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What are the Common Causes of Human Trafficking?

Christina Edwards
Christina Edwards

Human trafficking is the sale or trade of human beings, and it is considered to be a modern form of slavery. High demand for humans who can be used for cheap labor or sexual exploitation is one of the biggest causes of human trafficking. To fill this demand, people are sold or traded among human traffickers. Victims, many of whom are looking to escape poverty and oppression, sometimes go willingly and sometimes are tricked into going with people involved in the illegal trafficking of humans. Women make up the majority of the victims of human trafficking, and gender inequality or oppression is another of the causes of human trafficking.

Demand for cheap labor is one of the biggest causes behind human trafficking. Small businesses and large corporations alike are always looking for ways to cut costs. One of the easiest ways to do this is by finding workers who will work for little or no pay. So-called sweatshops are one example of this.

Women trafficking victims are typically held against their will and forced to work in dangerous conditions.
Women trafficking victims are typically held against their will and forced to work in dangerous conditions.

Working conditions in these places are typically considered to be unacceptable. Employees are not usually treated fairly, and they generally work very long hours. These work places may also be dangerous, and many times, children will be working alongside adults. Victims of human trafficking may also work as domestic or household servants, as well as strippers or prostitutes.

The majority of human trafficking victims are female.
The majority of human trafficking victims are female.

Extreme poverty or oppression can also be considered one of the causes of human trafficking. Sometimes human trafficking victims are tricked by traffickers who promise them a better life. Parents will sometimes even sell their children for this reason, believing that their child will be better off in a better area with more opportunity. In reality, the child will usually be sold into slavery or prostitution.

Some prostitutes are victims of trafficking, or sexual slavery.
Some prostitutes are victims of trafficking, or sexual slavery.

Roughly half of all human trafficking victims are believed to be children, and the majority of the victims are female. For this reason, gender oppression can be considered one of the main causes of human trafficking. In some undeveloped countries, women are viewed as lesser human beings, or even thought of as objects that can easily be bought, sold, or traded.

The demand for cheap labor is one of the leading causes of human trafficking.
The demand for cheap labor is one of the leading causes of human trafficking.

Human trafficking of women often leads to a woman working in a brothel as a prostitute. In some countries, young girls have even been known to sell their virginity, usually for a very high price. In other instances, the women are even sold as wives. Sometimes they will willingly enter into the marriage, believing that they will live a better life than the one they left.

Children who are orphaned are at a high risk of becoming involved in human trafficking.
Children who are orphaned are at a high risk of becoming involved in human trafficking.

Penalties for human trafficking vary, depending on the country. In Israel, for example, human traffickers can face 20 years in prison. Many times, victims of human trafficking are also entitled to monetary compensation. This can provide money for any material losses that they have suffered.

Discussion Comments

anon152700

thanks a lot guys. this site is very helpful to me, for seeking answers to our instructor's question. --Kent

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    • Women trafficking victims are typically held against their will and forced to work in dangerous conditions.
      By: Igor Mojzes
      Women trafficking victims are typically held against their will and forced to work in dangerous conditions.
    • The majority of human trafficking victims are female.
      By: Rafael Ben-Ari
      The majority of human trafficking victims are female.
    • Some prostitutes are victims of trafficking, or sexual slavery.
      By: Borrelia
      Some prostitutes are victims of trafficking, or sexual slavery.
    • The demand for cheap labor is one of the leading causes of human trafficking.
      By: Rafael Ben-Ari
      The demand for cheap labor is one of the leading causes of human trafficking.
    • Children who are orphaned are at a high risk of becoming involved in human trafficking.
      By: Halfpoint
      Children who are orphaned are at a high risk of becoming involved in human trafficking.
    • People who are looking to escape poverty might become involved in human trafficking.
      By: NinaMalyna
      People who are looking to escape poverty might become involved in human trafficking.
    • Addictions are often tied in with human trafficking.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Addictions are often tied in with human trafficking.
    • Victims of human trafficking often experience physical abuse.
      By: bertys30
      Victims of human trafficking often experience physical abuse.