La Strada Documentation Center

Trafficking In Human Beings and Organized Crime: Literature Review

Document number
1931
Date
2002
Title
Trafficking In Human Beings and Organized Crime: Literature Review
Author/publisher
Christine Bruckert, Colette Parent
Availability
View/save PDF version of this document
Document type(s)
Research/Study/Analysis,
Keywords
Trafficking process, Recruitment, Transportation, Transit, Transfer, Consent, Palermo protocol; Definition of (trafficking), Root Causes, Risk Groups, Vulnerability, Pull factors, Push factors, Sending/Receiving countries,
Summary
The issue of the "trade" or "trafficking" in human beings that started to be raised during the latter part of the 1980s did not really enter into the mainstream until the 1990s. Most of the publications on this subject did not appear until the latter part of that decade. It is therefore not overly surprising that the available material has been found to be limited since its first appearance in the literature, and analysis of it has largely been based on research reports (both published and unpublished) and coverage by the media. In light of the scarcity and lack of substance of the scientific production in this area, it seemed neither realistic nor appropriate for us to endeavour to present a comprehensive review. Instead, we will try to identify herein the main parameters of this issue and suggest some areas in which future research is needed. To that end, we are relying primarily on academic works (books, peer-reviewed periodicals) and research reports and publications of various organizations available on the Internet. We will begin by focussing on the theoretical perspectives behind the analysis that has been done to date and the controversy surrounding the definition of the concept of "trading" or "trafficking" in human beings. Once those parameters are in place, we will turn to the role that organized crime seems to be playing in the development of this phenomenon and the extent of its involvement. We will then provide a brief overview of the legislation that exists to combat the trade in human beings and some other options to be explored. We will conclude by proposing some avenues for further research.
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