Sex trafficking is
a prevalent form of modern slavery that exists globally, which forces adults
and children to engage in profitable sex acts against their will. Sex trafficking
can be classified as a security issue as it is an immediate threat to human
security. The Commission of Human Security defines human security as the
protection of “the vital core of all human lives in ways that enhance human freedoms
and human fulfillment”. In other words, human security means protecting essential
fundamental freedoms.
Vulnerable populations are most often targeted by traffickers,
which makes certain areas more prone to sex trafficking victims. Currently there
are approximately 21 million people trafficked around the world and an
estimated $32 billion in profit that are generated by human trafficking
globally. Equality Now cites sex trafficking as a violation of basic rights including
“the rights to bodily integrity, equality, dignity, health, security, and freedom
from violence and torture”. Sex trafficking is a security issue whether it is occurring
within a given country or across national borders.
While it can be
argued that sex trafficking is an ontological security issue it can be said that
according to the report on human trafficking by the United Nations Office on
Drugs and Crime most exploitation takes place close to home, despite most
trafficking seeming to imply people moving across continents. Human security on
the other hand is threatened through a violation of basic human rights by
forcing people to perform sexual acts through coercion. In addition, it
prevents victims from having access to food, sanitation and education. There
are additional abuses of the health and body of each victim. Similarly, human
trafficking can be considered a national security issue as it poses public health
and criminal issues, brings into question the legitimacy of the law and
immigration and border control problems as well.
It is important
that sex trafficking is diminished globally as it is not only the problem of
the country where people are being taken from, but also a problem of the
country where people are being brought to. While many people may not consider
it a national security issue as they are removed from it the continuation of
sex trafficking encourages corruption and an eminent threat to children and
adults everywhere.
Sources:
“Global Sex Trafficking Fact Sheet.” Equality Now.
N.p., 2016. Web. 10 Dec. 2016.
“National Human Trafficking Hotline.” National Human
Trafficking Hotline. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Dec. 2016.
“Sex Trafficking.” International Justice Mission.
N.p., 2016. Web. 10 Dec. 2016.
“Sex Trafficking.” Polaris. N.p., 2016. Web. 10 Dec.
2016.
“United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.” Global Report
on Trafficking in Persons. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Dec. 2016
Post By: Hedvig Blanco
I would have liked to have seen you develop more on how it is an ontological security problem because you mentioned that but didn't discuss it much. I agree that the issue can be considered both a human security issue and a national security issue. I like that you mentioned that it is a security issue whether it is crossing borders or domestic.
ReplyDeleteBrianna Arnold
I agree that the issue is a threat to human security, and how you related it to as modern slavery. I also like how you elaborated more on how it is a threat to human security, and how it is important to make it known as a problem, globally. However, I think it would be hard for all countries to come together to solve this issue. I think it is important to have social services and programs to prevent sex trafficking from increasing.
ReplyDeleteChirusha de Mel
I like how you provided a good overview of the problem, and that it is an issue of human security. The definitions from the various types of groups are also very informative. I think the only thing that is missing is your take on a possible solution, but overall good job.
ReplyDeleteAnthony Coppola
Hi,
ReplyDeleteI like how you were able to define the scope of the problem. I think you really do like how you went about explaining how it is a security issue. I do agree with whoever's comment it was regarding more in-depth analysis of how it is a ontological security issue. I feel that it is really a huge ontological security issue (maybe more than others) just because of how it completely takes someone away from everything they know. Their whole way of life is turned around.
Dom Dellamano