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Table of Contents

Definition……………………………………………………………………………………...3-5

Significance…………………………………………………………………………………...5-7

Background…………………………………………………………………………………...7-9

Experts………………………………………………………………………………………..9-14

Role of Control……………………………………………………………………………....15-17

International Organizations………………………………………………………………..17-21

Case Studies………………………………………………………………………………………..

Brazil…………………………………………………………………………………21-24

Iran……………………………………………………………………………………25-30

Russia…………………………………………………………………………………30-33

Canadian Connection……………………………………………………………………….34-37

Logic of Evil…………………………………………………………………………………37-39

Connection to Politics………………………………………………………………………39-40

Solutions…………………………………………………………………………………….40-44

Appendix…………………………………………………………………………………….45-51

Reference List…………………………………………………………………………….... 52-59

 Amaral 2

“It ought to concern every person, because it is a debasement of our common humanity. It ought

to concern every community, because it tears at our social fabric. It ought to concern every

business, because it distorts markets. It ought to concern every nation, because it endangers

public health and fuels violence and organized crime. I’m talking about the injustice, the

outrage, of human trafficking, which must be called by its true name - modern slavery.”

Barack Obama

Definition
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In order to define the act of child sex trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation, one must

understand first what the act of human trafficking is. More specifically, it is important to

understand what constitutes as child sexual exploitation, in addition to terms frequently

employed throughout the paper that deal with sex trafficking.

Human trafficking is defined by the United Nations Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish

Trafficking in Persons as: the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of

persons, by means of the threat or use of force or other forms of coercion, of abduction, of fraud,

of deception, of the abuse of power or of a position of vulnerability or of the giving or receiving

of payments or benefits to achieve the consent of a person having control over another person,

for the purpose of exploitation. Exploitation shall include, at a minimum, the exploitation of the

prostitution of others or other forms of sexual exploitation, forced labour or services, slavery or

practices similar to slavery, servitude or the removal of organs (United Nations, 2019).

Human Trafficking is an umbrella term that encompasses any act that deals with the trade of

human beings. This includes sexual exploitation through the act of child sex trafficking. The

2015 Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act amends the definition of the 2000 Trafficking

Victims Protection Act (TVPA), defining sex trafficking as the recruitment, harboring,

transportation, provision, obtaining, patronizing, or soliciting of a person for the purpose of a

commercial sex act, in which the commercial sex act is induced by force, fraud, or coercion, or

in which the person induced to perform such act has not obtained 18 years of age, a child. It is

important to understand that any commercial sexual act with a minor is sexual exploitation, with

or without consent. Sexual exploitation, more specifically in the context of sex trafficking, is a

form of sexual abuse. It occurs where an individual or group takes advantage of an imbalance of
 Amaral 4

power to coerce, manipulate or deceive a person into sexual activity (a) in exchange for

something the victim needs or wants, and/or (b) for the financial advantage or increased status of

the perpetrator or facilitator. The victim may have been sexually exploited even if the sexual

activity appears consensual. Sexual exploitation does not always involve physical contact; it can

also occur through the use of technology (UK Government, 2017).

Similar to average companies and businesses that have a CEO, these sex trafficking rings and

organizations have leaders. These people are often referred to as pimps, traffickers, facilitators,

or even perpetrators. These terms refer to the person(s) using force, fraud, or coercion for

commercial sexual exploitation and collaborators who benefit financially (World Without

Exploitation, 2017). Another extremely prevalent aspect of sex trafficking is coercion, which is

used to maintain control. Coercion is defined in the TVPA as: threats of serious harm to or

physical restraint against any person; any scheme, plan, or pattern intended to cause a person to

believe that failure to perform an act would result in serious harm to or physical restraint against

any person; or the abuse or threatened abuse of the legal process. Control, manipulation, and the

abuse of power are all common themes within this industry.

It is a common misconception that prostitution and sex trafficking are exactly the same,

especially since both terms are often used interchangeably. Despite this, prostitution is defined as

a sexual act performed in exchange for money or anything of value (drugs, shelter, etc.) (World

Without Exploitation, 2017). This occurs within sex trafficking; however, the difference is that

prostitutes have control over their income, compared to the victims of the sex trade who never

have control over any of the profit. It is a difficult circumstance to decipher the difference

between the two because, in many situations, the prostitutes are in fact being trafficked. Due to
 Amaral 5

societal norms and the biases regarding prostitution, it is not often thought that they too are

potentially the victims.

Significance

Many people believe that slavery is simply just a part of history and a thing of the distant past.

Despite the misconception, there are an estimated 20-40 million people enslaved worldwide on

any given day (The Minderoo Foundation, 2018). Article 4 of the Universal Declaration of

Human Rights states that no one shall be held in slavery or servitude (United Nations, 2019).

However ‘modern-slavery’, more commonly known as human trafficking, occurs in all countries

of the world.

Human trafficking and more specifically, sex trafficking, generates a substantial profit. The

International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates human trafficking generates $150.2 billion in

illegal profits each year. More than one-third of these profits are from forced labour exploitation

and the remaining two-thirds from sexual exploitation (Appendix I ). With every country in the

world being affected by trafficking, it has developed into the second largest criminal industry

worldwide, surpassing arms and just behind drug trafficking. Drugs are used once and then they

are gone, while victims of child trafficking can be used and abused over and over (Ark of Hope

for Children, n.d). This industry horrifically benefits from the slavery, torture, and abuse of other

people. To the traffickers, humans are regarded as a commodity rather than being seen as

individuals.

Human trafficking does not discriminate against those whom it affects. Anyone, no matter their

gender, age, or nationality can become involved in trafficking. Commercial sex trafficking is the
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most prevalent - 77% of all trafficked victims are being sexually exploited (Appendix II ). Not to

mention that out of all the victims involved in sex trafficking, 50% are children. These children

are robbed of their childhood and innocence. Children have been sexually trafficked as young as

the age of 11 (Appendix III). In many cases, the exploitation can last for many years as the

adolescents feel trapped and helpless. Children are often targeted by traffickers as they are

deemed easier to manipulate than adults. More money can be earned by younger girls and boys

exploited in sexual exploitation, especially virgins. Younger girls are expected to have a greater

earning potential, and as such are in greater demand.

The abuse not only affects them while it is occurring, but it also has long-lasting effects both

physically and psychologically. Child victims often face countless issues such as sleeping and

eating disorders, sexually transmitted diseases, HIV/AIDS, pelvic pain, rectal trauma and urinary

difficulties from working in the sex industry. Similarly, they can also struggle with drug

addiction, fear, anxiety, depression, and mood changes. Other lasting effects include guilt,

shame, cultural shock (if they have been moved around and especially if they find themselves in

another country), Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, and traumatic bonding with the trafficker.

Children are the future of society but they are often the most abused and exploited. The act of

child sex trafficking violates our human rights, elicits billions of dollars by manipulating the

most vulnerable, and leaves these individuals damaged and traumatized.

Background
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Throughout history, child sex trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation has always existed

even though it has not always been so prevalent. Recently, more light has been shed on this issue

as it worsens with the influence of social media, more readily available transportation and

accommodations. Child sex trafficking as a form of slavery has roots in prostitution and child

abuse from which it has developed into the world issue it is today

Prostitution has been practiced during ancient and modern culture. It has been described as the

world's oldest profession, and despite consistent attempts at regulation, it continues nearly

unchanged (Jenness, 1990). Throughout ancient history, including in the Ancient Near East

which encompasses ancient civilizations such as Mesopotamia, ancient Egypt, ancient Iran,

Armenian Highlands, the Levant, and many others, there were buildings known as temple-

brothels in which sacred prostitution took place. This has been found to date back to 2400 BCE

in a city called Uruk. Men were originally the only ones allowed to perform these sacred sexual

practices. But, in later years sacred prostitution and similar classifications for females were

known to have existed in Greece, Rome, India, China, and Japan (Frazer, 1966). Other ancient

civilizations like the Aztecs and the Incas had similar buildings called the Cihuacalli. These were

controlled buildings in which prostitution was permitted by political and religious authorities.

Religious authorities even believed that women should participate in prostitution if they wished.

Many places around the world continued to accept and normalize the act of prostitution as a

profession up until the end of the 15th century.

Up until this point in history, prostitution was quite popular within most societies. This led to the

spread of many sexually transmitted diseases causing a change of attitude. By the early 16th
 Amaral 8

century the association between prostitutes, plague and contagion emerged, causing brothels and

prostitution to be outlawed by secular authority. This was a common trend all throughout history

with moments of acceptance or forbiddance with a common conclusion that it is a necessary evil

and prostitution will continue to prevail whether it is outlawed or not.

In addition, slavery has been a part of many cultures, nationalities and religions throughout time.

Similarly, slavery has been around from ancient times and still exists today. Around 6800 B.C.

the world’s first city state emerged in Mesopotamia. Along with this new development, land

ownership and early stages of technology brought war (Bales, 2004, pp. 55). During these wars

enemies were captured and consequently enslaved and forced to do hard labour: slavery.

Throughout history, slavery became a common practice and the majority of hard, undesirable

labour was accomplished by means of slavery. Many empires that flourished all through history

relied and were notorious for the use of slaves. In 120 A.D. more than half of the population of

Rome was slaves, captured by the Roman military. Sequentially in 1444 Portuguese traders

brought the first large cargo of slaves from West Africa to Europe by sea—establishing the

Atlantic slave trade (Bales, 2004, pp. 56). Along with the Atlantic slave trade, the concept that

slaves were merely objects of conspicuous consumption began. This ideology has continued and

is prevalent in those who are involved in the trafficking industry. Although efforts to completely

abolish slavery began as early as 1803 with Denmark-Norway being the first European country

to abrogate the African slave trade, slavery nevertheless continued and is still an issue to this day

(Bales, 2004, pp. 60).

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In the same way, child abuse has been an act that has remained a common occurrence throughout

our history. Children have been subject to abuse by their parents or other adults since presumably

the beginning of time. The idea that children must be beaten or physically harmed in order to

properly discipline them had been a standard concept that was customary within society up until

the 20th century. Not to mention, laws had failed to protect children from this abuse.

Essentially, the notion of child sex trafficking and exploitation has been around from the

beginning of civilization. However it has developed and changed along with society and now

affects every country in the world, becoming a greater issue now than ever before.

Expert #1

Lena Simone is a dedicated and hardworking branch service director of 15 years working in

Bradford, Ontario for Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions, formally known as the Children's

Aid Society. This agency helps to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children and youth,

working to preserve the family unit while preventing abuse and neglect. She has also participated

in the Sexual Exploitation Sector within the community and is a former member of the Save

Horizon Committee, an initiative to help prevent human trafficking and support child sex

trafficking victims.

What is the agency's goal in terms of preventing or aiding child sex trafficking victims?

Currently, the agency is in the process of devising a new protocol to help identify those who are

the most at risk and the warning signs that allude to a sex trafficking victim. In order to aid these

victims, the agency works toward servicing these youth and providing adequate resources for
 Amaral 10

them to escape and recover. Developing an internal mandate allows the agency to be the most

efficient and proficient with aiding these children.

In what ways does child sex trafficking affect Canada, especially the Barrie area?

Child sex trafficking is so prevalent in not only Canada but the whole world. In general child sex

trafficking has many different factors attributing to its prosperity. The most common reason

these children are getting involved is that they have the assumption or idea that they will be

rewarded with a financial gain by participating in these sexual activities. The motivation for their

involvement is ideally to benefit themselves when in reality it is putting them into dire situations.

Some other factors include mental health, homelessness and a lack of support, all of which

contribute to a child’s susceptibility to luring. Children are young, often naive, and therefore

more vulnerable to deception. Many children who are being trafficked are unaware of what is

happening and are oblivious to the manipulation that is occurring. Child sex exploitation is a

major issue in Barrie especially because of Highway 400 that runs through the city and the

extensive amount of hotels. This highway is used as a way of transporting the children from one

city to another city and the hotels are the perfect place for the perpetrators to use as pit stops.

What methods are used to keep victims silent or under the control of the perpetrator?

The perpetrators keep their victims under control by simply controlling every aspect of these

children's lives. The traffickers become the source for all of their money, food and shelter, all

which are limited and confined. Another way to gain control is with physical abuse and

psychological warfare. Abusing a child diminishes their sense of self-worth and will to live and

extinguishes the ability to fight back.

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What are some solutions or steps in order to help work towards ending and preventing

human trafficking? How does the agency work toward achieving this?

Some solutions to help combat human trafficking is for governments and organizations to

provide more resources for the victims. This includes housing, financial support, therapy to help

cope with physical and physiological abuse, and counselling. Other services that are essential to

progress are an increased police service and a stricter judicial system with longer sentences for

sex offenders and traffickers. More specifically, the agency works toward preventing human

trafficking through education, by advising the youth in care and in the community on luring

methods, the indicators for current trafficking, and simply what human trafficking is. This

decreases the likelihood for someone to become involved in trafficking. Another approach is to

provide more training for the local police departments, schools, therapists and protection

agencies.

Expert #2

Cheryl Perera is a is a former youth advocate for both the United Nations Secretary-General’s

Global Education First Initiative and the Global Partnership for Education. She also is an

accomplished children's rights activist, a captivating speaker and the founder and president of

OneChild, the premiere organization empowering a movement of children and youth taking

action against child sex slavery. Previously, she worked for World Vision Canada, CARE USA,

and WE, engaging the public in advocacy for supply chain legislation to combat child labour;

supporting U.S. government advocacy on child marriage, and training/mentoring thousands on

child rights advocacy (OneChild, 2019). Her extraordinary contributions to protect children, and
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her high innovation, achievement and leadership, have earned her honours such as the 2006

World of Children Founder's Award, the BRICK Award, and distinguished her as one of

Canada's Most Powerful Women: Top 100 and Canada's Top 20 Under 20 (Trinity College, n.d)

among others. She has also been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Globe & Mail, Al-Jazeera,

CNN, and the Financial Times of London.

Perera became socially involved at age sixteen, after reading about the exploitation of children,

for a high school project. Wanting to get an insider’s look into the child sex industry, she

participated in a treacherous sting operation that led to the successful apprehension of a child sex

offender. She played the main role of the decoy and earned herself an offer of placement as the

Sri Lankan President’s Nominee on Child Protection, at the age of seventeen (Trinity College,

n.d).

Later on at the age of nineteen, Perera established OneChild with a group of peers. With her

leadership, the youth negotiated with Air Canada to screen their youth made informational video

disclosing a warning against child sex tourism. They succeeded and the project was launched in

2005 on all domestic and international flights. It was the first of its kind in Canada and the

second in North America (Trinity College, n.d). From then on, she has spoken to tens of

thousands and shared the stage with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Malala Yousafzai

and Heads of State. Today, her career spans 22 countries, where she has investigated the sexual

exploitation of children in travel and tourism; lobbied across private, public, and civil society

organizations to increase awareness of legislation combating the sexual exploitation of children

 Amaral 13

in travel and tourism; and provided shelter and long-term comprehensive care to hundreds of

victims in Asia (OneChild, 2019).

OneChild is the first organization in the world empowering children and youth to combat the

sexual exploitation of children through prevention education, advocacy, survivor care, and

survivor empowerment, benefiting over 74, 000 in 15 countries. OneChild has been named as

one of the Top 5 Canadian Charities run by Young Professionals (OneChild, 2019). Through the

organization’s four areas of focus Perera is able to impact a greater population of people. Firstly,

the prevention education provides information on ways to protect oneself from trafficking and

also highlights the signs of trafficking in order to advocate for oneself or others affected by this

issue. “Without a supply of children, buyers of sex with children and traffickers would be

powerless. Without demand, traffickers and perpetrators wouldn’t exist. Reaching you before

traffickers do and targeting demand is the most impactful way to end the sexual exploitation of

children and child sex trafficking. That’s why prevention is key. And the key to prevention is

education and awareness” (Perara, 2005). Another method used in order to tackle this issue is

caring and empowering the survivors. The physical and emotional trauma that these children

endure needs to be addressed. This is necessary if the survivors are to stand a chance at recovery

and living healthy, fulfilling lives. That is the reason why OneChild does more than just speak

about the sexual exploitation of children; they aim to provide shelter, healing and reintegration

for survivors back into society. These are just some of the ways she has worked toward finding a

solution to the complex issue of child sex trafficking and sexual exploitation.
 Amaral 14

Perera holds a Masters of Advanced Studies in Children’s Rights from the University of Geneva

and a B.A.(Hons) in Ethics, Society, and Law; Political Science; and Women’s Studies from the

University of Toronto. She is also a graduate of Harvard University and the University of

Oxford’s Executive Education programs on Transformational Leadership and Public Policy in

the 21st Century (OneChild, 2019). She is currently pursuing a M.A.S. in Switzerland, in

advanced studies in children's rights.

Through her foundation and additional efforts, Cheryl Perera has broken tremendous ground to

turn the tables on the child exploitation industry where few would dare to tread.

Role of Control

Control is most commonly known as the power to influence or direct people’s behavior or the

course of events. In regards to child exploitation, the traffickers have complete control over the

children and teens involved. More specifically, the traffickers regulate every aspect of these

adolescents’ lives, including money, food, residence, and overall freedom, therefore taking away

their power. Control is gained by targeting vulnerable girls and boys and then executing a

psychological and physical grooming process aimed at transitioning them to a dependent role

(Appendix IV). Using violence, substance abuse, false promises and manipulation, traffickers

then abuse the dependency and soon have physical and mental control and power to manipulate

their victims (Long, 2014). All of these aspects cause the victims to become trapped and feel

controlled and powerless while being sexual exploited.

 Amaral 15

Grooming is the first process by which an offender draws a victim into a sexual relationship and

maintains that relationship in secrecy. The shrouding of the relationship is an essential feature of

grooming and a part of the process in which the sex trafficker incrementally gains control and

power over the victim (Welner, 2010). The first step to the grooming process is to choose a

victim. The person that the trafficker targets is often vulnerable: they could be emotionally

needy, have low self-confidence, minimal support or even economic stress. Not to mention

children with less parental oversight are more ideal and desirable. All of these are risk factors

that contribute to someone’s possible exposure to exploitation. The second step in this process is

gaining the target’s trust. The sex offender gains trust by watching and gathering information

about the child, getting to know his or her needs and how to fill them. In this regard, sex

offenders mix effortlessly with responsible caretakers because they generate warm and calibrated

attention. Only more awkward and overly personal attention, or a gooey intrusiveness, provokes

the suspicion of parents. Otherwise, a more suave sex offender is better disciplined for how to

push and poke, without revealing themselves. Think of the grooming sex offender on the prowl

as akin to a spy—and just as stealthy (Welner, 2010).

The next step in grooming a child for trafficking is filling a need. As the perpetrator gains

information about the victim’s life, they can then find out what the child is lacking in their life

and meet either emotional or material needs, gaining control by showering them with gifts, being

a friend, beginning a love relationship, or even buying them drugs and alcohol. Eventually, the

trafficker begins to isolate the child by spending more time alone, trying to gradually distance

and then separate them from their family and friends.This isolation further reinforces a special
 Amaral 16

connection and their power over the victim. A special relationship can be even more reinforced

when an offender cultivates a sense in the child that he or she is loved or appreciated in a way

that others, not even parents, provide (Welner, 2010).

Finally, the trafficker begins the abuse and exploitation. The services that they had previously

provided must be repaid, whether it be money for cigarettes, drugs, car rides, or any other gift

that they had given the child. Often the amount of money that must be repaid is so extensive that

sex becomes the only feasible payment. Another way for the trafficker to get their victims is

through kidnapping or by purchasing the child from their parents. As the exploitation begins, the

trafficker maintains control through physical and physiological warfare. Threats, violence, fear,

and blackmail all help to sustain their control. Once the child is completely involved in the

trafficking, there is often a hierarchy within the sex trafficking ring. Firstly, the trafficker is the

person in the most control and is the one managing all the victims. Next is the Bottom, which is a

term used to to describe a female who has been appointed by the trafficker/pimp to supervise the

others and report rule violations. Operating as his “right hand,” the Bottom may help instruct

victims, collect money, book hotel rooms, post ads, or inflict punishments on other girls (Smith,

2019). Their role is essential to maintaining the traffickers’ overall power and control over the

victims. This is followed by all the other girls who are without control, helplessly abiding by the

rules and restrictions placed on them by other people.

Through the grooming cycle, kidnapping, and being sold, children are thrown into a realm that

damages their sense of safety in which they suffer and become completely defenceless.
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International Organizations

International organizations play a huge role in shaping our society. It is believed that

international organizations are responsible for the maintenance of international peace and

stability and are required to act in the interest of the international community (Crockett, 2012).

Throughout the world, there are countless organizations that work toward a common goal, to end

and help children affected by human trafficking and sexual exploitation. Some of these

organizations include End Child Prostitution and Trafficking International, United Nations ICEF,

and Plan International. All of these have had an influence on our world and continue to make a

difference in our world today.

End Child Prostitution and Trafficking

End Child Prostitution and Trafficking (ECPAT) is a campaign that started in 1990 with the

intentions to protect all the children involved with sex work in the 1980s in Southeast Asia.

ECPAT originally stood for “Ending Child Prostitution in Asian Tourism” and initially focused

on the brutal situation occurring in Asian. Eventually, in 1997, the campaign had become an

international NGO and began focusing on servicing the entire world. They had also changed the

meaning of their name to “End Child Prostitution and Trafficking” in order to better represent

their broadened objective. ECPAT has now developed into a worldwide network and has grown

to over 100 civil society organizations in 96 countries around the globe. ECPAT advocates for

children’s rights and specifically focuses on ending the sexual exploitation of children. Some of

the organization's efforts have included advocating for a stronger legal environment to protect

children and by raising awareness about the issue. As well, they partner with private sectors in
 Amaral 18

order to ensure their services are not being misused and continue to research in order to better

understand the crime and how they can help the survivors. Being the only organization in the

world that solely focuses on ending the sexual exploitation of children, ECPAT is a leading voice

for children’s human rights (ECPAT International, 2016).

United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund

Another organization is United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF).

UNICEF started in 1946 with the initiative to help protect all children around the world

especially in times of great need. UNICEF works in 190 countries and territories working to save

children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood

through adolescence (UNICEF, n.d). This organization focuses on many issues facing children

including trafficking. They work toward ending and preventing child trafficking by calling for

policies and cross-border solutions. This includes expanding safe and legal pathways for children

to move with their families, strengthening child and social protection systems to prevent,

identify, refer, and address cases of trafficking, violence, abuse, and exploitation against

children, ensuring that sustainable solutions are guided by an individual assessment of each

child’s case, improving cross-border collaboration and knowledge exchange between and among

border control, law enforcement and child protection authorities and avoiding measures which

may push children to choose riskier routes and to move alone to avoid detection by law

enforcement (UNICEF, 2018). UNICEF actively strives for a world in which every child has a

free chance at life.

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Plan International

For over 80 years, Plan International is a global organization that works to advance children’s

rights and equality for girls (Plan International, n.d). The founders, John Langdon-Davies and

Eric Muggeridge, set out in 1937 with a plan to provide food, accommodation, and education to

children whose lives had been disrupted by the Spanish Civil War. Now, the organization works

in over 75 countries through child sponsorship in order to transform the lives of the most

vulnerable children around the world. This includes the children that have been or are currently

being sexually exploited. Plan International helps to inform, empower, and improve laws in order

to help these victims. Through countless campaigns and donations, they are able to provide the

necessary resources for those who are most at need. As well, they provide a platform for other

stories to be shared, giving many the voice and information they never had before.

International Criminal Police Organization

Lastly, an international law enforcement agency that works against child sexual exploitation and

sex trafficking is the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL). INTERPOL is an

inter-governmental organization. They have 194 member countries, and help police in all of the

involved countries in order to work together to make the world a safer place. The organization

enables the police to share and access data on crimes and criminals, as well as offering a range of

technical and operational support. Officials working in each specialized crime area run a variety

of different activities alongside member countries. This can be investigative support, field

operations, training and networking (INTERPOL, 2019). INTERPOL works to fight against a

plethora of crimes including Human Trafficking. More specifically INTERPOL understands the
 Amaral 20

specific needs that minors require due to their increased vulnerability. Children are more easily

manipulated and often do not realize they are the victims of crime. Therefore INTERPOL

recognizes the crucial role played by child protection units, social services and NGOs in the

member countries by engaging and involving them in the organization’s activities. They work to

give the children the proper attention and care throughout investigations and operations. In order

to help combat child sex trafficking INTERPOL works by empowering police to improve

training, their capabilities and expertise. This is done by sharing the latest investigation and

victim interview techniques with officers, as well as by providing the tools and systems for

sharing intelligence globally. Another method is through global operations which initiate

concrete action in the field to disrupt and dismantle human trafficking networks. In addition, they

work on creating a streamlined approach across sectors to identify, report, and investigate

trafficking and ensure support is readily available. Education is a key aspect in informing the

authorities. Through events and conferences that gather experts from across the world, as well as

having specialist groups that focus on frontline police work and the exchange of operational

information, INTERPOL ensures that the victims’ needs are being recognized and fulfilled

(INTERPOL, 2019).

All of these unique organizations are able to provide support and resources in order to

eventually end child trafficking and sexual exploitation. They are all seen as successful in

spreading informative, advocating for stronger laws and providing services for those in need.

The need for International Organizations are ongoing, and their work shall never go unnoticed

within society as it helps so many.

 Amaral 21

Case Studies

Brazil (Appendix V)

Brazil is a global exporter of coffee and world-renowned for its excellence in the sporting world,

especially football (soccer). The land area of Brazil is 8.5 million square kilometres, making

Brazil the largest country in South America. The nation is located in eastern South America and

has a border with the Atlantic Ocean. Brazil is home to the fifth largest population in the world,

with 205.8 million inhabitants, and a growth rate of 0.75%. The majority, 85.7%, of the

population live in urbanized areas and are located along the Atlantic coast. The gross domestic

product per capita is on the decline and is currently $15, 200 (USD). Brazil has an

unemployment rate of 15%, despite a literacy rate of 92.6% (The World Factbook, 2019).

Despite having the largest economy in South and Central America, Brazil is not a developed

country. Due to the low gross domestic product per capita, low living standards, and high infant

mortality rate (18 deaths per 1,000 live births), Brazil is considered a developing country

(Investopedia, 2016). As of last year, Brazil ranked 79th in the United Nations Human

Development Report although it has been steadily increasing in rank since 1990.

Information on the socioeconomic status of a country creates an enhanced understanding of the

global issues prevalent in the country. Despite an annual increase in the human development

index of Brazil and previous governmental intervention, the poverty rates in Brazil are very high,

with 26.5% of the population living below the poverty line of Brazil (Croix, 2017). A poverty

line, also known as a poverty level, is defined by the World Bank as the level of income required

for a household or individual to secure the necessities of life (World Bank, 2005). Government

Statistics Bureau of Brazil has revealed that 16.2 million people, over 8.5% of the population,
 Amaral 22

live on less than $1.30 (USD) per person each day. Of the 16.2 million people, 4.8 million

inhabitants do not generate an income (World Bank, 2017). The recession in 2015 and 2016 only

added to this prevalent issue. As well, the economy has been negatively affected by multiple

corruption scandals involving private companies and government officials, including the

impeachment and conviction of Former President Dilma Rousseff in August 2016. Sanctions

consequently had been placed against the firms involved (some of the largest in Brazil) and have

limited their business opportunities (BBC, 2017). Naercio Menezes, a professor of economics at

the University of Sao Paulo, has explained that “Brazil is one of the most unequal countries on

the planet. The reduction [of poverty] that has been taking place in the last couple of decades is

very minor. If you are born into a poor family, it is very difficult for you to eventually become

rich”(Menezes, 2012). The economy of Brazil is starkly divided between the impoverished and

the wealthy. As a result, it is extremely difficult for individuals of lower socioeconomic

backgrounds to break the chain of poverty. With poverty comes vulnerability, and with

vulnerability comes exploitation.

When people are cast into poverty, they are often susceptible to numerous risks. This includes

poor health, lack of education, security and safety. The traffickers use this vulnerability to their

advantage and prey upon these people that have an obvious void that can be filled, whether it be

through a romantic relationship, a friendship or as a financial provider. By developing trust

through these vulnerabilities it allows the traffickers to gain power and control which essentially

lead to the exploitation process. More specifically, in situations of extreme poverty, financial

propositions become an extremely influential factor in the recruitment of victims as it is often a

case of basic survival. In Brazil, the citizens’ desire to escape their current reality is the main
 Amaral 23

driver of young women falling prey to traffickers’ advances. About 30% of the total Brazilian

population is younger than 15 years, and 45% of those living in extreme poverty (less than $61

per year) are in this age group (Dolby, 2018). Not only are individuals extremely poor, but

countless families are living under the poverty line, and they also face a higher risk of

exploitation. Some are so desperate that the parents encourage their children to sell their bodies.

According to the National Forum for the Prevention of Child Labor, there were an estimated

500,000 in children in prostitution as of 2012 in Brazil (Dolby, 2018).

Soccer is the most popular sport in South America and Brazil is no exception. In 2014 Brazil

hosted the FIFA World Cup. This widely popular event brought athletes, coaches, and fans from

all over the world into Brazil. The increase in tourism not only generated an increase in profits

but also an increase in the commercial sexual exploitation of children which has been associated

with sporting events both in Brazil and overseas. Therefore with about 600,000 foreigners

visiting for the World Cup, the child sex trade was able to benefit immensely. Another large

sporting event that had the same repercussions in terms of child sex trafficking was the 2016

Summer Olympics held in Rio de Janeiro. Similarly, there was an large influx of tourists which

created a great opportunity for businesses, legal and illegal alike. During these games, police in

Rio de Janeiro rescued eight minors who were forced to work for a sex trafficking ring at the

beaches near the main Olympic hub. There had also been reports of individuals coming to Brazil

to recruit children using sport as an incentive. In 2015, a South African woman reportedly

approached children in the Águas Lindas de Goiás municipality offering the opportunity to play

soccer and be a model in Johannesburg. These children were intercepted before they were
 Amaral 24

trafficked to South Africa (Kuruvilla, 2014). While prostitution may be legal in Brazil, the

sexual exploitation of innocent children is far from so yet the problem continues.

Iran (Appendix VI)

Iran is home to one of the world’s oldest civilizations (Whatley, 2001). The land area of Iran is

1.5 million square kilometres, making Iran the second largest country in the Middle East, just

after Saudi Arabia. The nation is located in South Asia and has a 5.89-thousand-kilometre land

border with countries such as Afghanistan, Armenia, Iraq, and Pakistan. Iran is home to 82.6

million inhabitants and a growth rate of 1.19%. The majority, 74.9%, of the population, live in

urbanized areas and are located in the northern, north-east, and eastern areas. The gross domestic

product per capita is on the incline and is currently $5,415 (USD). Iran has an unemployment

rate of 11.8%, despite a literacy rate of 85.5% (The World Factbook, 2019). As of last year, Iran

ranked 60th in the United Nations Human Development Report and has been steadily increasing

in rank since 1990.

Geographical aspects of the country create a particular concern. Due to Iran’s peculiar

geographical location as a bridge between Asia, Europe and the Middle East, people are not only

being trafficked into Iran from Afghanistan, but they are also being trafficked from Iran to the

Arabian Peninsula and the southern Mediterranean Region. Consequently, the to act of child sex

trafficking into and from Iran is a growing issue throughout the country. Furthermore, human

trafficking, especially child trafficking has significantly fewer repercussions compared to

smuggling of narcotics. This led to child sex trafficking becoming a very attractive business
 Amaral 25

alternative to drug trafficking with large, organized criminal rings developing (United Nations

Office on Drugs and Crime, 2005).

The Islamic Republic of Iran is not only well known for the country’s abundance of oil,

petroleum and natural gas products but also as the third worst country for human trafficking. In

order to gain an enhanced understanding of Iran, it is imperative to understand the religious

beliefs practiced throughout the nation. In Iran, religion plays a key role in the lives of the

majority of the population including the government. The government is a theocratic republic in

which 99.4% of the population is Muslim. Consequently, day-to-day affairs have aspects and

considerations dealing with religious beliefs.

Islam is the second largest religion in the world with over 1 billion followers throughout the

world. The world Islam is a means ‘submission to the will of God’ and teaches that God is

merciful, all-powerful, unique and has guided humankind through prophets, revealed scriptures

and natural signs (Campo, 2019). The primary scriptures of Islam are the Quran, viewed by

Muslims as the verbatim word of God, and the teachings and normative example of Muhammad

(peace be upon him). Muslims believe that Islam is the complete and universal version of a

primordial faith that was revealed many times before through prophets including Adam,

Abraham, Moses and Jesus. Muslims consider the Quran in its original Arabic to be the unaltered

and final revelation of God.. Like other Abrahamic religions, Islam also teaches a final judgment

with the righteous rewarded in paradise and unrighteous punished in hell (Bennett, 2010).

Religious concepts and practices include the Five Pillars of Islam, which are obligatory acts of

worship, and following Islamic law (sharia), which touches on virtually every aspect of life and

society.
 Amaral 26

Islamic Law calls for the welfare and well-being of all humankind according to the principles of

justice and mercy. Yet the policies of the Iranian government continue to defy international

norms and regulations. The government is often ridiculed due to the minimum standards for the

elimination of trafficking and the insignificant efforts made toward change (United States

Department Report, 2012). Iran’s defiance of international law demonstrates the systematic

violation of the rights of children, and the government’s complicity with human trafficking

within the country.

Though Iran is a party to the Convention for the Rights of Children, its policies are in stark

contrast to the articles of the convention.

1. Article 20 calls for children who cannot be looked after by their own family to

have a right to special care and states that they must be looked after properly, by

people who respect their ethnic group, religion, culture and language.

2. Article 22 states that “Children have the right to special protection and help if

they are refugees (if they have been forced to leave their home and live in another

country),” as well as all the rights in this Convention.

3. Article 32 calls for government protection for children from work that is

dangerous or might harm their health or their education. It further states that

“children’s work should not jeopardize any of their other rights, including the

right to education, or the right to relaxation and play.”

 Amaral 27

4. Article 34 calls for governments to protect children from all forms of sexual

exploitation and abuse.

5. Article 35 calls for governments to take all measures possible to make sure that

children are not abducted, sold or trafficked.

Not to mention, Iran is also not currently a party to the 2000 UN Trafficking Protocol, an

important international agreement focused on the prevention of human trafficking (Panah, 2015).

Indeed much of the blame for the current exploitation of children should be laid at the feet of the

Iranian regime. Not only has the government failed to tackle the poor state of affairs but it has,

through its corruption and malfeasance, enabled the practice of child exploitation to thrive. In

fact, newspaper reports, supported by the declarations of judicial and law enforcement officials,

acknowledged the existence of organized criminal networks involved in the trafficking of

narcotics, human beings, and small arms. The existence of child trafficking facilitated by large,

organized criminal rings is extremely prevalent and often methods of bribery are used to

maintain inaction. This endangers the most vulnerable of society, the youth.

Despite the issues in Iran of corruption within the government by which the country’s laws and

policies are directly affected, there is still hope. Many organizations outside of Iran are

attempting to push for the rights of Iranian citizens. The United Nations Office on Drugs and

Crime had created a programme with the purpose to assist the criminal justice system in Iran the

following areas in order to work towards justice against human trafficking:

1. Reform process, including a) improvement of court procedures; b) increasing public

trust; c) improvement of the role of women in the justice sector; d) application of IT in

the court system; e) promoting the rights of prisoners in the Prison System.
 Amaral 28

2. Crime prevention, including a) implementation of anti-money laundering legislation;

b) strengthening anti transnational organized crime legislation and measures; c)

promotion of mutual legal assistance; d) launching a nation-wide training programme for

judges and other relevant staff of the Judiciary.

3. Anti-corruption, including a) enhancing transparency and accountability of the

Judiciary; b) developing a roadmap to increase transparency and accountability; c)

implementation of an anti-corruption reform plan.

4. Trafficking in human beings, including a) assessing the patterns and dynamics of

trafficking of human beings in the country; b) developing anti-human trafficking

measures, including victim protection and support; c) promoting coordination and an

information-sharing mechanism to maximize the impact of anti-human trafficking

measures; d) supporting the organization of training courses for relevant officials.

The children of Iran deserve protection from exploitation and the chance at proper education and

societal support- not abandonment and abuse. The tenets of the Muslim faith support this but the

inaction and complicity of the governments must be challenged. The international community

must do more to protect the vulnerable and invisible children of Iran.

Russia (Appendix VII)

 Amaral 29

Russia, officially known as the “Russian Federation”, is the largest country in the world with a

land area of over 17 million square kilometers, and Russia is the only country to be located in

two continents, Europe and Asia, spanning over eleven time zones and incorporating a wide

range of environments and landforms. (History.com Editors, 2019).The nation therefore covers

one-eighth of the world’s inhabited land. Russia is the ninth most populous country in the world

as it exceeds 144 million, with 77% of the total population living in urban regions. Russia is one

of the few countries in the world with a negative population growth rate, with each woman

having an average of 1.6 children (Herd, 2019). Russia is one of the leading producers of oil and

natural gas, and the GDP per capita is approximately $26,100 (USD). The literacy rate in Russia

is 99.7% and the life expectancy is 70.8 years. Russia ranks 49th in the United Nations Human

Development Report and has been steadily increasing in rank since 2000.

In order to understand the issues that infect the second world country today, it is essential to

understand the events that ensued in the past, as the past influences the outcome of the future.To

understand the nation Russia is today, it is essential to have background knowledge on the Soviet

Union, the world’s first communist state. The official name of the Soviet Union was the Union of

the Socialist Republics (USSR), and was one of the dominant political entities of the twentieth

century. In 1917, the Russian Revolution took place by the radical leftist revolutionaries against

Russia’s czar Nicholas II. The violent revolution marked the end of the Romanov dynasty and

centuries of Russian Imperial rule. During the Russian Revolution, the Bolsheviks, led by leftist

revolutionary Vladimir Lenin, seized power and destroyed the tradition of czarist rule. A long

and bloody civil war followed. The Red Army, backed by the Bolshevik government, defeated

the White Army, which represented a large group of loosely allied forces including monarchists,
 Amaral 30

capitalists and supporters of other forms of socialism. In a period known as the Red Terror,

Bolshevik secret police—known as Cheka—carried out a campaign of mass executions against

supporters of the czarist regime and against Russia’s upper classes.A 1922 treaty between

Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and Transcaucasi formed the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics

(USSR). The newly established Communist Party, led by Marxist revolutionary Vladimir Lenin,

took control of the government.

Lenin was the Head of State until his death in 1924, and his successor was the dictator Joseph

Stalin. The USSR became the center of world affairs, and one of the two world superpowers of

the time (the other super power being the United States). From the beginning, Russia was the

most powerful and largest republic within the Soviet Union, and the Soviet Union was

established on the principles of communism and a socialist economy. During World War II,the

Soviet Union was an ally power and aided in the defeat of Nazi Germany (History.com, 2017).

However, immediately following the World War, the Soviet Union and the United States entered

a period of extreme tension known as the Cold War, from 1947 to 1991 (New World

Encyclopedia, 2017). In 1991, the Soviet Union collapsed due to large defense expenditures,

isolation from western technology and markets, and an inefficient centralized command

economy. The union dissolved into fifteen separate independent countries. The fall of the USSR

brought with it the removal of communism in Russia, but the dramatic change to a capitalism

based economy inflicted major economic downfalls within the country. The collapse of the

Russian economy from 1991 to 1996 was described as a worse situation than the Great

Depression in the United States. The Russian economy has never made a full recovery and the

falling prices in oil have further denied the success of the oil-dependent economy. Today, over
 Amaral 31

17% of the country’s population, 24.5 million citizens, live in poverty, and “Russia is on a long

road to economic recovery” (Ostroukh, 2017).

The ongoing poverty endured by the citizens of Russia is the driving factor behind child sexual

exploitation through human trafficking within the country, and is one of the worst post-Soviet

Russia tragedies. By the end of 2017, the World Bank is estimating a 1.5% drop in the country’s

already struggling GDP, with an increase in poverty sure to follow. Poverty is a state of being

extremely poor, with an income that fails to meet the federally established financial threshold,

which differs across countries. An impoverished family or individual is in an extremely

vulnerable position. Due to economic state, many of these families are forced to live in the

streets, or become mentally stressed to the point where the family unit is dysfunctional. In

Russia, the children who live in the streets or come from dysfunctional families are the victims

targeted by child sex traffickers. Traffickers will target a child in a state of vulnerability and

provide assurance of a better life. False promises and a way for the child to break the chain of

poverty that is their reality are perfect coercion tools utilized by the traffickers. Traffickers will

also offer the children living in the streets fake job opportunities,such as being a house cleaner,

to coerce the children into blindly following the trafficker. The predators are clever and

experienced in tricking their victims, and will exceed all boundaries in the pursuit of their next

victim. The Europe Law Enforcement Group has reported cases of disadvantaged children in

Russia being promised, by traffickers, opportunities to be exposed to upper class foreigners,

which could lead to marriage and a life one could only dream of living. However, once these

children are in the hands of the trafficker, the dream ends and the vicious circle of entrapment

begins. The children will be sexual abused and sold to strangers for the benefit of the trafficker.

As the children grow older, the exploitation does not end, and the children are often transported
 Amaral 32

to brothels. To control their victims, the predators will manipulate the children into believing that

their well-being is dependent on the trafficker, and disobedience will result in a life back on the

streets.

When a child is living on the street, attaining each meal from dumpster to dumpster, any offer of

escape is warmly welcomed, even if the promises are too good to be true. Despite the massive

land area of Russia, the victims of child sexual exploitation, who are trafficked domestically, end

up in one of two central locations: Moscow or St. Petersburg (refer to Figure A11). Traffickers

will often steal children from small towns throughout the eastern interior of Russia and transport

the children to the big cities in the west of the country. The majority of the pedophiles who pay

for the sex are located in these mainstream cities, and the trafficker can generate the greatest

amount of profit through the exploitation of children in the most populous regions of Russia.

Reports from the Moscow Police Force approximate that between 80,000 to 130,000 sex trade

victims are harbored in Moscow, and that 80% of these victims are minors.

Canada

Canada, the land of the northern region of North America, shares the longest international border

in the world with the United States. Canada is the second largest country in the world, with a

land area slightly under 10 million square kilometres and a population of approximately 35

million inhabitants. Canada has a life expectancy of 82 years, a literacy rate of 99% throughout

the population, and a gross domestic product per capita of approximately $50,000 (USD).
 Amaral 33

Due to a multitude of statistics gathered by the United Nations in 2016, Canada has been ranked

10th in the world on the United Nations Human Development Index. Canada is a developed

country that was built on the principles of democracy and justice and formed under the orderly

negotiations and culminating terms of the Confederation of Canada on July 1st 1867.

However, wealthy and developed countries are not untouched by criminal acts that threaten the

safety and well-being of children within the nation. Child sexual exploitation exists in Canada.

The issue often slips beneath the awareness of the public, however it is a major concern of the

law enforcement officials within the society.

Despite this, all over the country, children are in involved in the commercial sex trade. More

specifically, British Columbia's first human trafficking case related to minors was Reza Moazami

who was arrested and charged with sexual exploitation, sexual assault, human trafficking and

prostitution-related offences of eleven females between the ages of 14 and 19 years old (Province

of British Columbia, 2014). Moazami allegedly controlled a prostitute enterprise at various

locations around B.C.'s Lower Mainland between February 2009 and October 2011, when he

was arrested by the Vancouver Police. Moazami is accused of sexually assaulting six of the

eleven youth during the time he was their trafficker, five of whom were under the age of 18

(Province of British Columbia, 2014). Although this was the first case in British Columbia, it

does not dismiss the fact that similar acts had been occurring prior to conviction by many other

perpetrators throughout the country.

 Amaral 34

Canada’s concern to help aid victims and prevent human trafficking especially to protect the

nation’s children has not gone unnoticed. Canada’s Criminal Code contains four specific human

trafficking offences:

1. Trafficking of a person (section 279.01)

2. Trafficking of a person under the age of eighteen years (section 279.011)

3. Materially benefitting from human trafficking (section 279.02)

4. Withholding or destroying travel or identification documents (section 279.03)

A person cannot legally consent to being exploited in a human trafficking situation under the

Criminal Code of Canada. These sections make it a crime to:

1. Recruit, transport, transfer, receive, hold, conceal or harbour a person, or exercise

control, direction or influence over a person’s movements for the purpose of exploiting

or facilitating the exploitation of that person (section 279.01 Trafficking in Persons).

Exploitation means causing a person to provide their labour or service by engaging in

conduct that, in all the circumstances, could reasonably be expected to cause that person

to believe their safety, or the safety of someone they know, would be threatened if they

failed to provide their labour or services (section 279.04).

In determining whether an accused exploits another person, the court may consider,

among other factors, whether the accused:

(a) used or threatened to use force or another form of coercion;

(b) used deception; or

(c) abused a position of trust, power or authority

 Amaral 35

In addition, Canada also has laws stating:

(1) Every person commits an offence who is in a position of trust or authority towards a young

person, who is a person with whom the young person is in a relationship of dependency or who

is in a relationship with a young person that is exploitative of the young person, and who

○ (a) for a sexual purpose, touches, directly or indirectly, with a part of the body

or with an object, any part of the body of the young person; or

○ (b) for a sexual purpose, invites, counsels or incites a young person to touch,

directly or indirectly, with a part of the body or with an object, the body of

any person, including the body of the person who so invites, counsels or

incites and the body of the young person.

● Marginal note: Punishment

● (1.1) Every person who commits an offence under subsection (1)

○ (a) is guilty of an indictable offence and is liable to imprisonment for a term

of not more than 14 years and to a minimum punishment of imprisonment for

a term of one year; or

○ (b) is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction and is liable to

imprisonment for a term of not more than two years less a day and to a

minimum punishment of imprisonment for a term of 90 days.

● Marginal note: Inference of sexual exploitation

● (1.2) A judge may infer that a person is in a relationship with a young person that is

exploitative of the young person from the nature and circumstances of the relationship,

including

○ (a) the age of the young person;

 Amaral 36

○ (b) the age difference between the person and the young person;

○ (c) the evolution of the relationship; and

○ (d) the degree of control or influence by the person over the young person.

Although human trafficking and child sexual exploitation is illegal in Canada and there

are significant efforts working toward eradicating this issue there is always something more that

could be done to ensure the safety of our children and society.

Logic of Evil

Evil is constructed of many counterparts. In general, it can be separated into one of two

categories: natural evil and moral evil. “Natural evils are bad states of affairs which do not result

from the intentions of negligence or moral agents” including anything from a natural disaster to a

stomach ache. In comparison, “moral evils do result from the intentions of negligence of moral

agents” including anything from killing millions in gas chambers during the Holocaust or a small

white lie (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, 2018). Child sexual exploitation, to most, is

perceived as a morally evil act, however, there is interesting logic behind the behaviors of the

perpetrators. Rationalization of these acts allows these traffickers to continue without remorse.

Child sex trafficking is an extremely lucrative business and the pimps see it as simply such. The

children that are being trafficked are viewed as a commodity, less than human. They can be sold

over and over again which produces a steady and continuous profit. On average, each victim of

forced sexual servitude generates close to $100,000 (USD) annually (Human Rights First, 2017).

Many traffickers have no regard for human moralities or rights; the economic gain completely
 Amaral 37

outweighs the injustices. The power of money is a very influential thing and it often dictates

people’s actions, even legitimizing them.

Many traffickers convince themselves that they are helping the youth whom are in fact victims.

After gaining complete control over the children, the traffickers often become the children’s

providers. They begin to be the only source of necessities such as money, food, shelter, and

affection. Hence the perpetrators excuse this as benefiting them, that if they had not taken them

in that they would have nothing. This is an extremely prevalent excuse because the majority of

the targeted children are vulnerable when first encountering these perpetrators. As they fill a

need in these victims lives, they feel as if they are being of service and therefore what they are

doing is improving the lives of these children. 1qxb

Another aspect of trafficking is the psychology behind and possible trauma that these pimps have

experienced. There have been large scale studies examining how victims are sucked into the life

of exploitation, however, there has been less research done on the background of the traffickers.

The DePaul College of Law took it upon themselves to delve deeper into the minds of the

traffickers, and the results show surprising correlations. The report highlights that over three

quarters of traffickers involved with child sexual exploitation were sexually abused as children.

Over two thirds of the traffickers reported to have been sold for sex themselves as children, with

15 years being the average age of entry into forced sexual work. The majority of perpetrators

also reported growing up in a home with parents who had drug and/or alcohol addictions, which

led to physical abuse, and domestic violence. Many traffickers ran away from home as children
 Amaral 38

and this vulnerability is what swept them into the international sex industry (Raphael and Myers-

Powell, 2010). The life of many traffickers began with abuse.

Connection to Politics

The Cambridge Dictionary defines politics as “the activities of the government, members of law

making organizations, or people who try to influence the way a country is governed” (Cambridge

Dictionary, nd). Politicians, people who are involved with politics, have the ability to enact great

change or build enormous barriers regarding the issues facing the world and a country. The issue

of child sex exploitation is no exception with laws and policies that can help create positive

change in society in terms of this widespread issue.

The amended Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) of 2000, is the most important anti-

trafficking law passed in history. There are two important distinctions made by the TVPA.

Firstly, any person under the age of 18 years who performs a commercial sex act is considered a

victim of human trafficking, regardless of whether force, fraud, or coercion were present.

Secondly, trafficking occurs with or without the physical movement of a victim from one locale

to another. The Trafficking Victims Protection Act seeks to combat human trafficking, including

child sexual exploitation, through the promotion of the “Three Ps Policy”: prosecution,

protection, and prevention. Prosecution involves countries complying with TVPA to establish

appropriate laws that criminalize trafficking and ensure the proper punishment of any abusers

who exploited human beings for profit. Protection involves the identification of victims, and

providing the victims with shelter, medical care, and rehabilitation, if necessary. Finally,

prevention involves promoting awareness of the inhumane practices of human trafficking and
 Amaral 39

shifting public views towards dismantling the human trafficking industry. The goal of the

Trafficking Victims Protection Act is to combat modern-day slavery and, ultimately, break the

chains of human trafficking.

Child sex trafficking and exploitation is an issue that affects every country in the world. For this

reason it crucial that all nations work toward creating policies and laws that attempt to ensure

security for their entire population.

Solutions

A solution is “an action or process of solving a problem” (Merriam-Webster Dictionary, nd).

There are many actions that are a part of the process in order to work towards solving the huge

issue of child sexual exploitation and trafficking. Child sex trafficking is widespread and it

concerns every nation, therefore, short term solutions will not fix this long term issue, but they

will slowly improve the conditions in order to eventually rectify the issue. These steps include

providing more resources for victims, putting in place or improving laws, strengthening law

enforcement, providing prevention through education, bettering training and protocol and

implementing accessible resources. Although these solutions will not fix and eradicate the entire

issue, they are steps in the right direction.

“Laws are the rules that bind all people living in a community. Laws protect people’s general

safety, and ensure the rights of citizens against abuses by other people, by organizations, and by

the government itself” (The Judicial Learning Centre, 2015). Despite having laws in place

against child sex trafficking internationally and nationally, the issue is still prevalent. Through

implementing and strengthening laws, progression can occur by punishing those who facilitate
 Amaral 40

and engage in these acts. End Child Prostitution and Trafficking (ECPAT), one of many

international campaigns against child trafficking, advocates for a stronger legal environment to

protect children by raising awareness. Plan International is also among the countless

organizations striving to improve laws through campaigns. “Other services that are essential to

progress are an increased police service and a stricter judicial system with longer sentences for

sex offenders and traffickers” (Simone, 2019). Longer sentencing creates a deterrence effect. It

decreases the incentives for perpetrators to continue trafficking because of the risk of extensive

time spent in custody. Improving laws and strengthening judicial systems not only protects

children from traffickers but also helps to limit those involved with trafficking.

Although laws are placed to ensure safety within a society, they are meaningless without the

proper enforcement methods. Effective law enforcement identifies and responds to criminal

cases to apprehend and rectify issues. Increased police servicing and training that is directed

toward the issue of child sex trafficking and the specifications it requires benefits children’s

safety overall and allows the policing agency to accomplish their job. The International Criminal

Police Organization (INTERPOL) aids in improving policing agencies to help deal with these

issues through a multitude of methods. “We strive to empower police in our member countries to

investigate and handle cases of human trafficking” (INTERPOL, 2019). Some of the methods

include providing the latest investigation and victim interview techniques with officers,

increasing policing capabilities and expertise through the latest tools and systems for sharing

intelligence globally, and working across sectors to improve the ways in which trafficking can be

identified, reported and investigated (INTERPOL, 2019). INTERPOL unites policing agencies

around the world in order to deal with this international issue on an international level.
 Amaral 41

Education is the most empowering force in the world. It creates knowledge, builds confidence,

and breaks down barriers to opportunity. Educating the public, the service providers, and

victims/potential victims themselves creates a deeper knowledge of the possible situations and

struggles in order to help each individual. Agencies and organizations around the world work to

eliminate child commercial sexual exploitation through education. The Simcoe Muskoka Family

Connexions works to prevent human trafficking by specifically educating the youth in care and

community in order to prevent the most vulnerable and at risk children from being exploited.

OneChild is another organization that believes that education is an essential aspect of resolving

the issue of child sex trafficking. “Without a supply of children, buyers of sex with children and

traffickers would be powerless. Without demand, traffickers and perpetrators wouldn’t exist.

Reaching you before traffickers do and targeting demand is the most impactful way to end the

sexual exploitation of children and child sex trafficking. That’s why prevention is key. And key

to prevention is education and awareness” (OneChild, 2019). The organization spreads

information through presentations and informational videos that bring to light the horrors of the

reality of sex tourism and sex trafficking. They use survivor stories along with facts and statistics

to fully inform schools, government, corporations, law enforcement and community groups. The

public knowledge of human trafficking helps create empathy, awareness, and continued

prevention because anyone, anywhere can be involved in trafficking. Many victims of sex

trafficking feel hopeless and worthless. Every aspect is out of their control, they are being

abused, manipulated, used, and treated without any respect or consideration. In order to help

these children heal and move forward in their lives, and to help these children escape the cycle of

trafficking, services must be provided for every aspect of their recovery. Simcoe Muskoka
 Amaral 42

Family Connexions works toward servicing these youth and providing them with the adequate

resources for them to escape and recover. This includes housing, financial support, therapy to

help cope with addiction, physical abuse, physiological abuse and counselling. By providing the

proper resources and services, individuals are taken care of and their physical and emotional

trauma can be addressed to give them a chance to recover and live healthy, fulfilling lives

(OneChild, 2019).

Agencies and organizations follow policies and protocols that influence the process and

procedures in which they engage. The Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions as an agency, “is in

the process of devising a new protocol to help identify those who are the most at risk and the

warning signs that allude to a sex trafficking victim” (Simone, 2019). Continually updating and

re-assessing these protocols allows them to provide the most up to date and relevant services.

Developing internal mandates allows agencies to implement the most efficient and proficient aid

to these children. Not only do policies create change but so does extensive training alongside

education. Updated and informed training for police agencies, schools, therapists, and protection

agencies not only enhance the identification and support for victims but also deter perpetrators.

Child sex trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation is an extensive issue that reaches every

corner of the world. Taking each aspect of the issue and solution into consideration and placing

the importance on each individual is most feasible and conscientious way to approach such a

daunting task. Pushing for improved laws, stronger law enforcement, in conjunction with

providing resources, protection through education, and training, works toward helping the
 Amaral 43

children of the world. “Every child has the right to be protected from sexual exploitation and sex

trafficking, Period” (Perara, 2019).

Appendix I

Visual representation of the amount of money made from human trafficking comparing
 Amaral 44

sexual exploitation to domestic service and forced labour exploitation.

Appendix II

Visual representation of number of commercial sex trafficking victims compared to labour

trafficking.
 Amaral 45

Appendix III

This is the average age of the children involved with sex trafficking
 Amaral 46

Appendix IV
 Amaral 47

The grooming cycle that is employed by traffickers to take control from their victims.

Appendix V
 Amaral 48

Brazil’s location on world map.

Appendix VI
 Amaral 49

Iran’s location on world map.

Appendix VIII
 Amaral 50

Russia’s location on world map.

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