Human trafficking is defined as any action that, through the use of technology or other means, involves threats, force, or other forms of coercion, as well as abduction, fraud, deception, abuse of power, or exploitation of vulnerability. It also includes giving or receiving payments or benefits to obtain the consent of a person who has authority over another, with the purpose of recruiting, transferring, transporting, harboring, concealing, retaining, delivering, or receiving one or more persons, both within and outside the country.

The goal of these actions is to subject victims to forced labor or services, labor exploitation in any form, servitude, slavery or similar practices. It also includes forced or servile marriage, illegal adoption, forced begging, forced pregnancy or abortion, and any other form of sexual exploitation. Additionally, it covers the illicit extraction and transplantation of organs, tissues, cells, or human fluids.

MODALITIES OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING

  • 1
    Forced Begging

    A person is forced by another to beg for money for the benefit of the trafficker or third parties. Consent is not valid in the case of minors, elderly people, individuals with disabilities, or anyone in a vulnerable situation.

  • 2
    Forced Pregnancy

    Any action aimed at promoting, facilitating, or carrying out a pregnancy in a woman, whether minor or adult, for the purpose of economic or other benefits from the sale of the baby, its organs, tissues, fluids, or other anatomical components.

  • 3
    Forced or Servile Marriage

    Any practice in which a person, without the right to oppose, is promised or given in marriage in exchange for money or goods delivered to parents, guardians, or others. It also applies when the person is married and subjected to exploitation.

  • 4
    Illegal Organ Extraction

    The removal of one or more human organs without following the legally established medical and legal procedures.

  • 5
    Labor Exploitation

    Any abuse by an employer, such as working under threats or receiving a wage that does not reflect the responsibility, effort, or hours worked.

  • 6
    Child Labor

    Persons under 18 performing work that affects their development, are exposed to dangerous tasks, or forced into illegal activities.

  • 7
    Forced Work or Services

    Demanding labor from a person under threat, coercion, false debt, or deceit.

  • 8
    Exploitation in Criminal Activities

    Used for selling drugs, weapons, stolen goods, or involvement in theft or contract killings.

  • 9
    Forced Prostitution

    Victims are manipulated or coerced to engage in sexual acts for others' pleasure, with or without payment.

Characteristics of Human Trafficking

Human Trafficking

WITHOUT CONSENT

Irrelevant

Abuse of power/trust

Vulnerable situations

DEPRIVATION OF FREEDOM

Total

Partial

Without chains

DISPLACEMENT

Use of force, coercion, or deceit

Isolation from support networks

Loss of identity/travel documents

Traffickers exploit dreams, promises, and deception to trap their victims.

Forced

Abduction or kidnapping from home, school, public places, etc.

Deceptive

Offering fake opportunities or conditions different from those initially promised.

Partially Deceptive

Lying about the type of work, while hiding the real conditions involved.

CONSEQUENCES OF TRAFFICKING

Trafficking is a crime you can help prevent by staying informed and alert.

Human trafficking causes lasting harm to children, youth, and adults forced to perform acts against their will. Overcoming these effects takes time and professional support.

SOCIAL LEVEL

Use of violence in relationships and conflict resolution.
Difficult, ambivalent, and contradictory relationships.
Stigmatization, humiliation, and social exclusion.
Lack of institutional support (education, health, protection).

PHYSICAL LEVEL

Disorders: cervical cancer, kidney dysfunction, STIs.
Eating disorders.
Pregnancies.
Addiction effects.
Physical and sexual abuse.
Permanent physical injuries.
Exposure to toxic substances.
Premature aging.
Death.

YOUR LIFE OR THAT OF OTHERS IS NOT A COMMODITY. REPORT IT!