Introduction
Respect for natural human rights is central to a conducive working environment and labor relations. Human trafficking is one of the major problems facing the local and global labor forces. Through human trafficking, individuals are coerced to engage in activities without their will.
Forced labor, forced criminal activities, sex exploitation, and removal of organs are common forms of trafficking that are detrimental to employment activities. Healthy risks, stigma and discrimination, traumas, and legal issues are associated with trafficking. Trafficking for forced labor, criminal activities, sexual exploitation, and organ removal are primarily labor issues, which can be reduced through preventive, prosecutive, and protective actions.
Meaning of Trafficking
Trafficking is a multifaceted issue that is manifested in various forms that are detrimental to human rights promotion. There is no clear-cut trajectory on the exact meaning of trafficking since it involves different illegal activities. However, trafficking is commonly described as the trade of humans for forced labor, sexual exploitation, and slavery (Sanchez and O’Connell, 2022). The definition fails to explain the forms of trafficking, such as drugs and organ removal (Lewis et al., 2015). Therefore, it is sound to define trafficking in the context of its different forms. Trafficking is detrimental to social and economic development since it affects various aspects of human lives and livelihoods.
Forms of Trafficking
Trafficking for Forced Labour
Developing countries have fewer employment opportunities than developed ones. Unemployment is one of the biggest problems that are devastating to developing countries. Trafficking for forced labor involves the recruitment and transportation of people, especially from developing countries, using deception (Bales, 2004). The victims are engaged in agricultural, mining, and fisheries work in organizations that are short of the human labor force.
For instance, Nike used trafficked persons to provide labor in its factories in the 1990s (Conway, 2019). Although trafficked individuals are actively involved in business growth, they are often subjected to poor working conditions. Therefore, trafficking for forced labor involves poor pay and unconducive working environments.
Trafficking for Forced Criminal Activities
Many countries have strict surveillance and intelligence organs that ensure citizens’ safety. Criminal activities such as terrorism require skillful individuals who are ready to risk their lives (Agustín, 2007). Trafficking for forced criminal activities involves the deceitful recruitment of unemployed individuals by criminal networks (Lewis et al., 2015).
Terrorist groups such as Al-Qaeda have continuously recruited persons without their will for criminal activities (Sanchez and O’Connell, 2022). Meanwhile, the criminal networks reap from their illegal activities without risking their lives. Instead, the lives and livelihoods of the victims and their families are put in danger.
Trafficking of Women for Sexual Exploitation
Sexual exploitation infringes on a person’s right to privacy and dignity. Trafficking in women for sexual exploitation involves the coercive recruitment of women into activities such as prostitution (Sanchez and O’Connell, 2022). While many countries have criminalized sexual exploitation, the culprits shut the victims by threatening their lives. Women who are trafficked for commercial sex are subjected to activities that risk their health. Some of the clubs in Tokyo have Filipino women who have been trafficked for commercial sex (Parrenas, 2006). Therefore, trafficking in women for sexual exploitation is detrimental to health, privacy, and dignity rights.
Trafficking for the Removal of Organs
Transplantation of human organs helps save the lives of many patients who are at risk of dying. In many countries, including the UK, the organ transplant waiting lists are very long, increasing the possibility of dying (Sanchez and O’Connell, 2022). Transplant tourism is a common form of trafficking of organ removal that is on the rise in North and West African countries (Sanchez and O’Connell, 2022). Consequently, criminals have taken advantage of desperate patients and potential donors by forcefully smuggling people for organ removal. The victims are usually subjected to inhuman activities that lead to their deaths. Trafficking or removal of organs is detrimental to the right to life.
Negative Impacts of Trafficking on Labour
Forced Labour
Organizational success is anchored on effective and conducive employment relations. Employees are crucial for effective and productive business operations when allowed to work at their own will. Additionally, employees have the freedom to interact with their colleagues without limits and can easily communicate their problems (Jibriel, 2011). Therefore, freedom in the workplace promotes productivity and freedom, which is significant for overall business growth and productivity (Freedman, 2007).
Trafficking involves people who are forced to work in big industries and factories. Companies such as Nike, Starbucks, and Walmart have had cases of forced labor (Conway, 2019). Some of the victims are underage, failing to be as productive as adults. The use of forced labor can be detrimental to organizations.
Forced labor is associated with physical harm to the victims who remain unproductive to the company. Physical harm can lead to death or further psychological disorders in the victims. Moreover, forced labor can be detrimental to an organization’s brand reputation (Edwards, 2007). The public tends to disassociate themselves from organizations that use force and other inhuman approaches to their employees (Agustín, 2007).
For instance, in the 1990s, many Nike clients disassociated themselves from the company (Conway 2019). The soiled brand image encumbers organizational growth in terms of profitability and consumer base. Therefore, organizations that use forced labor are less competitive in the market.
Poor Health Conditions
Human well-being is crucial for productivity at the workplace and overall social interactions. Trafficking risks the health of victims in various, making it difficult for a company to enjoy its profits in the market. The trafficked persons are often put in a place where they less socialize and interact with people from outside.
Additionally, the victims are subjected to limited food and other basic needs. Furthermore, trafficking involves poor sanitization at the places where the victims stay, as was the case of trafficked women who worked in plantations in Sicily (Palumbo and Sciurba, 2015). The overall consequence is poor health conditions that are detrimental to the victims.
As a labour issue, poor health conditions have various consequences on business and human resources in general. The organization will channel much of its resources into taking preventive measures against communicable diseases. Poor sanitization is associated with diseases such as cholera which can spread from one person to another quickly. Additionally, the organization may risk losing its employees to cholera and other disease attacks. Consequently, firms have to spend much of their resources on recruiting new employees. Organizations must enhance good health conditions for profitability and productivity.
Psychological Trauma
All forms of trafficking are associated with psychological trauma that encumbers the effective execution of employment activities. Psychological trauma is the damage to a person’s mind due to exposure to stressful events. Forced sex, common for trafficking in women for sexual exploitation, can be detrimental to the victim. Depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorders are some of the consequences of trafficking. For instance, trafficked Philippine women in Japan are subjected to forced sex for “entertainment” purposes (Parrenas, 2006). Although the victims suffer from psychological disorders, employment organizations are affected to certain limits.
Business organizations’ growth and development are affected by traumatized employees. The human resources departments have to spend a lot of money on employee wellness programs (Jibriel, 2011). The trafficked victims must be subjected to psychological treatments for them to remain effective in workplaces. According to Parrenmas (2006), the majority of Filipino hostesses who work in Tokyo have mental health issues. The mental health problems among trafficked laborers are detrimental to their well-being.
Stigmatizations and Discriminations
Trafficking for forced labor involves victims from developing countries and can be people of color. The victims who commercial sex are likely to contract sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV/AIDS. For example, according to Freedman (2003), the majority of trafficked sex workers in Europe are exposed to sexually transmitted diseases. Consequently, they may be discriminated against for their health conditions, causing stigmatization.
Meanwhile, trafficking for criminal activities exposes the victims to harsh social environments where they may be subjected to mob justice (Jibriel, 2011). Therefore, in most instances, people of color will be associated with criminal activities.
Furthermore, the recruitment of the black community for forced labor exacerbates racism in the workplace. The trafficked persons receive harsh treatment compared to other employees. Racial discrimination can result in stigmatization and consequent indulgence in substance abuse.
Legal Issues
Human resource activities are anchored on legality and must conform to the laws and regulations of a country of operations. Trafficking involves gross violations of human rights, which is a labor issue. For instance, in the case of Prosecutor v. Kunarac, the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia criminalized enslavement and trafficking (Edwards, 2007). Trafficking in women for commercial sex, such as those in Tokyo, Japan, can involve coercion and the recruitment of underage children (Parrenas, 2006). Consequently, the act will be associated with gender-based violence and defilement issues.
Meanwhile, trafficking for forced labor leads to infringement on employee rights and other human rights. Therefore, a business organization may find itself on the wrong side of the law. The consequences may include the closure of business operations, which can be decremental to those depending on the culprit company for employment. While organizations consider trafficked victims for cheap labor, they can face dire legal consequences.
Approaches to Combat Trafficking
Preventive Actions
Human trafficking has effects that are detrimental to organizational success and development. The effects can also encumber social growth since there are gross violations of human rights. Various preventive actions can be taken at the personal and community levels. The actions can be outlined through regulations such as the United Nations Protocol to Prevent, Suppress, and Punish Trafficking in Persons, which was established in 2000 (Bales, 2004).
Creating Public Awareness
Firstly, the government and interested parties can help in creating public awareness of the issue. The awareness can be done through social media campaigns such as Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube. The campaigns will create an environment where the public can identify signs of human trafficking and make reports to appropriate authorities.
Supporting Businesses
Another preventive action against human trafficking is supporting for-profit businesses that provide employment opportunities. For instance, the government and human rights bodies such as the United Nations can channel their resources to local businesses that help prevent possible trafficking activities (Freedman, 2007).
Reporting Human Trafficking
Furthermore, there can be an established office where any form of human trafficking is reported, and a prompt response is given. The office should be structured in a manner that citizens can access its services without delays and much bureaucracy. Preventive action should be prioritized over other possible approaches to combat trafficking.
Protective Actions
Self-Defense Training
Unlike preventive actions, protective actions are majorly focused on the potential victims. Several protective actions can be taken by the government and potential victim families. The government can set up rescue and rehabilitation centers that take care of potential victims (Bales, 2004). Some of the protected individuals include women and children from dysfunctional families (Edwards, 2007). The protective programs can include self-defense lessons for the victims and possible actions in case they are coerced by traffickers.
Zoning the Hotspot Regions
Another protective action that can be taken by the government is zoning the hotspot regions. Some geographical areas have high cases of human trafficking activities, and possible actions can be taken to protect such areas. Installation of surveillance systems and maximum security that scrutinizes the residents can come in handy. Therefore, police officers and residents can identify possible human trafficking activities (Edwards, 2007).
Background Checks of Care Institutions
Moreover, vulnerable populations such as children can be subjected to qualified professions and institutions, reducing the chances of being trafficked (Bales, 2004). The government can conduct intensive background checks on all institutions that handle children. Protective actions against human trafficking are best applied in regions with many cases of crime.
Prosecutive Actions
Human trafficking involves actions and activities that are contrary to laws and regulations. Governments and interested organizations should be actively involved in prosecuting the culprits. Companies whose labor force is anchored on human trafficking should face legal prosecutions to deter their actions. The criminal justice system should be empowered to conduct investigations for successful prosecution. Empowering the system may involve actions such as the recruitment of competitive investigative officers and the integration of communication technology within the system. Protective, preventive, and prosecutive actions are important in combating human trafficking activities.
Conclusion
Trafficking involves the use of force and coercion to recruit individuals for sexual and criminal activities and labor exploitation. The activities take place in various forms, including trafficking in women for sexual exploitation, trafficking for criminal activities, and trafficking for organ transplants. As a labor issue, trafficking is associated with effects that are detrimental to the welfare of employees and organizational growth. Poor health conditions, psychological trauma, legal issues, forced labor, and stigma and discrimination are labor issues linked to human trafficking. Therefore, society should take preventive, protective, and prosecutive actions against human trafficking for social growth and development.
Reference List
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Freedman, J. (2003). ‘Selling sex: Trafficking, prostitution and sex work amongst migrant women in Europe’, in Gender and Insecurity: Migrant women in Europe, Freedman J. (ed), Ashgate Publishing Limited.
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Parrenas, R. (2006) ‘Trafficked? Filipino Hostesses in Tokyo’s Nightlife Industry’, Yale Journal of Law & Feminism, 145. Web.
Sanchez, T.J. and O’Connell, J.D. (2022) ‘Missing, Presumed Trafficked: Towards non-binary understandings of “wayward” youth in Jamaica’, Anti-Trafficking Review, 19, p.9-27. Web.