7 trafficking sex work

Trafficking, Migrant Sex Workers, Mail Order Brides: 

Trafficking, Migrant Sex Workers, Mail Order Brides

The Global Forces Underlying Human Trafficking & Smuggling : 

The Global Forces Underlying Human Trafficking & Smuggling

Contemporary Cases of Human Trafficking: 

Contemporary Cases of Human Trafficking Trafficking Victims for Sale in the Washington Post? On Craigslist?

Smuggling & Trafficking of Humans: 

Smuggling & Trafficking of Humans Human Trafficking (def) Recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring or receipt of people for exploitation Exploitation includes persons forced into prostitution or other forms of sexual exploitation, forced labor or services, slavery or practices similar to slavery, servitude or the removal of organs. For children exploitation may include also, illicit international adoption , trafficking for early marriage, recruitment as child soldiers , for begging or for sports Involves threat or use of force or other forms of coercion , abduction, fraud, deception, abuse of power or a position of vulnerability

Smuggling & Trafficking of Humans: 

Smuggling & Trafficking of Humans Human Smuggling (def) Human smuggling occurs when "money (or other form of payment) exchanges hands; & a facilitator (or 'trafficker') arranges passage across an international border; & such passage is illegal; & the movement is voluntary .“ (IOM) Smuggling frequently crosses over the line to trafficking Fraudulent terms of exchange  coercion Debt bondage to pay massive smuggling/ recruitment fees

Case example: 

Case example

Case Example: 

Case Example Under U.S. law, if the person is under 18 & induced to perform a commercial sex act, then it is considered trafficking, regardless of whether force, fraud or coercion is involved

Extent of Human Trafficking: 

Extent of Human Trafficking 600,000-800,000 persons are trafficked across international borders each year (US State Dept Est) Trafficked persons are a hidden population, difficult to estimate Many more are trafficked w/i borders (est. 4-27 mil.) Approximately 14,000 (?) people trafficked into the US each year (CIA) 99-04: 131 cases of forced labor in US, involving 19,200 persons Approx. 80% are women & up to 50% are minors Victims tend to be socially or ethnically vulnerable (incl. ethnic minorities, refugees, runaways) Predominant source countries: Asia, E. Europe, Africa; Conflict and Post-Conflict Countries in general Every country on earth is likely harboring traffickers & trafficked persons

Who are Smugglers & Traffickers?: 

Who are Smugglers & Traffickers? The persons who profit from the trade in people They are the link between exploited labor & the capitalist global economy Massive profits accrue across the many diverse stages in the trafficking process A diverse population, from international criminal syndicates to amateur Chinese villagers Recruitment often at hands of an acquaintance or ‘friend’ Also, organized crime w/ international linkages (Japanese Yakuza, Russian Mafia) Diverse, “many- tentacled ” smuggling/trafficking networks Example: Immigrant Smugglers, Too, Can Need a Lawyer’s Help (NYT 2000) Example: Chinese citizens & Mohawk tribe cooperate in smuggling ring (NYT 1998)

The Political Economy of Modern-Day Trafficking for Sex Slavery: 

The Political Economy of Modern-Day Trafficking for Sex Slavery Economic development exacerbates economic inequality, awakens consumerism & places discretionary cash into hands of men New slavery & brothels = highly efficient & lucrative capitalism Massive profit margin on a woman who “costs” $150 & can be sold over & over Distribution of profits in prostitution-related industries; all except prostitute gain benefits far beyond those in legal economy Damaged/lost slaves of little concern given “surplus supply” Enslavement occurs not through legal ownership, but through the final authority of violence Local police, when corrupt, control rather than protect slaves

International Law Addressing Human Trafficking – ILO Convention 182 : 

International Law Addressing Human Trafficking – ILO Convention 182 Convention Concerning the Prohibition & Immediate Action for the Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child Labour , 1999 “Each Member which ratifies this Convention shall: Take immediate & effective measures to secure the prohibition & elimination of the worst forms of child labor as a matter of urgency Provide the necessary & appropriate direct assistance for the removal of children from the worst forms of child labor & for their rehabilitation & social integration; Ensure access to free basic education, & where appropriate, vocational training, for all children removed from the worst forms of child labour ; Identify & reach out to children at special risk; and Take account of the special situation of girls. Each Member shall designate the competent authority responsible for implementation of the provisions giving effect to this Convention. Currently, 165 of 175 member states have ratified Conv. 182

International Law Addressing Human Trafficking – UN Palermo Convention (2000): 

International Law Addressing Human Trafficking – UN Palermo Convention (2000) The Palermo Convention includes 2 protocols related to HT: Protocol to prevent, suppress & punish trafficking in persons Protocol against smuggling migrants by land, sea, & air Ratifying states are required to prevent & combat trafficking in persons; protect & assist victims; promote interstate cooperation to prevent trafficking Ratifying states are obligated to create national trafficking legislation By 2011 – Palermo ratified by 147 UN member states

U.S. Federal & State Laws on Human Trafficking : 

U.S. Federal & State Laws on Human Trafficking 13 th amendment – insufficient for ending forced labor Before 2000, trafficking penalized under Title 18 of Criminal Section of US D of J (insufficient victim protection/assistance) Victims of Trafficking & Violence Protection Act of 2000 (VTVPA) Increases maximum sentences for traffickers; sentences proportional in light of aggravating circumstances (to date: 40 yrs, $1.8 mn restitution) Enhances victim protection & assistance e.g., “T” Visas enabling victims to reside in the U.S. Creates avenues for inter-agency cooperation VTVPA reauthorized in 2004 30 states with tough laws on trafficking, but few convictions

Persistent Challenges to Policing HT: 

Persistent Challenges to Policing HT Finding Trafficked Victims Self-identification is unrealistic – victims’ fear, shame, reluctance Need well-trained police & professionals & pro-active screening Prosecuting Smugglers & Traffickers Flexible organizations, routes/tactics change in response to policing & immigration control Raising Awareness Physical, linguistic & cultural barriers Encouraging reasonable public intervention Understanding Complexity & Root Causes Blurred distinctions b/w legal migration, smuggling & trafficking Deeply rooted cultural, gender, & socioeconomic vulnerabilities Developing Best Practices for Prevention “the elimination of trafficking is unlikely to be realistically achieved through legislation & declarations of intent but by improvements in the socioeconomic status of the population” (R. Skeldon , 2000)

Red Flags to Look Out for a Trafficking Victim: 

Red Flags to Look Out for a Trafficking Victim Living with employer Poor living conditions Multiple people in cramped space Inability to speak to individual alone Employer holding identity documents Signs of physical abuse Submissive or fearful Unpaid/paid very little Under 18 & in Prostitution Heavy security at commercial establishment; use of surveillance/guards

2007 U.S. Department of State Trafficking in Persons Report: 

Each year, more than two million children are exploited in the global commercial sex trade. In 2005, the Department of Justice reported there have been an estimated 100,000 to 150,000 sex slaves in the U.S. since 2001 There are girls as young as 5 and 6 years old in the U.S. that are forced to do sexual acts for economic gain by their pimp ( USDOJ) Sex trafficking, labor trafficking both types of trafficking Today’s focus: sex trafficking and global sex work By definition, human trafficking entails “force, fraud, or coercion” which typically includes confinement and, often, physical and psychological abuse. 2007 U.S. Department of State Trafficking in Persons Report

More trafficking Stats – from Crisisaid. org: 

More trafficking Stats – from Crisisaid . org In December 2007, research by the U.S. Department of Justice National Institute of Justice based on interviews with pimps and sexually exploited children in several U.S. cities found that most pimps manage one to three girls at a time and operate as follows: At least half appear to operate at the local level only. At least one quarter may be tied to city-wide crime rings (often engaged in drug sales as well as prostitution) and are constantly looking for new recruits. About 15 percent are tied to regional or national networks that are well financed and organized, in which the pimps communicate easily with one another electronically; provide support services such as recruitment, selection, indoctrination, and movement of new girls; and occasionally assist in locating and disciplining girls who escape from other pimps. About 10 percent appear to be tied to international sex crime networks and, through them, actively participate in the international trafficking of children. Some pimps also are part of international drug networks and may use children to move drugs in to and across the border.

Trafficking: 

Trafficking Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000 Forms of trafficking include, “The recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for labor services, through use of fraud, force, or coercion for the purpose of subjection to involuntary servitude, peonage, debt bondage, or slavery” Sex slavery vs.. sex ‘work’ Today: Overview of readings and research of trafficking of sex slaves, sex work, and the global sex market.

“Selling Sex for Visas: Sex Tourism as a Stepping-stone to international migration”: 

“Selling Sex for Visas: Sex Tourism as a Stepping-stone to international migration” Research about women in Dominican Republic Sex work leads to relationship, and sponsored visa for marriage Distinction between marriage “por amor” vs.. marriage “por residencia” ( visa) Sosúa (town in DR) sex workers usually brought in by networks for sisters, women, friends, not trafficking Labor choice as a way of escaping poverty

“Selling Sex for Visas: Sex Tourism as a Stepping-stone to international migration”: 

“Selling Sex for Visas: Sex Tourism as a Stepping-stone to international migration” Sex workers and sex tourists 2 components characterize sex tourism everywhere : Racial stereotypes Economic disparity between developed / undeveloped Many Dominican sex workers see clients as sources of money, marriage, visas, relationship with greater gender equality than they keep with Dominican men. Pushed by poverty and single motherhood Many women migrate to Sosúa within days of partners’ leaving and stopping financial obligations to children Often from poorest class of Dominicans Lack social network that would enable finding other work Sex workers around world pretend to desire clients. In Sosúa, they also pretend to love them

“Selling Sex for Visas: Sex Tourism as a Stepping-stone to international migration”: 

“Selling Sex for Visas: Sex Tourism as a Stepping-stone to international migration” Migration for sex trade / marriage Women still find gender roles reaffirmed and reconfigured Higher earnings and legal status abroad, but lack source of authority or independence Completely dependent on new spouses to navigate country May be abandoned again – perhaps with another child/ children Dream of European men “rescuing” from lifetime of poverty and foreclosed opportunities Expect to trade love and romance for financial security and mobility Exiting poverty as sex-worker rare, and rarely permanent

Bodies, Borders, and Sex Tourism Article: 

Bodies, Borders, and Sex Tourism Article Comparison of sex workers and the tourist sex industry in Amsterdam, Netherlands and Havana, Cuba Globalism and sex tourism Globalism facilitates growth of sex tourism Focus on both production and consumption of sex for sale Article shift attention from blame on individual “prostitute” as a social problem to ‘sex tourism’ as the problem

Bodies, Borders, and Sex Tourism Article: 

Bodies, Borders, and Sex Tourism Article Approach to sex tourism both theoretical and ethnographic 1) focus on external global forces 2) emphasis placed on global connections between geographical sites 3) weaves together feminist research and research of globalization Amsterdam – global city Havana – regional big city

Bodies, Borders, and Sex Tourism Article: 

Bodies, Borders, and Sex Tourism Article Production and consumption of globalized sex tourism Movement of bodies across borders for both production and consumption Inequalities between consumer and provider Gender Income / wealth access Race Age – older men’s sexual ideal to have access to younger women Sex tourism: brings together exotic sites, sounds and bodies Objectification of female body Power of rich over poor, men over women

Bodies, Borders, and Sex Tourism Article: 

Bodies, Borders, and Sex Tourism Article Differences Cuba vs. Netherlands Amsterdam more “business like” with transaction amounts set, brothels, red-light district, public policy and law that allow sex for pay and regulate it. Usually foreign women. More expensive. Havana less formal – “companion” who dotes on male, treats well, and he leaves her a token to remember by upon leaving. Usually local women. Less expensive.

Bodies, Borders, and Sex Tourism Article: 

Bodies, Borders, and Sex Tourism Article Sex tourism in globalized world Focus on prostitute rather than industry and globalization Tourism large part of local economies, and sex-tourism is part of it Actual practice of sex work varies by position in global economy Sex tourism structured by global economy and globalization

Mail Order Brides : 

Mail Order Brides No official statistics in the USA Estimated between 8,000 and 12,000 USA men seek MOB each year. International Marriage Broker Regulation Act of 2005 (IMBA) as part of VAWA Purpose: to protect foreign women from predatory males in USA Requires release of police records to foreign women of men pursuing MOB. Good idea BUT…..

Mail Order Brides – Legal issues: 

Mail Order Brides – Legal issues Marriage agencies are legal in almost all countries. On Jan 6, 2006, the United States Congress :VAWA reauthorization included legislation in mail order brides This law requires certain actions prior to selling a foreign woman's address to a US citizen or resident, including: The man must complete a questionnaire on his criminal and marital background. The seller must obtain the man's record from the National Sex Offenders Public Registry database. The questionnaire and record must be translated into the woman's native language and provided to her. The woman must certify that she agrees to permit communication. A lifetime limit of two (2) fiancé visas is imposed, with a waiver required for the approval of any subsequent fiancé visa. Problems with this law….

“Clashing Dreams: Highly Educated Overseas Brides & Low-Wage U.S. Husbands” – Hung Can Thai: 

“Clashing Dreams: Highly Educated Overseas Brides & Low-Wage U.S. Husbands” – Hung Can Thai Women from home-country of migrants often desired for spouse Often seen as “marriage of unmarriageable” among some cultures Low- wage husband, highly –educated wife for Vietnamese “Double Marriage Squeeze” Vietnamese: high male mortality rate during war, combined with migration of more men than women has produced low ratio of men to women in Vietnam Opposite true of Vietnamese men/ women in USA Since men usually marry “down” and women usually marry “up”, leaves some men/ women w/o potential partner Seen as o.k. to break marriage gradient internationally since USA 1 st world seen as an “up” for the man, while 3 rd world Vietnam seen as “down” for woman Clash of gender ideologies among these couples Legal migrants with marriage visas/ fiancé visas Over 65% marriage visas are women

Skinner – A Nation Within a Nation: 

Skinner – A Nation Within a Nation Modern day sex-slavery in Netherlands and Romania Not limited to the areas discussed in this article – world wide problem. Skinner’s Research: started in Amsterdam, went to Romania to meet w/ people who bought/sold humans Abolitionist groups growing in USA and world wide, but sex slavery still a major problems Difficult or impossible to escape

“Because She Looks like a Child” – Kevin Bales: 

“Because She Looks like a Child” – Kevin Bales Continuation on theme of slavery – trafficking and sex slavery in Thailand Young girls (15 or younger) sold into brothels High demand for young girls because less fear of HIV Sold to 15 or more men per night Girls fear HIV, beatings, rape, the pimp, etc Like the adjustment to a concentration camp – an effort to make sense of the horror Prostitution illegal in Thailand, but girls are sold into sex slavery by the thousands

“Because She Looks like a Child” – Kevin Bales: 

“Because She Looks like a Child” – Kevin Bales Thailand – history of being forced to view own children as commodities Demand for high cost goods / electronics when price of rice stagnant Cost of consumer boom often met by selling children. Family often paid around $2000 for a girl – approx.1 year family income Expected that girl will “work to repay debt” and then return or send $$ home Fees for lodging, food, transportation ,resale make it impossible to escape Violence reinforces control of girls

“Because She Looks like a Child” – Kevin Bales: 

“Because She Looks like a Child” – Kevin Bales Reasons Thai men use prostitutes Polygamy possible because no marriage records kept nationally Prostitutes seen as less of an invasion on family Seen as socially acceptable since “men will want many partners” Commercial sex a social event –men often go together; part of “good night out” with friends Most Thai men and women feel it’s appropriate for single men 1/3 to 2/3 also believe acceptable for married men Buying prostitute clear statement of status and economic powers Women treated as mere markers in male game of status/ prestige

“Because She Looks like a Child” – Kevin Bales: 

“Because She Looks like a Child” – Kevin Bales Who owns the women? Pimps just workers. Can increase salary by selling women for higher price Real slaveholders often middle-aged business men. Fit into community, no social discrimination for what they do Often admired as successful capitalists Economy and how it operates Thailand’s economic boom included sex tourism in boom from 1981-1996; still big part of economy 2/3 tourists in recent year were unaccompanied men Sex tourism generates more money for economy than drug trafficking

“Because She Looks like a Child” – Kevin Bales: 

Disposable female bodies HIV/AIDS kicked out to die Thailand has one of the highest HIV/AIDS infection rates in world Little reason to take care of girls in long run because they’re so cheap 2 major threats : violence ,disease Escape is impossible Police often help return escaped girls Attempted escape followed by beating, rape, locking up without food or water, etc. Thai girls and women often send to Japan, Switzerland, Germany and the United States to work as sex slaves “Joining world economy has done wonders for Thailand’s income, terrible things to it’s society” Situation in Thailand today similar to economy of USA in 1850 with reliance in slavery “Because She Looks like a Child” – Kevin Bales

2007 U.S. Department of State Trafficking in Persons Report: 

2007 U.S. Department of State Trafficking in Persons Report “All nations that are resolute in the fight to end human trafficking have a partner in the United States. Together we will continue to affirm that no human life can be devalued or discounted. Together we will stop at nothing to end the debasement of our fellow men and women. And together we will bring forth a world of fuller hope, a world where people enjoy the full blessings of their God-given liberty.” — Secretary Condoleezza Rice

2007 U.S. Department of State Trafficking in Persons Report: 

2007 U.S. Department of State Trafficking in Persons Report In the United Kingdom, according to a leading NGO, brothel keepers and traffickers force some victims to pay debts that could range as high as 20,000-40,000 pounds ($39,000-$78,000). Government compliance with anti-trafficking TIER 1 Countries whose governments fully comply with the Trafficking Victims Protection Act’s (TVPA) minimum standards TIER 2 Countries whose governments do not fully comply with the TVPA’s minimum standards but are making significant efforts to bring themselves into compliance with those standards TIER 2 WATCH LIST Countries whose governments do not fully comply with the TVPA’s minimum standards but are making significant efforts to bring themselves into compliance with those standards AND: a) The absolute number of victims of severe forms of trafficking is very significant or is significantly increasing; or b) There is a failure to provide evidence of increasing efforts to combat severe forms of trafficking in persons from the previous year; or c) The determination that a country is making significant efforts to bring themselves into compliance with minimum standards was based on commitments by the country to take additional future steps over the next year. TIER 3 Countries whose governments do not fully comply with the minimum standards and are not making significant efforts to do so

2007 U.S. Department of State Trafficking in Persons Report: 

2007 U.S. Department of State Trafficking in Persons Report Protecting Victims – taken from the 2007 report, page 36 Governments should proactively identify victims of trafficking. Without victim identification, adequate protection is impossible. Government agencies should establish formal victim identification procedures to screen at-risk populations such as persons apprehended for violations of immigration laws, prostitution laws, and begging or labor laws. Victims of trafficking should not be expected to identify themselves; proactive investigative techniques should be used to identify possible trafficking victims. Once identified, a suspected victim of trafficking should be afforded temporary care as a victim of a serious crime. In Confirmed trafficking victims should not be punished for crimes that are a direct result of being trafficked—such as not holding proper immigration documents or violation of prostitution, labor, or begging statutes. Trafficking victims should not be detained in criminal detention facilities, except in extreme circumstances. They should be treated as victims. In Confirmed trafficking victims should be encouraged to cooperate with law enforcement authorities in the investigation of the crime committed against them. Furthermore, they should be encouraged to assist in the prosecution, if possible, of the persons that trafficked or exploited them. Trafficking victims who are unwilling or unable to cooperate in a trafficking prosecution can be returned to their community of origin provided that this return is accomplished in a responsible manner.

2007 U.S. Department of State Trafficking in Persons Report: 

2007 U.S. Department of State Trafficking in Persons Report A new public awareness campaign launched by the Government of Brazil, the poster reads: “If someone offers you lodging, food, and clean clothes outside the country, be wary.” And below: “Don’t be the next victim. Be wary of fantastic offers of work abroad.”

Video: Bought and Sold: 

Video: Bought and Sold