World Day Against Trafficking in Human Beings
Wednesday, 05 August 2015
When people ask me questions about modern slavery and human trafficking, often I am asked, "How can I tell if someone is a victim?". There is no exact science. Knowing if someone is a human trafficking victim is similar to finding out if someone is being abused. There are some definite warning signs to look for and questions to ask.
"Every country must join together to overcome this transnational threat by supporting and protecting victims while pursuing and prosecuting the criminals. On the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, let us resolve to act as one in the name of justice and dignity for all."
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
When people ask me questions about modern slavery and human trafficking, often I am asked, "How can I tell if someone is a victim?"
In the lead up to the United Nations ‘World Day Against Trafficking in Human Beings’ on 30th July 2015, I explored the signs that we can all look out for to better identify potential victims and published them on Facebook and Twitter using the hash tag ‘KnowtheSigns’.
There is no exact science. Knowing if someone is a human trafficking victim is similar to finding out if someone is being abused. There are some definite warning signs to look for and questions to ask. You may never find or report a case of human trafficking, but if you know what to look for and how to report it, you can be aware of your surroundings and know what to do if you notice something suspicious.
Sexual Exploitation: Signs may include –
Work in various areas across a town/country;
Have no cash of their own;
Work long hours with little time off;
Live in the same place as they work;
Only know sex-related words in the local language &
Have tattoos/scars indicating ownership.
#KnowtheSigns #StopSlaveryToday
Labour Exploitation: Signs may include –
Live in groups in the same place as they work;
Not dressed adequately for the work they do;
Have no access to their earnings;
Work excessively long hours;
Be subjected to insults, abuse threats and violence;
Be unable to move freely &
Have no labour contract.
#KnowtheSigns #StopSlaveryToday
Criminal Exploitation: Signs may include –
Children, elderly persons or disabled migrants who tend to beg in public places;
Unaccompanied minors who have been 'found' by an adult of the same ethnicity or nationality;
Live as gang members with adults who are not their parents;
Persons deceived into working in criminal enterprises such as cannabis factories &
Show obvious signs of being abused such as cuts and bruises.
#KnowtheSigns #StopSlaveryToday
Domestic Servitude: Signs may include –
Living with a family but with no private space;
Never or rarely leave the house for social reasons;
Sleep in a shared or inappropriate space;
Be given only leftovers to eat &
Employer is holding any passport or identity documents
#KnowtheSigns #StopSlaveryToday
Forced Labour/Debt Bondage: Signs may include –
Threat or actual physical harm;
Restriction of movement or confinement;
Paid very little or nothing at all because of 'debt' deductions;
Withheld identity documents;
Poor or non-existent health and safety standards &
Imposed place of accommodation.
#KnowtheSigns #StopSlaveryToday
Child Exploitation: Signs may include –
Be unaccompanied despite their young age;
Have no access to education;
Have no friends of their own age;
Look intimidated;
Behave in a manner which is not typical of a child of that age &
Be engaged in work or household chores unsuitable to their age.
#KnowtheSigns #StopSlaveryToday
General Indicators in people who have been trafficked may include –
Not know their home or work address;
Allow others to speak for them when addressed directly;
Act is if instructed by someone else;
Be disciplined through punishment;
Show fear or anxiety;
Be distrustful of authorities &
Have limited or no contact with their families.
#KnowtheSigns #StopSlaveryToday