With the release of the 2010 US State Department Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report yesterday, it’s an apt time to focus on one of the transnational issues that does not garner the same attention as climate change, oil spills, war, trade, and so on. Skimming the report, reading about the countries I visit and work on during my travels, it provides a sense of the scale of trafficking along with actions taken by different countries as well as recommendations for action. While it is informative it also stirs up a round of criticism every year; no country likes to be known as a haven for trafficking. What makes this year special though is that the United States reported on itself. Placing itself under the microscope is laudable, but transnational problems require cross – border solutions.
People will migrate. They will also engage in risky migration practices in order to escape poverty (of income, or opportunity) to seek better lives elsewhere. This of course leaves many people exposed to the dangers of trafficking and later exploitation, including slavery in its various forms. While many countries have subscribed to UN protocols to address trafficking, stronger action (and thus, commitment of resources) needs to be taken on the issue. According to the report, 12.3 million people are in forced labour around the world. Although many international organizations and NGOs work to address these issues, further commitment by the U.S. will provide the issue with the weight and resources necessary to address it effectively.
The report will stir up criticism, and while it may be perceived as an instrument for chastising nations, the U.S. can use it to build partnerships with several countries where our relationships are flagging.
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