The European Union's fight against the trafficking in human beings for the purpose of sexual exploitation

Abstract

Human trafficking is known to be the slavery of our times, with large amounts of persons falling subject to traffickers annually. It is not only considered to be a serious form of organised crime, but is also a severe violation of human rights, individual Freedom and dignity. The impact of trafficking goes beyond the individual victims themselves, with large societal, political und demographic ramifications which under mine the seem it of every nation it touches. The trafficking in human beings is a global problem, with no country being immune to it. This includes Europe, with member states of the European Union being major destination countries for trafficking victims, as well as source and transit countries. The most common form of trafficking found in Europe is for the purpose of sexual exploitation, with women and girls making up the majority of those trafficked to and within Europe. This thesis presents an insight into the European Union's fight against the trafficking in human beings for that purpose of sexual exploitation. It aims to provide a better understanding of the phenomenon of human trafficking; and examines how the European Union has responded to such activity. Since human trafficking impacts the security of the European Union's member states, and because the organisation is one which is based on the values of respect for human rights, human dignity and liberty, the European Union has till July to combat the trafficking in human beings in Europe. Since the mid-1990's the organisation has been active in the field of anti-trafficking with its commitment to addressing the problem being reflected in the various initiatives, legislations and measures it has taken and established in the area. According to the findings of this research, the European Union's response has been a comprehensive one which focuses on the prevention of trafficking, protection and victims, prosecution of traffickers and the creation of partnerships. Such a response is based on the criminal justice and human rights approach which places the victim at the centre of its efforts.