Human Trafficking

Human trafficking is an international problem that has region- and country-specific ramifications, including within the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Every day, criminals recruit and kidnap women, men and children and transport them across borders. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) notes that trafficking occurs in almost every country in the world.

While many nations disagree on the definition and parameters of human trafficking, it is widely acknowledged that the illegal movement of people is harmful and exploitative. UNODC estimates that at any one time there are more than 2.5 million victims of human trafficking – bringing in billions of dollars for criminals every year. Sexual exploitation is the most common form of trafficking, affecting 79% of trafficking victims.

Download the policy brief below.