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Understanding Human Trafficking Root Causes

May 14, 2025

Root Causes of Trafficking

  • Trafficking is influenced by diverse social, economic, cultural, and other factors.
  • Common factors:
    • Desire of victims to migrate exploited by offenders.
    • Local conditions pushing migration:
      • Poverty, lack of human rights, social/economic opportunities, conflict.
      • Political instability, war, civil unrest, natural disasters increasing vulnerability.
    • Parents selling children due to poverty, hoping for better opportunities.
    • Expansion of media increasing migration desires.
    • Devaluation of women and girls increasing vulnerability.
    • Porous borders and corrupt officials facilitate trafficking.
    • Lack of legislation or enforcement.

Addressing Root Causes

  • OSCE Action Plan: Focused on economic and social policies to combat trafficking.
  • Prevention strategies:
    • Reducing vulnerability through social and economic development.
    • Discouraging demand for trafficked persons' services.
    • Public education.
    • Border control.
    • Preventing corruption.

Recommended Actions

In Countries of Origin:

  • Prioritize social, economic, and political stability.
  • Reduce migration and trafficking supply factors.
  • Promote economic development and social inclusion.
  • Improve access to education, especially for girls and minorities.
  • Enhance job opportunities for women, focusing on SMEs.

In Countries of Destination:

  • Reduce invisibility of exploitation via monitoring and administrative controls.
  • Consider liberalizing labor markets to increase employment opportunities.
  • Address unprotected and illegal labor issues.
  • Tackle underground economic activities.

Common Actions:

  • Increase social protection and employment opportunities.
  • Eliminate employment discrimination against women.
  • Address minority discrimination.
  • Develop programs for basic education and entrepreneurship.
  • Encourage gender sensitization to prevent violence against women.
  • Ensure equal access to economic and financial resources for women.
  • Promote flexible financing and microcredit.
  • Support good governance and transparency.
  • Discourage demand fostering exploitation through legislation and cooperation.

OSCE Action Plan