This article seeks to raise awareness of the global trafficking of women and urge the international community to seriously protect women's human rights. It begins by discussing the international trafficking of women and the social, cultural and political factors that perpetuate the industry. An overview of existing laws to combat trafficking of women for the sex trade in the UN, the EU and the US is also provided. The author notes that while a number of international and domestic legal instruments exist, enforcement remains ineffective and inconsistent.