Combating Exploitation and Modern-Day Slavery: A Comparative Analysis of National Characteristics and Human Trafficking Responses

• In Event: Posters II

Abstract

Human trafficking is a rising international issue that has become a key concern for human rights organizations and governments throughout the world. As such, new policies are being developed and implemented to combat the problem. A guiding standard for these policies is the UN 2000 Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children, which established a formal definition and modern concept of human trafficking. While the UN Protocol was a significant step in the fight against human trafficking, it is limited by its framework, which focuses heavily on criminalization and punishment of traffickers. Recent discourse and analyses argue that it is essential to consider root macro-structural and societal sources of exploitation in order to establish more effective policies. Grounded in conflict theory, the current study uses data from national and international agencies to assess socioeconomic characteristics of nations (i.e. prevalence of modern slavery, stability, gender inequality, social and economic development) that are associated with efforts to combat human trafficking. The results of this study are discussed in terms of their limitations and implications for future research and public policy regarding international responses to human trafficking.

Authors

• Olivia G. Tuttle, University of Nevada, Las Vegas

• Terance Miethe, University of Nevada, Las Vegas