1. Trafficking in women: A cry for social justice
November 8, 2010
Trafficking in women: A cry for social justice
Gopal Sankaran, MD, DrPH, CHES
Interim Assistant Vice President for International Programs and
Professor of Public Health, West Chester University, PA
138th Annual Meeting of American Public Health Association
Denver, CO
November 9, 2010
Gopal Sankaran

2. Presenter Disclosures
Gopal Sankaran
The following personal financial relationships with commercial interests relevant to this presentation existed during the past 12 months:
“No relationships to disclose”
November 9, 2010
Gopal Sankaran

3. Session Objectives
Explain the demand and supply forces that are driving global trafficking in women.
Discuss the legal and policy initiatives that are currently in place to address trafficking.
Specify at least three principles central to the future success of anti-trafficking efforts globally.
Gopal Sankaran
November 9, 2010

4. Human Trafficking— Palermo Protocol (UN, 2000)
The Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children, supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (Palermo Protocol) defines trafficking in persons as: “ … the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of persons, by means of the threat or use of force or other forms of coercion, of abduction, of fraud, of deception, of the abuse of power or of a position of vulnerability or of the giving or receiving of payments or benefits to achieve the consent of a person having control over another person for the purpose of exploitation. Exploitation shall include, at a minimum, the exploitation of the prostitution of others or other forms of sexual exploitation, forced labour or services, slavery or practices similar to slavery, servitude or the removal of organs” (Article 3 (a)). The Protocol further states that the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of a child for the purpose of exploitation shall be considered “trafficking in persons” even if this does not involve any of the means set forth above (article 3 (c)).
November 9, 2010
Gopal Sankaran

5. Prevalence of human trafficking
2.5 million people estimated in forced labor (including sexual exploitation) at any given time
161 nations are reported to be affected by human trafficking (source, transit or destination
127 nations purportedly send people to 137 nations
Human trafficking affects every continent and every type of economy.
Human trafficking is a global issue.
(Human Trafficking: The Facts, UN.GIFT Fact Sheet, 2007, p.1)
November 9, 2010
Gopal Sankaran

6. Distribution of victims by form of exploitation, 2006
(Global Initiative to Fight Human Trafficking, Progress Update, 2009, p. 17)
November 9, 2010
Gopal Sankaran

7. Profile of victims of human trafficking
Majority between years
95% experienced physical or sexual violence during trafficking (European data)
43% used for forced commercial sexual exploitation, of whom 98% are women and girls
32% are used for forced economic exploitation, of whom 56% are women and girls
Many trafficking victims have at least middle-level education
(Human Trafficking: The Facts, UN.GIFT Fact Sheet, 2007, p.1)
November 9, 2010
Gopal Sankaran

8. Trafficking victims by gender and age
(Global Initiative to Fight Human Trafficking, Progress Update, 2009, p. 17)
November 9, 2010
Gopal Sankaran

9. Profile of recruiters and economic aspects
Recruiters -- 52% men, 42% women and 6% both
Recruiter a stranger – 54%; known to victim – 46%
Majority of recruiters are nationals of the country where the trafficking process is taking place
Estimated global annual profits – US $ 31.6 billion
Industrialized economies – US $ 15.5 billion (49%)
Asia and the Pacific – US $ 9.7 billion (30.6%)
(Human Trafficking: The Facts, UN.GIFT Fact Sheet, 2007, p.2)
November 9, 2010
Gopal Sankaran

10. Ratio of female convictions for TIP and for all offences, 2003-2006
(Global Initiative to Fight Human Trafficking, Progress Update, 2009, p. 16)
November 9, 2010
Gopal Sankaran

11. Factors influencing demand and supply
Well established, highly profitable industry
Inequity in power distribution and status in society
Increasing desire and market premium for younger persons
Shorter cumulative time spent in the marketplace
Bribery and use of force for submission
Vulnerable prospects
Disadvantaged economically
Inadequate legislation
Abysmal law enforcement
Social and cultural acceptance
Sophisticated networks with persuasive recruiters
Easy geographic mobility
Sex for drugs, survival sex
November 9, 2010
Gopal Sankaran

12. The status of national legislation on trafficking in persons, 2008
(Global Initiative to Fight Human Trafficking, Progress Update, 2009, p. 15)
November 9, 2010
Gopal Sankaran

13. Convictions for human trafficking
(Global Initiative to Fight Human Trafficking, Progress Update, 2009, p. 16)
November 9, 2010
Gopal Sankaran

14. Recommended Guidelines on Human Rights and Human Trafficking
Promotion and protection of human rights
Identification of trafficked persons and traffickers
Research, analysis, evaluation and dissemination
Ensuring an adequate legal framework
Ensuring an adequate law enforcement response
Protection and support for trafficked persons
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights: Recommended Principles and Guidelines on Human Rights and Human Trafficking. Text presented to the Economic and Social Council as an addendum to the report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (E/2002/68/Add.1).
November 9, 2010
Gopal Sankaran

15. Recommended Guidelines on Human Rights and Human Trafficking (continued)
Preventing trafficking
Special measures for the protection and support of child victims of trafficking
Access to remedies
Obligations of peacekeepers, civilian police and humanitarian and diplomatic personnel
Cooperation and coordination between States and regions
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights: Recommended Principles and Guidelines on Human Rights and Human Trafficking. Text presented to the Economic and Social Council as an addendum to the report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (E/2002/68/Add.1).
November 9, 2010
Gopal Sankaran

16. Summary points Human trafficking is a violation of human rights.
Demand is a root cause of human trafficking. Reducing demand should be a primary objective.
An integrated, multi-pronged approach involving individuals, communities, civil society, police and law enforcement, human services, and international cooperation can help to reduce human trafficking.
November 9, 2010
Gopal Sankaran

17. Contact Information
Gopal Sankaran, MD, DrPH
Interim Assistant Vice President for International Programs and Professor of Public Health
Center for International Programs
310 McKelvie Hall
West Chester University
West Chester, PA 19383 P: F: E:
November 9, 2010
Gopal Sankaran