The Platform for International Cooperation on Undocumented Migrants (PICUM) has produced a public policy brief addressing current public policy standards that define and work to combat human trafficking. One of the findings of the research is that worldwide, human trafficking is being classified as “more-or-less synonymous with irregular migration and the position of undocumented migrants.” PICUM reports that this is problematic because it fails to see the broad scope that human trafficking can take on a case-by-case basis. Additionally, “it cannot be claimed that the activities of people traffickers account for a large portion of irregular entry [into a country]” because many undocumented residents may have been admitted to the country through legal means, but are actually undocumented as a result of a failure to comply with immigration regulations.
The purpose of this policy brief is to clarify the current public policy position of the issue of trafficking, and to put forth recommendations for adapting the definition of human trafficking so that it more accurately reflects the problem. PICUM proposes, “the disentanglement of trafficked persons from immigration control policy agendas and the development of strategies which maximize opportunities for victims to call on the support of police and employment protection agencies.”
In order to read the full brief, please click here.
Compiled from: Human Trafficking and Forced Labour What Perspectives to Challenge Exploitation?, Don Flynn, The Platform for International Cooperation on Undocumented Migrants, April 2007.