Name Wasif Ali

Roll number 1007

Topic Human Trafficking
Subject Human Rights
Semester 3rd
Session 2023-2027
Submitted to Sir Shah Jahan
Introduction
Human trafficking is one of the most heinous crimes that continues to affect millions of
individuals worldwide, regardless of age, gender, or nationality. It is defined as the illegal
trade and exploitation of people through force, fraud, or coercion for purposes such as
sexual exploitation, forced labor, or slavery. Human trafficking is a violation of human rights
and a significant global challenge that undermines the dignity and freedom of those
affected.

Definition and Types of Human Trafficking

Human trafficking can be categorized into different types based on the forms of exploitation
involved. The United Nations defines human trafficking as “the recruitment, transportation,
transfer, harboring, or receipt of persons, through threat or use of force or other forms of
coercion, for exploitation.”

The main types of human trafficking are:

1. Labor Trafficking: In labor trafficking, individuals are forced or coerced into

performing work under exploitative conditions. This includes agricultural work,
domestic servitude, construction, and factory labor. Victims may be trapped in debt
bondage or face threats, abuse, and poor living conditions. Many are vulnerable
migrants who are promised jobs and then coerced into labor in unsafe
environments.
2. Child Trafficking: Children are especially vulnerable to trafficking. They are often
trafficked for sexual exploitation, child labor, illegal adoption, or even as child
soldiers in conflict zones. Many traffickers prey on poor or vulnerable families,
offering promises of education or employment, only to exploit the children for profit.
3. Organ Trafficking: Though less common, this form involves the illegal trade of
human organs. Victims are often coerced or deceived into giving up their organs, or
they may be killed for the removal and sale of their organs on the black market.

Causes of Human Trafficking

Human trafficking is a complex issue with many underlying causes. The major factors that
contribute to the prevalence of trafficking include:

1. Poverty and Economic Inequality: Many victims come from impoverished

backgrounds or vulnerable social conditions. Poverty increases the likelihood that
individuals will fall for false promises of a better life abroad or better employment
opportunities.
2. Lack of Education: Inadequate education and limited access to information make
individuals more susceptible to trafficking. Traffickers often exploit the lack of
awareness, offering false promises of work or a better life in another country.
3. Political Instability and Conflict: In regions experiencing war, natural disasters, or
political instability, people are more likely to be displaced and forced into vulnerable
 situations. Refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) are often targeted by
traffickers who exploit their need for safety and stability.
4. Gender Inequality: Women and girls are disproportionately affected by trafficking,
particularly for sexual exploitation. Gender-based violence, discrimination, and
inequality in many societies make women more vulnerable to trafficking.

Methods of Human Trafficking

Traffickers employ a variety of methods to recruit and exploit victims. Some of the most
common tactics include:

1. Deception and False Promises: Traffickers often lure victims with false promises of
employment, education, or better living conditions. Victims are promised well-paying
jobs abroad or in other regions, only to find themselves trapped in situations of
forced labor or sexual exploitation.
2. Coercion and Manipulation: Some may involve threats of violence or harm to family
members. Traffickers use psychological manipulation to break down the victim’s will,
making them feel isolated and powerless.
3. Abduction and Kidnapping: In certain cases, victims are kidnapped or abducted and
forcibly transported to other locations for exploitation. Children are particularly
vulnerable to abduction, often taken from their homes or schools.
4. Trafficking for Organ Trade: Victims of organ trafficking are often tricked into
believing they are undergoing medical treatment or procedures, only to have their
organs forcibly removed for sale.

Fundamental Rights in the Preview of Human Trafficking

1. Every person has inalienable rights that national and international laws should
protect, but trafficking undermines these rights by subjecting victims to forced labor,
sexual exploitation, and other forms of abuse. One of the most fundamental rights
violated by human trafficking is the right to freedom and security of person. The
Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), adopted by the United Nations in
1948, explicitly states in Article 3 that "everyone has the right to life, liberty, and
security of person." Trafficked individuals are deprived of these essential freedoms,
often facing coercion, threats, and violence that keep them in captivity, unable to
escape or seek help.
2. Another key violation is the right to be free from slavery and servitude. Article 4 of
the UDHR prohibits slavery, servitude, and forced labor in all forms. Human
trafficking is essentially a modern-day form of slavery, where victims are exploited
for commercial gain, whether through sexual exploitation, forced labor, or illegal
activities. Victims are often coerced into situations of extreme vulnerability, where
their autonomy is entirely removed, and they are treated as commodities rather
than human beings with rights and dignity.
3. The right to dignity is another fundamental right egregiously violated in trafficking
situations. Every individual is entitled to be treated with respect, as stated in Article
1 of the UDHR: "All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights."
 Trafficking victims are often subjected to dehumanizing conditions that destroy their
sense of self-worth.
4. Trafficking also infringes upon the right to protection from exploitation and abuse,
particularly for women and children, who are disproportionately affected by
trafficking. Children, in particular, are trafficked for labor, sexual exploitation, and
even forced military service, which robs them of their childhood, education, and the
opportunity to live a safe, fulfilling life. This constitutes a clear violation of the child’s
rights under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Violation of fundamental rights

The violation of fundamental rights undermines the basic freedoms and protections guaranteed to
individuals, often leading to systemic inequality and oppression. These rights, including the right to
life, freedom of speech, equality before the law, and freedom from discrimination, are frequently
compromised by authoritarian regimes, corruption, and social injustices. Examples include
restrictions on free expression, gender-based violence, racial discrimination, and denial of access to
education and healthcare. Such violations harm individuals and weaken democratic institutions and
societal cohesion. Addressing these issues requires strong legal frameworks, public awareness, and
international cooperation to ensure accountability and uphold the dignity and freedoms of all
people.

Violation in Pakistan

Human trafficking remains a critical human rights issue in Pakistan, with the Global Slavery
Index estimating over 3.1 million people in modern slavery as of 2023. Pakistan is both a
source and transit country for trafficking, with victims subjected to forced labor, sexual
exploitation, and forced marriages. The brick kiln sector alone employs over 4 million
workers, many trapped in bonded labor, a practice that is outlawed but widely prevalent.

Children are particularly vulnerable, with an estimated 3.3 million children engaged in child
labor, often in hazardous conditions. Women and girls are frequently trafficked for sexual
exploitation and forced marriages, while migrant workers face exploitation abroad due to
fraudulent recruitment practices. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) reported 2,000
cases of human trafficking in 2022, though underreporting remains significant due to stigma
and fear.

Despite the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act (2018) and Pakistan's Tier 2 Watchlist
ranking in the U.S. Trafficking in Persons Report 2023, enforcement is weak. Limited
resources, corruption, and judicial delays hinder progress. Public awareness, strengthened
law enforcement, and regional cooperation are essential to combat the issue effectively

The Human Rights Index

The Human Rights Index is a tool used to measure and assess the state of human rights in
different countries worldwide. It evaluates key aspects such as civil liberties, political rights,
freedom of speech, access to justice, and protection from discrimination and abuse. The
index provides a score or ranking based on how well a country adheres to international
human rights standards, highlighting areas of strength and concern. Organizations like the
United Nations, Human Rights Watch, and Freedom House contribute to such assessments,
helping policymakers, researchers, and activists address human rights violations and
promote accountability and reform globally.
References:
 Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) - Adopted by the United Nations in
1948
 Amnesty International Reports - Document global human rights abuses, including
violations of freedom of speech, access to education, and discrimination.
 Human Rights Watch (HRW) - Provides detailed insights into fundamental rights
violations globally, covering gender-based violence, media restrictions, and systemic
injustices.
 International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) - A key UN treaty
protecting civil liberties and fundamental freedoms.
 Global Human Rights Indexes - Organizations like Freedom House rank countries on
adherence to civil liberties and political rights, offering data on violations.