A Growing Problem of Human Trafficking

Human Trafficking

The present world has accorded human beings control over others resulting in unexplainable trade and enslavement of humanity in the 21st century. This situation has depicted a deteriorating position of affairs, which further stamps that human trafficking is far from ending. The trade involves deceiving the vulnerable in order to exploit them by forcefully undermining their dignity and value. The trafficked individuals end up selling their inborn freedom and are often victimized through forceful suppression, which displays a contradicting image of inequality. In this light, the essay explores the subject of human trafficking with regards to armed conflict, affected regions of the world, and sexual exploitation.

Armed conflict

Armed conflicts are common in various regions of the world whereby such emergencies as civil wars and genocide lead to exposure of vulnerable populations to risks of exploitation and human trafficking. In the moment of crisis, armed conflict paves way for exploitation of human beings through forced labor, domestic slavery, recruitment of children as soldiers, and sexual exploitation (Lillie, 2017). Different groups of people perpetuate human trafficking during moments of armed conflict and these often include the government, rebel groups, and military contractors.

Target regions

Human trafficking is commonly associated with conflicts that occur in various regions of the world. The Middle East harbors the Islamic State which has been largely linked to the abduction and sexual exploitation of vulnerable groups of Yazidis, among them women and children (Lillie, 2017). Men, women, and children from the Muslim population of Southern Asia have often been trapped and traded in Thailand as they escape community violence in Myanmar. Africa has also been a targeted continent whereby the continuing civil war in the Central African Republic is composed of about six thousand child soldiers. In particular, armed groups of South Sudan have recruited about sixteen thousand children and put them on forced labor (Lillie, 2017). Additionally, buying, selling, and trading of people for weapons have been common in these regions.

Sexual Exploitation

Sex trafficking is the most common form of human trading in which women and girls are downgraded to the status of satisfying sexual drive. The industry has increased in popularity, offering billions of handsome returns to the parties involved. With a growth in globalization, the industry has been facilitated with transport services, forged documents, legal help, and funding to run its operations (Lillie, 2017). Factors that have contributed to sex trafficking include the wrecked environment of the victims, poverty, and moments or crisis such as in armed conflicts.

Root of the Issue

Human trafficking has been facilitated by several factors. First, civil wars around the globe expose the vulnerable to forces that abduct them for trafficking (Lillie, 2017). In particular, the government and rebel groups in war zones kidnap the weak and defenseless and recruit them into forced labor as a way of getting back at their opponents. Second, the existence of internally displaced persons around the world has facilitated human trafficking since such people are faced with violence, lack, separation and the absence of law enforcers (Lillie, 2017). Third, ongoing wars have led to trafficking of soldiers into battlegrounds such as Iraq and Afghanistan to aid the US martial assignments. Finally, post-conflict situations lead to social isolation and poverty among the victims which results in sexual trafficking among the vulnerable women and girls (Lillie, 2017). Post-conflict areas have also often become termini for trafficking of women in that foreign Martials and peacekeepers mandate sexual services and free labor. These factors have increasingly promoted global human trafficking.

The Future of Human Trafficking

The war on human trafficking is yet to end with the industry growing massively and receiving support even from local governments. However, a rise in numerous organizations and legislations to terminate the industry is notable with key areas of focus being public awareness, law and enforcement, focus on demand, and addressing health consequences (Lillie, 2017). Furthermore, there is also focus on providing shelters and a need to evaluate the nature and the problem. With these pillars executed, the future of human trafficking is doomed and perhaps, the industry will be made extinct.

Conclusion

In conclusion, human trafficking is on the rise in the 21st century with key propellers being the government and rebels, the presence of internally displaced persons, civil wars, and post-war factors. Main targeted regions include war zones in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa with the major form of trafficking being sexual exploitation. The rise of organizations and legislations against human trafficking is an important step towards ensuring human trafficking is stopped.