Human Trafficking

What is Human Trafficking?

The recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring, or receipt of persons, by means of the threat or use of force or other forms of coercion, of abduction, of fraud, of deception, of the abuse of power or of a position of vulnerability or of the giving or receiving of payments or benefits to achieve the consent of a person having control over another person, for the purpose of exploitation.

Historical Background

While a historical problem, the modern understanding and legal frameworks for human trafficking gained prominence with international efforts like the UN Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children (Palermo Protocol) in 2000. In India, various laws existed, but a comprehensive approach has been evolving with increased awareness and international pressure.

Key Points

10 points

1.
Defined by the Palermo Protocol (2000) as a crime against humanity.
2.
In India, Indian Penal Code (IPC) Sections 370 and 370A specifically deal with trafficking of persons.
3.
The Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 (ITPA) primarily addresses trafficking for sexual exploitation.
4.
The proposed Anti-Trafficking Bill aims to provide a comprehensive legal framework for prevention, rescue, rehabilitation, and reintegration of victims.
5.
Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is the nodal ministry, with Anti-Human Trafficking Units (AHTUs) established at district levels.
6.
Exploitation can include forced labor, sexual exploitation, organ removal, forced marriage, domestic servitude, and forced combat.
7.
Key elements often include deception, coercion, abuse of vulnerability, and lack of consent.
8.
Cross-border nature necessitates strong international cooperation and bilateral agreements.
9.
Victim-centric approach focusing on protection, rehabilitation, and safe repatriation is crucial.
10.
India is a source, transit, and destination country for human trafficking.

Visual Insights

Recent Developments

6 developments

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India's efforts are regularly assessed in the US State Department's 'Trafficking in Persons Report'.

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Continued establishment and strengthening of Anti-Human Trafficking Units (AHTUs) across states.

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Increased focus on cross-border cooperation with neighboring countries to combat trafficking networks.

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Ongoing legislative efforts and public debate around the comprehensive Anti-Trafficking Bill in India.

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Leveraging technology for both prevention (awareness campaigns) and investigation (digital forensics).

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Emphasis on rehabilitation and reintegration programs for trafficking survivors.

Source Topic

High Court Orders Release of Trafficking Victim: Key Legal Aspects

Polity & Governance

UPSC Relevance

Critical for UPSC GS Paper 1 (Social Issues), GS Paper 2 (Vulnerable Sections, Government Policies and Interventions, International Agreements), and GS Paper 3 (Internal Security Challenges). Frequently appears in Mains questions and relevant for Prelims facts related to laws and international conventions.