Human Trafficking Is A Serious Crime And An Unrefined...

Trafficking in human beings is a serious crime and an unrefined violation of human rights. It is often linked to organized crime and is one of the most profitable criminal activities worldwide (Access to European Union Law, 2014). There are many different forms of human trafficking, and they progress with changing socioeconomic circumstances. It targets women and men, girls and boys in vulnerable positions (Trafficking in Human Beings, 2013). The International Labor Organization in June of 2012 covering the period 2002-2011 estimated the number of victims of forced labor globally (NPR, 2013). The estimate also included forced sexual exploitation which was, 20.9 million at a global level, with an estimated 5.5 million children being trafficked (NPR, 2013). Europe had a human trafficking matter for decades, where it began with the trading of slaves. The 1400’s marked the start of the European slave trade in Africa when the Portuguese transported people from Africa to Portugal to use them as slaves (Timeline of Human Trafficking, 2011). Later on throughout the 1600s, other countries became more involved in the European slave trade (Timeline of Human Trafficking, 2011). Recent studies have stated, more than 23,600 people were victims of human trafficking in Europe during a recent three-year period (NPR, 2013). It is important to understand what human trafficking is considered in Europe, why stricter laws need to be created, and how human trafficking can be prevented. By