Dr Vassilia Orfanou, PhD, Post Doc

Headline Diplomat eMagazine, LUDCI.eu.

Introduction

The issue of human trafficking, a terrifying reality that targets vulnerability and prospers in the shadows, requires immediate attention and a united effort. This violation of human rights has a global reach and impacts millions of lives, especially children and women. This piece elaborates on the concerning statistics, subtle warning signs, and the crucial role of technology in combatting this atrocious act. As we confront it head on, let us come together to advocate for the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and endorse the 10-point roadmap proposed by the Inter-Agency Coordination Group against Trafficking in Persons (ICAT).

The alarming expansion of international trade

There are frequent incidents of human trafficking in Nepal, with one to two girls or women being exploited every hour. According to a publication by Pragya, this accounts for 12,000 to 15,000 victims yearly. Approximately 10,000 Nepalese children are forced into labor, as reported by the US State Department. The situation is even more dire in The Philippines, where an estimated 100,000 children are involved in labor and sex trafficking, according to The Exodus Road.

According to this NGO, the number of children and women trafficked annually in India is estimated to be between 12,000 and 50,000, despite the lack of trustworthy data on the issue.

According to the International Labor Organization, human trafficking is not only prevalent in Asia but also affects more developed countries, including Italy, Peru, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, and Nigeria, making it a worldwide concern. It is estimated that over 1.2 million children may fall victim to trafficking annually.

These children are often coerced into begging or thieving and then subjected to various forms of exploitation, such as being forced to child soldiery or prostitution. Many of these young individuals are pushed to undress in front of cameras online. They are also traded as child brides to significantly older men.

According to the International Monetary Fund, the trade of individuals globally has increased, currently being considered one of the most profitable forms of organized crime, generating an annual revenue of approximately $150 billion.

Dr Vassilia Orfanou, Chief Operating Officer of LUDCI.eu, says the loss of one’s childhood is a deep wound that cannot never be healed. As a society, she continues, it is our responsibility to guarantee that every child has the right to grow up in a secure, loving, and caring environment.

LUDCI.eu, a leading media diplomacy organization, is urging for greater awareness and support from global actors to combat child trafficking and protect those affected, working tirelessly to unite the world in the fight against child trafficking.

Recognizing the fight against human trafficking

On January 11th, the United States Congress designated National Human Trafficking Awareness Day in 2007. This day serves as a reminder to combat human trafficking globally. This crime is a violation of human rights and dignity, and it is our responsibility as a society to join forces to fight it.

According to recent statistics from the United Nations, approximately 28 million individuals are currently ensnared in different forms of human trafficking, as reported by the United Nations in Sierra Leone. Furthermore, it is alarming that 71% of these victims are specifically women and girls.

Dr. Vassilia Orfanou, Chief Operating Officer of LUDCI.eu, emphasizes that we cannot remain silent in the battle against human trafficking. It is key for our voices to be united and become a strong force against the darkness that consumes the lives of the innocent.

Every year, the lucrative industry of human trafficking generates billions of dollars, affecting not only adults but also children who become victims of this crime.

As stated by Mr. Babatunde Ahonsi, the United Nations Resident Coordinator (RC) in Sierra Leone, human trafficking is a threat that does not discriminate based on age, gender, or nationality. It targets those who are vulnerable and takes advantage of times of conflict and instability.

Indicators of Danger

Human trafficking is a covert crime, and often goes unnoticed even when victims or perpetrators are visible to the public eye. As a result, it is crucial to be vigilant and informed to identify potential instances of this insidious act. According to sources such as the Polaris Project, Innocents at Risk, and the National Human Trafficking Resource Center, there are various indicators to be aware of as potential warning signs.

Cautious gazes: A young individual who shows fear towards figures in authority, avoids making eye contact, or isolates themselves from social interactions may potentially be ensnared in a cycle of manipulation.

Whispers of wounds: Bruises, burns, or untreated injuries serve as a quiet reminder of potential forced labor or violent exploitation.

Rehearsed stories: Mechanized, pre-planned responses could be concealing a life dictated by someone else.

Lack of documentation: Absence of identification, birth certificates, or school records can signal a severed connection to a safe and secure environment.

A nomadic lifestyle: Frequent moves, residing at places of work, or unexplained stays at hotels can raise concerns about stolen childhoods.

Power imbalances: A young girl referring to an older man as “daddy” or “boyfriend” may be trapped in a cycle of manipulation and sexual abuse.

Exhausted childhood: Children who are forced to work excessively long hours without time for play or education are deprived of their basic rights.

Confined like birds: Excessive security measures, such as barbed wire or barred windows, may imprison more than just material possessions.

Muted voices: A child who is unable to speak freely in public, their words controlled by another, is likely under the oppressive control of another individual.

These code fragments are only a small part of the whole. By remaining watchful and attentive to these indicators, and by reporting any dubious behavior, we can serve as interpreters for human trafficking, working towards changing the story for at-risk children.

According to Dr Vassilia Orfanou, Chief Operating Officer at LUDCI.eu, the effects of exploitation may not always be apparent, as they can deeply affect the thoughts and emotions of those who have experienced it. It is imperative that we empower these survivors – this is not an option but a crucial step towards a better future.

Tech Solutions to the rescue

The use of technology plays a crucial role in the battle against human trafficking. With the aid of digital resources, individuals can securely report instances of trafficking, share knowledge on prevention, and aid those who have been affected.

AI-driven algorithms have the potential to identify signs of manipulation and domination by analyzing text messages, social media content, and location information. For instance, there is a UK-based project, supported by a funding of up to £115,000 from the Home Office, that involves researchers in this field. Such a digital tool can effectively detect even the most subtle hints, helping authorities identify individuals who may need rescue.

Dr Nonso Alexanda Nnamoko, one of the academics working on this tool, stated that it can detect the use of forceful language and patterns in conversational text messages. The Edge Hill University reported that the model was trained using past data pertaining to the topic, including digital evidence presented in domestic abuse court cases and selected social media messages related to domestic abuse.

Satellites stationed in space observe the vast oceans below, utilizing advanced image analysis to scan for distinctive patterns on the water to detect potential vessels involved in the transportation of victims of forced labor. According to a report from Al Jazeera, researchers have been utilizing this technique since 2020 to locate fishing vessels suspected of carrying forced labor victims or using them on board.

According to Rossen Karavatchev of the International Transport Workers’ Federation, the research study could potentially reveal the prevalence of labor violations, human trafficking, and slavery on large industrial fishing ships, which have a significant impact on the lives of numerous fishermen. With the help of technology, traffickers can no longer disappear into the vast ocean, as their movements can now be monitored, making it easier to intercept and rescue victims.

Promoting the Implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC)

In the face of the difficult truths of child trafficking and exploitation, it is crucial to utilize established global frameworks that protect the rights of children. In the year 1989, a groundbreaking measure was taken as the International Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) was unanimously adopted at the United Nations General Assembly. This was a significant moment in history as it explicitly acknowledged individuals under the age of 18 as independent beings with inherent social, economic, civil, cultural, and political rights that are fundamental, mandatory, and non-negotiable.

With a record-breaking 197 States, the ratification of the human rights treaty has reached an unprecedented consensus. As of today, the only country yet to ratify is the United States, as Somalia joined the list of ratifying countries in 2015, according to the Washington Post.

Beyond being a text of great symbolic importance, this convention holds legal weight for the participating States. They commit to protecting and ensuring the rights of all children without discrimination and are accountable to the United Nations for these promises. The United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child, comprised of independent experts, oversees the enforcement of the convention by reviewing the periodic reports submitted by States after ratifying the agreement.

According to the Convention, there are 54 articles which declare that every child is entitled to:

possess a name, a nationality, and an identity;

receive proper care, protection from illness, and adequate and balanced nutrition;

attend school;

be safeguarded from violence, mistreatment, and all forms of exploitation and abuse;

be shielded against all forms of discrimination;

not engage in or suffer from war;

to seek refuge, be rescued, and have suitable living conditions;

to engage in play and enjoy leisure;

to freedom of information, expression, and participation;

to have a family, be surrounded, and loved.

Technology has brought a significant influence on our day-to-day activities. It has simplified communication and made it more convenient, given us a plethora of entertainment choices, and enhanced the effectiveness of numerous tasks.

However, these privileges do not exist for any individuals who fall victim to child trafficking, regardless of their involvement in child soldiering, coerced labor, prostitution, or forced marriage.

Three additional protocols have been incorporated into the primary text. The initial protocol’s objective is to safeguard children from being recruited into armed conflicts, while the second addresses issues such as the trafficking of children for labor, illegal adoption, organ donation, and child prostitution and pornography. The third protocol, as outlined on the UNICEF website, establishes the global process that enables any child to submit a complaint directly to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child if all domestic avenues for redress have been exhausted.

Adhering to ICAT’s 10-Point Plan

In the 21st century, the harsh truth about child trafficking has cast a sober veil over our society. It tarnishes our shared moral principles and calls for prompt intervention. The Inter-Agency Coordination Group against Trafficking in Persons (ICAT) has presented a 10-point roadmap, which can serve as a reference for fighting against this abhorrent offense.

ICAT aims to eliminate child trafficking from the global scene by 2025 with the assistance of concerned organizations, such as OSHA, OSCE, ICAT, DPKO, ICAO, ICPO-Interpol, IOM, ILO, OHCHR, UNAIDS, UNDP, UN Women, UNFPA, UNHCR, UNICEF, UNIFEM, UNICRI, UNESCO, and UNODC.

The roadmap of ICAT focuses on the investment of accessible and inclusive child protection systems, providing comprehensive support for trafficked children, and giving voice to survivors who play a crucial role in finding effective solutions. It also emphasizes the need for strong measures to deter traffickers, protect children online, and integrate child rights due diligence into business operations.

The ICAT roadmap prioritizes investing in accessible and inclusive child protection systems, offering comprehensive support for trafficked children, and amplifying the voices of survivors who play a vital role in finding effective solutions. It also highlights the importance of implementing robust measures to deter traffickers, safeguard children online, and integrate child rights due diligence into business operations.

Additionally, it acknowledges the interrelation between trafficking and humanitarian crises, environmental concerns, and natural calamities, stressing the need for proactive incorporation of child protection into applicable policies and actions. Ultimately, ICAT emphasizes the crucial requirement for comprehensive data gathering and constant coordination among countries and various stakeholders.

Combating Child Trafficking requires collaboration

The act of trafficking girls, boys, and adolescents is a grave offense that takes advantage of their vulnerabilities and results in devastating consequences for those affected. This crime has a destructive impact on their formative years, hindering their complete growth and leaving long-lasting consequences.

To combat this type of trafficking, effective international collaboration that involves the participation of citizens, law enforcement, the judiciary, youth welfare offices, and non-governmental organizations is crucial, surpassing geographical boundaries. Sadly, the victims frequently encounter inadequate funding and assistance for the crucial protection and aid they need.

It is our call to all countries and individuals to promote the implementation of the CRC, which is the most extensively approved human rights agreement to date with 197 participating States. Irrespective of boundaries, every child is granted the essential and indisputable rights outlined in the convention.

Moreover, technology plays a vital role in this battle. By utilizing AI-driven algorithms and constant surveillance from satellites, it is possible to dismantle underground trafficking networks and provide innovative approaches to prevent and combat this illegal activity.

Appeal for Action

It is crucial to come together to combat child trafficking, considering the issue an actual humanitarian emergency. As responsible members of the global community, we should raise awareness and support the implementation of the CRC, a global agreement that explicitly acknowledges the rights of children and is a legally binding commitment for participating countries. The CRC remains a symbol of hope for countless vulnerable children around the globe.