• On migrants

On migrants

Trafficking in males has been underconsidered in research despite noteworthy signals that it is a violation faced by many males, adult and minors. This document examines what is known about this less considered profile of trafficked persons and what can be done to meet their needs, both as a means of assistance and protection.

Often severely exploited male migrants are overlooked, with women and children recognised most commonly as victims of trafficking (VoT). This trend is in need of remedy and, increasingly, it is acknowledged that “trafficking in persons” must be understood and addressed as affecting women and men, adults and minors. Through the lens of trafficking in males (primarily adult men) from Belarus and Ukraine, this study considers:

• individual characteristics and victim profiles
• recruitment experience
• transportation and transit experience
• exploitation experience
• identification and assistance

The most important finding of this study is the most obvious – that there is a need to better understand and appreciate the gender dimensions of trafficking. Being a man (or a woman) in many environments may create conditions which make one particularly prone to migration and, by implication, potentially at risk of trafficking. Understanding personal factors, the general socio-economic environment and their intersection with risk, is vital in addressing trafficking from both a prevention and protection perspective.

The report offers the following recommendations

• design anti-trafficking interventions through a gendered lens: gender needs to be considered in terms of trafficking vulnerability, on the one hand, and, on the other hand, individuals’ post-trafficking needs, including protection and assistance

• conduct victim-centred research and evaluation on the subject trafficking in men and boys: research on this particular aspect of trafficking is urgently needed, including that which is undertaken from the perspective of trafficked men and boys and considers their individual experiences, the assessment of their needs and how they value existing anti-trafficking interventions

• funding needed for all profiles of victims, including trafficked men and boys: where there are indications of trafficking in males, both donors and anti-trafficking organisations should be prepared to attend to the needs of this profile of victims, including allocating adequate funding for appropriate interventions

• consider other aspects of identity which impact risk and intervention needs: gender is not the only issue impacting trafficking vulnerability and assistance needs. Vulnerability may also differ according to other identifiers, like age, education or class, and a diversity of experiences. Better understanding the social terrain upon which trafficking plays out (and anti-trafficking interventions, therefore, need to take place) is essential.

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