 19% were girls. When it comes to male victims, the report showed that 20% of victims were men and 15% were boys.
It has been stated in the UN Trafficking in Persons Protocol that the consent of the victim is irrelevant if force, threat, deception, coercion, abuse of power, or position of vulnerability is used.
Victims are not allowed to go outside and have a conversation with other human beings. Strict restrictions are imposed on them. They may have to live in a secluded place with only one room. There may not be a proper supply of food, water, and electricity in the room. They are not allowed to eat properly. They have to face violence each day, sometimes in the form of physical and, at other times, emotional and mental abuse.
Understanding Traffickers
It’s difficult to know who a trafficker can be. They can be anyone, including a family member, a friend, a romantic partner, acquaintances, or maybe a stranger. Many traffickers were detected as having a criminal background, and others were business owners. In some court cases, it has also been revealed that parents facilitate the sexual exploitation of their children and can even push them into street begging.
Root Causes Of Human Trafficking
Poverty, lack of education, caste system, gender-related differences, lack of awareness about human trafficking and brothel life, dysfunctional families, Devdasi tradition, high market demand for minor girls, and lack of legal convictions against the traffickers are the root causes behind the human trafficking in India.
Role Of Technology
Technology is used by both the victims and the traffickers. Traffickers make use of social media by posting job advertisements and thereby getting hold of the victims who are desperate for a job.
According to the UNODC, there are two types of strategies employed by the traffickers – one is hunting, and the other one is known as fishing. During hunting, the victim is continuously and actively stalked by the trafficker.
Technology can also be used in favor of the victims by aiding investigations, providing services to them, and raising awareness.
Let’s put our hands together to raise awareness regarding human trafficking to the maximum extent possible through the use of technology.
Note
A lot can be done by the government and the general public if both of them join hands together with the motto to solve the issue of human trafficking as far as possible.
