A Study on the Human Trafficking Issue (in International Law): A View from the Protection of Women and Children

Shirley C. Chu, National Taiwan Normal University

Abstract

SHIRLEY CHI CHU Human Trafficking in International Law

Abstract Human trafficking has been said to be an existing issue since the time of white slave trade in the earlier part of the twentieth century. It continues to be a modern day international problem due to the existence of the unstable political and economic status of the least developed nations. Women and children are seen to be the most vulnerable when it comes to the issues relating to human trafficking, and therefore should be dealt with in the scope of this paper with more emphasis. Human trafficking is described by the author to be the illegal and forced exploitation of people for the criminal profit of those involved in the management of these activities. These types of activities may be consensual or against the victim’s will or both. Individuals who have been trafficked are often of victims who have been kidnapped, sold for monetary transaction, and falsely led to believe in economic opportunities in developed countries, all of which have a beneficial relationship towards criminal profit and damaging effects towards the victim’s basic human rights. This paper proposes a means in which this criminal activity can be deterred for the benefit and protection of the future generation. The author states that through research and the gathering of significant evidence, and the international support of nations to fight against human trafficking, the tragic impact on of human trafficking will one day be recognized under Universal Jurisdiction in International Law.