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Tavanti, Marco, Charles E. Tucker, Gregory J. Wangerin (Eds). Anti-Human Trafficking for Human Security. International Journal of Sustainable Human Security (IJSHS). Volume 2, Year 2014-2015, Number 1.

Published online on December 30, 2015
ISSN 2311-5920 (electronic version)
Key title: International Journal of Sustainable Human Security
Abbreviated key title: Int. j. sustain. hum. secur. Online access: www.weinstitute.org/ijshs

IJSHS-2014-2015
anti-HUMAN TRAFFICKING for human security
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR SUSTAINABLE HUMAN SECURITY

INTRODUCTION

"Anti-Human Trafficking is at the core of Human Security: An introduction to the International Journal of Sustainable Human Security  Issue on Anti-Human Trafficking." - Marco Tavanti, Charles E. Tucker and Gregory J. Wangerin

• An introduction to the relevance of anti-human trafficking in the context of human security and in relation to the selected articles. 

ARTICLES

"A Sustainable Human Security Framework and Human Rights Based Approach for Combating Human Trafficking."  Marco Tavanti

• Human trafficking is a complex phenomenon better explained through the multifaceted frameworks of sustainable human security. This article explores how the notion of sustainable human security intercepts with a victim-centered and human rights based approach for anti-human trafficking. Through a critical review of United Nations documents and international literature and reports on these interconnected topics, the article suggests practical approaches for combating human trafficking through the lenses of human security, human rights, and sustainable development. Given how poverty, violence and discrimination are some of the key factors that increase individual vulnerability to trafficking, the author suggests how a comprehensive approach for poverty alleviation and the promotion of human rights based and sustainable development. The integration of human rights, human security and sustainable development into anti-human trafficking policies and operations should yield more adequate responses for preventing forced labor and other forms of modern slavery.

"Rethinking Trafficking in Human Beings - Towards International Coalition of Academics Against Trafficking in Human Beings (Trace)." - Davor Derencinovic

• Author in this paper deals with the possibilities of setting up the informal network of experts gathered in International Coalition of Academics against Trafficking in Human Beings (TRACE). TRACE will examine legal avenues for global extension of human rights approach (victim centered). This may require elaboration of a new universal legally binding instrument similar to those that were adopted for other international crimes and that are comprehensive in nature (e.g. United Nations Convention against Corruption), and/or further promotion of regional instruments that are open for accession to third parties (e.g. Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings). In addition, TRACE contribution could be in developing of universal model of standard operating procedures for victim identification similar to guidelines that apply in cases of torture and other inhumane and degrading treatment (Manual on Effective Investigation and Documentation of Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, 1999, also known as Istanbul Protocol). Building global academic consensus on these issues that has been established in other fields (for instance death penalty – International Academic Network for the Abolition of Capital Punishment) would have practical implications on policy makers in the area of anti-trafficking. Expected outcome of this initiative is positive impact on preventing push and pull factors that lead to trafficking in human beings.

"Overseas Contract Labor, Remittance Economies and the Hazards of Human Trafficking: the Philippine Case." - Lila Ramos Shahani

• Since the 1970s, overseas labor migration has been an indispensable component of national development in the Philippines. The emergence of what some scholars refer to as a remittance economy has meant that overseas workers have come to play a crucial role not only in sustaining the economy of their households but that of the nation as a whole. It thus comes as no surprise that they also hold the potential for contributing to on-going programs of developmental growth and political reform. However, overseas contract labor also opens up multiple avenues for abuse and exploitation. Chief among these is the danger of human trafficking, as recruiters and employers alike take advantage of the ready availability of contract laborers. Given the simultaneous economic importance and political vulnerability of migrant Filipino laborers, it is essential that the Philippine state provide for their economic and social welfare. At the same time, it is imperative for state agencies to attend to the urgent needs of workers who are prone to being trafficked and are most susceptible to abuse. This paper describes the vexed conditions of overseas workers and seeks to put forth some recommendations for safeguarding their well-being, in light of the dangers of human trafficking.

"Education and Training for Anti-Human Trafficking and Sustainable Human Security: An International, Critical, and Pedagogical Overview" -  Elizabeth A. Wilp & Marco Tavanti

• The first key element to combat modern forms of human slavery should be the prevention of human trafficking. Many international institutions, nongovernmental organizations, and higher education programs are using innovative methods to fight human trafficking while also promoting development opportunities and increasing human security. This paper is a critical review of these anti human trafficking programs and the pedagogical strategies used in relation to the national and international responsibility of providing adequate services and effective sustainable solutions to protect victims of trafficking in persons.

"Capacity Development for Sustainable Human Security Solutions Combating Human Trafficking: Government and cross-sector institutional approaches." -  Marco Tavanti & Daniele Capone

• Modern slavery in its multifaceted criminal activities of forced labor and sex exploitation that requires an equally multifaceted and integrated approach in capacity development. If the elimination of modern slavery is the objective, a clear understanding of capacity development is the way to achieve it. This paper explores the evolution of capacity development in the context of international development, human security and anti-human trafficking. Indeed, poverty is the underlying factor behind the flourishing and lucrative underground economies of modern human slavery. Yet, the institutional in-capacities to enforce the law, protect victims and prevent abuses are often the causing element explaining the prevalence of human trafficking activity in country and in specific sectors. The authors review the issue of modern slavery in relation to institutional weaknesses and suggest the need for institutional, cross-sector and integrated processes for capacity development.   

"Cebu's 'Glocal' Challenge: How Non-state Actors can Better Assure the Rights of Child Victims of Sex Trafficking in the Philippines." - Archill Niña F. Capistrano

• This paper focuses on a ‘glocal’ problem arising from globalization: sex trafficking as a consequence of intensified mobility within and beyond national borders. The movements and displacements associated with this characteristic are situated in the economic and socio-political dimensions of globalization. Intensified mobility in these dimensions poses a challenge to the idea of civilizing glocal politics by which traditional conceptions of security are questioned. Sex trafficking has been identified as one of the consequences by which an increasingly mobile world provokes a re-thinking of security as a value in international relations. Of particular concern in this research are child victims of sex trafficking due to their greater vulnerability as age-incapacitated persons. Drawing from Bauman’s concept of ‘liquid modernity’, sex trafficking of children is theorized as a ‘liquid’ problem by which the role of the nation-state, as a creation of ‘solid modernity’ and traditional insurer of security, is problematized. With Cebu, the Philippines as a case study, this dissertation inquires as to whether or not non-state actors are better placed to assure the welfare of child victims of sex trafficking.

"Partnership and the 3Ps of Human Trafficking: How Multi-Sector Collaboration Contributes to Effective Anti-Trafficking Measures." - Kelly Ann Yeo-Oxenham & Dylan Rose Schneider

• This paper reviews the relevance of partnership in the anti-human trafficking globally adopted 3P strategy of prevention, protection and persecution. It proposes concrete recommendations for implementing cross-sector partnerships as a more effective response and holistic strategy to the challenges of modern day slavery. The  fourth “P”, Partnership, was added to the widely practiced “3Ps” paradigm of human trafficking by former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton in 2009 in the attempt of promoting anti human trafficking solutions through pooled resources and collaborative strategies.

"Combating Human Trafficking Through Increased Awareness." - Zane Jacobs

• This paper explores the role of awareness in anti-human trafficking. It argues that due to the lack of awareness, human trafficking has been allowed to flourish in many communities, operating in the shadows. Increasing awareness amongst victims and their surrounding communities will shed light on this atrocity and limit trafficker’s ability to function in secrecy. Awareness, in the case of trafficking victims, is the opposite of vulnerability. Awareness provides protection from traffickers by providing potential victims with the information necessary to recognize their options, and make informed decisions.

"An Examination of Trafficking Loopholes in International Adoption: Recommendations for Trafficking Avoidance." -  Risa Harrison

• The Hague Convention outlines an international agreement to ensure that intercountry adoptions happen in the best interest of the child. Much controversy exists around international adoption because some children have been trafficked into loving homes in a corrupt adoption process. While it is a child’s human right to be raised in a loving home, it is required that a child is not trafficked into such an environment. This paper looks at areas where loopholes can be found in the Hague convention such that a child can still be trafficked through a corrupt adoption even between Convention signing countries. It shows how international adoption and trafficking should differ, and will suggest ways adopting NGOs and Central Authorities can ensure that they are only facilitating adoptions for children in need of families, devoid of corruption, and can therefore avoid unknowingly trafficking children. This paper makes systemic and systematic recommendations to help ensure human rights and increase human security.

RESOURCES

"Essential Readings on Anti-Human Trafficking: An Annotated Bibliography."
Marco Tavanti & Kelly Ann Yeo-Oxenham

• This is an annotated and thematic bibliography which contains a sampling of research for the theory and practice of anti-human trafficking work. It has been compiled from various sources and is meant to be a guide to the wealth of resources available on the issue of Human Trafficking. It is by no means exhaustive. To facilitate the access to the resources, the references are divided into categories such as Special Reports on Human Trafficking, United Nations Declarations, Guides & Toolkits, Migration, Economic Development, Gender, Human Rights, Human Security, and Sexual Exploitation.

Anti-Human Trafficking Training Manual and Resource Page of the Combating Trafficking in Persons (CTIP) certificate program of the World Engagement Institute - Prepared by Marco Tavanti, Elizabeth A. Wilp and Alyssa Rickman.

• The training manual includes essential guidelines, definitions and resources for running training on AHT. It also includes links to other tools of the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The training material is designed for public sector representatives (including policymakers, law enforcers, judges, prosecutors) as well as civil society organizations (including NGOs who work on preventing trafficking, protecting and assisting victims and promoting international cooperation.

Essential Links on Anti-Human Trafficking - Documents and publications closely connected to anti-human trafficking and human security. 

• United Nations Convention Against Translational Organized crime and the Protocol Thereto - UNODC 2004
• Trafficking in Persons Report (TIP) - US-DOS
• Human Security, Transnational Crime and Human Trafficking: Asian and Western Perspectives
• Issue: Human Trafficking - United Nations Trust Fund For Human Security
• Explore the WEI-CTIP anti-human trafficking resource page here