The International Crime Industry: Human Trafficking

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Human Trafficking
Human trafficking is third on the largest international crime industry list, right behind illegal drug-trade and arms trafficking. Although many laws are passed against it and it is highly recognized around the world, it is an increasing problem that needs to end.What is human trafficking? Commonly referred to as modern-day slavery, human trafficking began in the 1700s when children were sold and forced into labor. It is the act of controlling a victim against their human rights through fraud, force, or coercion for the purpose of exploitation. Today, human trafficking is used for the purpose of sexual abuse, removal of organs, forced labor, and slavery. Woman and young children are the main victims and as of January, 2012, over 27 million people have fallen victim to this illegal trade. “Over 160 countries across the world are known to be affected by trafficking” (Shukla). Survival stories and statistics reveal the dire reality of human trafficking and how it is becoming a rising problem around the world.
To begin with, there are many causes that lead to human trafficking. “Demand for cheap labor is one of the biggest causes behind human trafficking” (Edwards). Many businesses and corporations are always looking for ways to cut costs. One of the easiest ways to do this is by finding victims who are willing to work for little or no pay. The conditions in these work environments are terrible, employees are treated unfairly, and they normally work for extensive hours. Another main cause in human trafficking is poverty. Due to poverty many victims are unemployed and uneducated. Because of this they are more willing to enter the trade voluntarily or they are lied to and tricked by pimps and promised a better life....

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...zations are provided by the United States to help combat human trafficking. These programs inform citizens about the dangers of modern-day slavery and help to create new non-government organizations.
To conclude with, human trafficking is a serious crime that is rapidly increasing around the world. Innocent lives are being taken and forced into this sickening business every day and it needs to end immediately. This can be done by raising awareness and informing people about this uncivilized trade. Thanks to rehabilitation centers and the government many of the surviving victims are able to shake off the emotional trauma and start fresh. More and more cases of human trafficking are being recorded every day and unless the people responsible for these crimes are caught and prosecuted by the government, many more innocent victims will succumb to this monstrous crime.

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