Human Trafficking and Minorities: Vulnerability Compounded by Discrimination

Human trafficking is an extreme human rights violation that impacts all populations across the globe and is characterized by force, fraud, and coercion intended for exploitation (Palermo Protocol 2000). Currently, human trafficking research is particularly limited by non-standard terminology and a clandestine research population. While estimates of the number of trafficked persons vary widely and are notoriously unsubstantiated, we can still arrive at some conclusions regarding the overall number of trafficked persons. One low estimate suggests that in 2005, at least 2.4 million people had been trafficked into forced labor situations and approximately 12.3 million people were victims of forced labor (International Labor Organization 2005). In addition to compiling comprehensive data on the number of trafficked persons, researchers and policymakers must identify who is trafficked. Basic quantitative data on the raw numbers of trafficked persons is not enough; qualitative data is also required in order to combat this human rights violation. That is, what are the characteristics of trafficked persons; what do they have in common; and do those commonalities contribute to exploitation