Human Trafficking: A Human Rights Abuse with Global Dimensions

Impoverished girls and women are disproportionately affected by human trafficking. This article compares the advantages and disadvantages of utilizing state governments, intergovernmental organizations (IGOs), and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to tackle this transnational issue. The author argues that trafficking, as an international crime, requires a multifaceted approach that capitalizes on the advantages of state governments ability to pass preventative legislation, IGOs ability to coordinate internationally, and NGOs ability to provide grassroots aid to victims. The author is cognizant that individual nations have made great strides in combating human trafficking. However, she argues that by acting unilaterally, they are also at an inherent disadvantage. If human trafficking is to be effectively addressed, gender discrimination must be discouraged, domestic violence minimized, and equality fostered.

Sara Birkenthal, "Human Trafficking: A Human Rights Abuse with Global Dimensions" (2011-2012) 6:1 IJHRL 27 online: .