Trafficking in human beings: new approaches to combating the problem

Understanding the links between human trafficking and labour exploitation

This report provides an overview and discussion about the global trafficking of people and how it intersects with exploitation in labour.

The first section outlines some of the main issues including the history of the phenomenon, the different components of trafficking such as recruitment and exploitation, aspects of human trafficking today, the role of the ILO in combating trafficking, and prospects and challenges for future anti-trafficking efforts. This section also discusses the differences between various movements of people, such as migration and people smuggling, and trafficking.

The second section further explores the relationship between the ILO and trafficking. Topics include various ILO conventions that encompass issues related to trafficking, the 1998 Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, and recent UN instruments that can be applied to different aspects of trafficking.

The final sections each include details and case studies on human trafficking in Europe, Asia, the Americas and Africa. Each case study discusses the most common challenges faced in each particular region.

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Trafficking in human beings: new approaches to combating the problem