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Results for human trafficking (baltic states)

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Author: Downes, Paul

Title: Not One Victim More: Human Trafficking in the Baltic States

Summary: Trafficking of women for sexual exploitation raises one of the most urgent and alarming challenges confronting states everywhere. A form of slavery which has thrived in an increasingly interconnected and globalised world, it defies easy resolution. Despite its prohibition in international and European law, and the fact that there have even been calls for its recognition as a crime against humanity, it is a phenomenon which has largely evaded legal attempts at resolution. In that context, this book makes an original, timely and far-reaching contribution to the debate around trafficking. Moving beyond the realm of legal anti-trafficking strategies, this victimcentred, empirical and multi-disciplinary work has resulted in an enlightening, multifaceted perspective on the difficult challenge of trafficking. Not only does this book provide an effective and much-needed platform for the victims of trafficking to record their experiences, but it also recognises and explores the possibilities of a holistic strategy in responding to trafficking, which harnesses both the co-operation of states and the expertise of a broad range of disciplines. Founded on a subtle empirical study of the experiences of the victims of trafficking, this book enables the victims of trafficking to convey their stories much more forcefully than abstract academic or statistical commentary ever could. The interviews of these victims facilitate examination of the reasons why these women become trapped by trafficking: mostly, poverty, despair, educational difficulties, inadequate socio-economic opportunities or coercion. They also convey the sense of isolation and social exclusion experienced by these women, the difficulties they have extricating themselves from trafficking after they have fallen victim to it, and the inadequacies of law in responding to their plight. By focusing on those who have fallen prey to trafficking as a result of the collapse of the former Soviet Union and the opening of the borders to the West, attention is also drawn to the cruel way in which trafficking exploits the innocent hopes of those crossing borders, in anticipation of new experiences and better lives. As for its multi-disciplinary perspective, this book recognises that antitrafficking strategies require not only international co-operation between states, but also inter-disciplinary contributions from psychology, law, social policy, economics and education. Insightful contributions are made here from all these disciplines, and throughout, the contributors write dispassionately, but sensitively, about this highly emotive issue, avoiding the brash, emotional and simplistic responses which can be so easily evoked in this context. While acknowledging that an ever-improving legal framework is important, emphasis is placed on the need for wide-ranging strategies which engage not only legislators, the police, prosecutors, and the courts, but indeed all state actors and nongovernmental organisations. Based on the evidence of the interviews, important practical recommendations are made which range from campaigns to increase awareness of the gravity of trafficking, to stricter monitoring of the standards of agencies arranging employment abroad, to training of state agents in dealing with trafficking, to counselling, return programmes, legal assistance and witness protection programmes for the victims themselves. Finally, while the themes and issues highlighted are explored in the context of the Baltic States, it is clear that the findings, conclusions and recommendations with regard to prevention, protection and prosecution have an application to wider European and international contexts. The rich combination of empirical work and multi-disciplinary perspectives provided by this book will make a meaningful and lasting contribution to the fight against trafficking of women for sexual exploitation.

Details: Tallinn, Estonia: Living for Tomorrow, 2008. 302p.

Source: Internet Resource: Accessed January 19, 2012 at: http://www.lft.ee/tf.oigus/tf.failid/2006925174343/Not_One_Victim_More.pdf

Year: 2008

Country: International

URL: http://www.lft.ee/tf.oigus/tf.failid/2006925174343/Not_One_Victim_More.pdf

Shelf Number: 123668

Keywords:
Human Trafficking (Baltic States)
Prostitution
Sexual Exploitation