How has globalization increased opportunities for human trafficking?
Transnational organizations, such as the United Nations, hamper efforts to combat human trafficking.
Increasingly interconnected police forces have a difficult time detecting human trafficking.
Increasingly interconnected transportation infrastructure allows cheap and quick movement of people between countries.
NGOs operate as covers for human trafficking
Globalization has increased opportunities for human trafficking in several ways:
1. Transnational organizations: While organizations like the United Nations work towards preventing human trafficking, their size and scope make it challenging to effectively combat the issue. The bureaucratic nature of these organizations often slows down the implementation of anti-trafficking measures, creating gaps in addressing the problem.
2. Interconnected police forces: With globalization, there has been an increase in international cooperation among police forces. However, due to the cross-border nature of human trafficking, law enforcement agencies may face difficulties in detecting and investigating trafficking cases. Different legal systems, language barriers, and lack of coordination can hinder their ability to efficiently combat this crime.
3. Interconnected transportation infrastructure: Globalization has made transportation more accessible, affordable, and efficient. This has also facilitated the movement of people across borders, making it easier for traffickers to transport their victims. Improved transportation systems, including air travel and maritime routes, provide opportunities for traffickers to exploit gaps in border controls and transport victims undetected.
4. NGOs as covers: While many non-governmental organizations (NGOs) work tirelessly to combat human trafficking, there have been instances where criminal networks use NGOs as covers for their activities. They may establish fake NGOs or exploit legitimate ones, posing as humanitarian actors while engaging in trafficking. This exploitation of the nonprofit sector further complicates efforts to combat human trafficking.
Overall, the globalization of various sectors and the interconnectedness it brings has inadvertently created new opportunities and challenges in countering human trafficking.