CONTACT US: Contact info
|
Citation |
Aronowitz AA. Int. J. Comp. Appl. Crim. Justice 2002; 26(2): 257-275. |
|
Copyright |
(Copyright © 2002, American Society of Criminology's Division of International Criminology, Publisher Informa - Taylor and Francis) |
|
DOI |
unavailable |
PMID |
unavailable |
|
Abstract |
This essay discusses the definitions of smuggling, trafficking and organized crime as defined in the U.N. Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, its two protocols on trafficking and smuggling, and the concepts of trafficked victims and source and destination countries. Trafficking is then examined as a process, and the survey instruments and methodology used in projects participating in the U.N. Global Programme against Trafficking in Human Beings (GPATHB) are reviewed. Many countries (including those involved in the projects under the auspices of the U.N. GPATHB) lack adequate legislation to punish trafficking in human beings. Other offenses linked to the trafficking process, such as forced prostitution, abandonment, slavery or child labor violations, may be punished as many of these provisions are also covered in countries' penal, civil, administrative or labor codes. The lack of adequate trafficking legislation, however, could leave victims in a vulnerable position. An initial attempt to collect data from law enforcement, immigration and intelligence agencies has drawn limited recognition of the problem. Even government officials dealing with the phenomenon appear not to have a clear understanding of the difference between trafficking and smuggling. The lack of recognition of the problem makes it difficult not only to conduct research on victims, but also for law enforcement and intelligence sources to gather evidence from them in order to build cases for arrest and prosecution. It is essential, therefore, that countries adopt laws prohibiting and punishing trafficking. Above all, effective collaboration of concerned governments, non-governmental organizations, citizen groups and victims, is needed to address this problem. |