Part 7 - Human Trafficking: Causes, Consequences and Counter-Measures

Consequences of Human Trafficking

Consequences for Individuals

Trafficked persons are subjected to various forms of physical, psychological and sexual violence:

• Many trafficked persons are beaten, tortured and even murdered.
• They also run a high risk of sexual abuse.
• Women forced into prostitution face the danger of sexually transmitted diseases and unplanned pregnancies.
• Working and living conditions of trafficked persons are generally unsafe and unhealthy.
• Trafficked persons have little access to medical care and legal protection.
• Often, traffickers threaten victims or their families.
• The freedom of movement of trafficked persons is often restricted, and traffickers often take victims' passports away to reduce the risk of escape.
• Persons working under conditions of debt bondage cannot change their employers.

Many trafficked persons are deeply traumatised by their experiences. In Kosovo, female victims have shown symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and personality disorder. Many have tried to harm themselves. In fact, the risk of suicide among trafficked persons is disproportionately high. Between their initial recruitment and arrival at their final destination, some trafficked persons are "sold" several times. Traffickers often impose bogus debts for travel, housing, etc. on victims to increase the latter's dependency on their "employer" or "owner." The systematic use of violence sometimes leads to situations where trafficked persons become psychologically dependent on traffickers, reducing their incentives to contact the authorities. An additional problem is stigmatisation: Many trafficked persons are shunned by their families and home communities upon their return, leading to double victimisation and high risks of re-trafficking.

Consequences of Human Trafficking for States and Societies

Trafficking groups vary in size and structure. Some groups operate transnationally and are either hierarchical or characterised by decentralised, flat structures that make them especially resistant to law enforcement pressure. Moreover, some groups are involved in the entire process from recruitment to exploitation, whereas others focus on one element in the trafficking process. One also must distinguish between groups that are active in human trafficking only and those that diversify into other criminal domains. Organised crime groups often use violence not only against victims, but also against state officials. Alternatively, they bribe officials in order to operate with impunity.

The profits of human trafficking are significant. According to the International Labour Office, human trafficking yields US$32 billion in profits every year. Many people find themselves in a situation of debt bondage. Some women from Southeast Asia, for example, pay around £20,000 to go to the UK, where many join the sex trade. Trafficked persons from Russia working in the German sex industry reportedly earn US$7,500 monthly - of which the trafficker takes at least US$7,000. Organised crime groups find various ways to launder money. Money laundering, in turn, can destabilise financial systems. Moreover, there is a risks that profits from human trafficking are used to finance terrorism and other forms of political violence.

The violence and corruption engendered by criminal groups undermine the rule of law and legitimacy of states, and thus political stability and democracy. This is particularly true in post-conflict settings where states and societies are weak and disintegrated, and where there is a risk of organised crime controlling parts of the state apparatus. When military and civilian personnel participating in Peace Support Operations contribute to human trafficking (e.g. by purchasing sexual services from trafficked persons) they undermine their mission objectives of providing stability and protecting human rights.