Many items and goods are shipped between countries and continents. Most of these goods are normally welcomed and add to the economy and world of trading. One major shipment that is illegal though is that of humans.
Globally known as human trafficking, the process is defined as the illegal trade of human beings so as to serve as slaves in foreign land. Humans who are trafficked across state lines usually end up as slaves in places where they have no family, no legal standing and no protection by the laws of the land.
Human trafficking has been described as one of the fastest growing criminal activities globally, second to drugs. Despite the fact that it is illegal, human trafficking is still highly profitable, with revenues generating billions of dollars yearly.
Like any other criminal activity, most countries are trying to protect their people from it, but with little success. The trafficking protocol was formed in 2000 in Palermo, Italy by the United Nations. The protocol was mainly to protect women and children from slavery or any other evils that are borne out of human trafficking.
There are several types of human trafficking that people need to protect themselves against. Bonded labour is the most prevalent, this entails being made to work for someone in order to pay for a debt or loan, which is a form of slavery. Another type is called forced labour, where one is forced to work against their choice. Sex trafficking, slavery in the form of sexual favours, is also commonplace. Finally, there is child labour which is a huge concern globally.
Many people wonder why the trade in human beings, as inhumane as it is, is still widespread and has no end in sight. A simple answer is money. Cheap labour that comes with the slavery and so criminals will continue to exploit it, whilst a lack of money from the governments in the countries where it takes place means that it is difficult to wipe out.