The Silent Threat: Impact of Human and Sex Trafficking on National Security

Introduction

Human trafficking has become a modern-day form of slavery involving the exploitation of individuals through force, fraud, or coercion for labour or sexual exploitation (Lee, 2010; Méndez, 2015). Human trafficking comes in many forms, such as sex trafficking, labour trafficking, organ trafficking, child labour, bonded labour, forced marriage, among others (United States Department of State, 2024; International Labour Office, 2005). These heinous crimes transcend borders, violating fundamental human rights and posing a significant threat to national security. The insidious nature of trafficking lies in its ability to operate in the shadows, exploiting vulnerable populations and undermining the rule of law (Shavers, 2012; Locke, 2012; Shelley, 2010).

The Trafficking in Persons Report identified 944 trafficking victims (including 123 sex trafficking victims and 821 labour trafficking victims) in 2023, and 574 victims in 2022. The majority of identified victims were women and children (505). Most identified victims were also Ghanaians (616). Of the 123 foreign nationals, other victims identified were from Nigeria, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Vietnam. NGOs identified an additional 145 trafficking victims, including 139 labour trafficking victims and six sex trafficking victims (United States Department of State, 2023).

National security extends beyond traditional military threats. It encompasses the protection of a nation’s citizens, infrastructure, and institutions from internal and external dangers (Hirsch Ballin et al., 2022; Wu, 2024). Human trafficking directly challenges these pillars of security. It erodes social cohesion, fuels transnational crime, and weakens the state’s capacity to protect its most vulnerable populations (Ampah & Kandilige, 2023; Ondieki, 2017). The normalisation of exploitation within a society breeds a culture of impunity, which can embolden other criminal elements and destabilise communities. Furthermore, the profits generated from trafficking often fund other illicit activities, including organised crime, terrorism, and corruption, further compromising national security. This article explores the intricate relationship between human trafficking and national security, examining its causes, effects, prevention, and necessary interventions.

The Technique

Traffickers exploit vulnerable children through forced labour in various sectors, from fishing and domestic service to mining and agriculture (Kiss & Zimmerman, 2019). For instance, they prey on girls and women, promising lucrative jobs, but instead force them into commercial sex to settle inflated debts (Abiodun, 2023). These victims may then be transported to the Middle East, Europe, or elsewhere in West Africa for further exploitation (De Jong & Stewart, 2019). Traffickers utilise manipulative recruitment methods, forge contracts, confiscate passports, and inflict physical and sexual violence. These crimes are carried out by a network of agents, occasionally including corrupt airport officials, and shockingly, by individuals close to the victims, such as family members and employers.

The Roots of the Exploitation

Understanding the causes of human trafficking is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies. These causes are complex and multifaceted, often intertwined with socio-economic disparities, political instability, and cultural norms.

1. Poverty and Economic Inequality: Economic desperation creates a fertile ground for traffickers who prey on individuals seeking better opportunities. In many developing countries like Ghana, limited access to education, employment, and basic necessities forces individuals into these vulnerable situations, and most of these victims are noted to be women and children due to gender inequality and discrimination. Also, cultural norms that condone violence against women and girls contribute to their vulnerability.
2. Political Instability and Conflict: Armed conflicts, natural disasters, and political instability displaced populations, making them easy targets for traffickers.Refugees and internally displaced persons are particularly vulnerable due to their precarious living conditions and lack of legal protection.
3. Corruption and Weak Governance: Corruption within law enforcement and government institutions facilitates trafficking operations. Traffickers often bribe officials to turn a blind eye to their activities, undermining the rule of law and hindering prosecution efforts. Traffickers, according to the 2023 Trafficking in Persons report, bribed law enforcement officials and government-appointed monitors in charge of inspecting Ghanaian-flagged fishing vessels for illegal practices, including forced labour. During previous reporting periods, some law enforcement officers reportedly solicited bribes from suspects and sought payment from victims or civil society for transportation or operating expenses to initiate investigations.
4. Globalisation and Technology: While globalisation has brought economic benefits, it has also facilitated the movement of traffickers and their victims across borders. The internet and social media platforms are increasingly used to recruit and exploit victims.
5. Demand for Cheap Labour and Commercial Sex: The demand for cheap labour in industries such as agriculture, construction, and domestic work, as well as the demand for commercial sex, fuels the trafficking industry.

IMPACTS ON NATIONAL SECURITY

The impact of human trafficking extends far beyond the individual victims, affecting the stability and security of entire nations.

1. Erosion of Social Cohesion: Trafficking undermines social trust and cohesion by creating a climate of fear and insecurity. Communities where trafficking is prevalent often experience increased crime rates, violence, and social unrest.
2. Fuels Transnational Organised Crime: Trafficking is often linked to other transnational criminal activities, such as drug trafficking, arms smuggling, and money laundering. The profits generated from trafficking finance these illicit operations, strengthening organised crime networks.
3. Compromising Border Security: Traffickers exploit porous borders and weak border controls to move victims across national boundaries. This compromises border security and facilitates the movement of other illicit goods and individuals.
4. Public Health Risks: Trafficking victims are often subjected to unsanitary and dangerous living conditions, increasing their risk of contracting infectious diseases.This poses a public health risk to both victims and the wider community.    

Prevention Strategies

Effective prevention strategies require a multi-pronged approach involving governments, civil society organisations, and international cooperation.

1. Strengthening Law Enforcement and Judicial Systems: Governments must invest in training law enforcement and judicial personnel to effectively investigate and prosecute trafficking cases. This includes enhancing their capacity to identify victims, gather evidence, and protect witnesses.
2. Addressing Socio-Economic Disparities: Addressing poverty, inequality, and lack of opportunity is crucial for preventing trafficking. This includes investing in education, job training, and economic development programs.
3. Combating Corruption: Governments must implement measures to combat corruption within law enforcement and government institutions. This includes strengthening anti-corruption laws, increasing transparency, and promoting accountability.
4. Raising Public Awareness: Public awareness campaigns can educate individuals about the dangers of trafficking and empower them to recognise and report suspected cases. The government, in collaboration with NGOs and international organisations, must provide extensive training and public awareness to law enforcement, judicial officials, social workers, service providers, law enforcement, civil society stakeholders, and community leaders.
5. Protecting Vulnerable Populations: Special attention must be given to protecting vulnerable populations, such as refugees, internally displaced persons, and unaccompanied minors. This includes providing access to education, safe housing, legal assistance, and social services.
6. International Cooperation: Trafficking is a transnational crime that requires international cooperation. Governments must work together to share information, coordinate investigations, and extradite traffickers.

Recommendations And Interventions      

Interventions must prioritise the needs of victims, providing them with comprehensive support to rebuild their lives. The 2023 Ghana report on human trafficking gives recommendations on how to manage human trafficking.

a.  Increase efforts to prevent exploitation of Ghanaian workers abroad by ending the ban on labour migration to Gulf states, implementing the 2020 National Labour Migration Policy, and ensuring workers do not pay recruitment fees.

 b.  Amend the 2015 implementing regulations for the 2005 human trafficking law to remove the option of a fine in lieu of imprisonment in cases where the trafficker is a parent or guardian of a child victim.

 c.  Fully implement and train front-line officials on the SOPs to proactively screen for trafficking indicators among vulnerable populations – including Ghanaian women travelling abroad for domestic work, returning migrants, child labourers, refugees and asylum seekers, and Cuban government-affiliated medical workers – and refer trafficking victims to protective services.

d.  Increase the quantity and quality of care available to trafficking victims, including by providing financial and in-kind support to civil society providing shelter and victim services.

e. Institutionalise training for law enforcement, judicial officials, and Department of Social Welfare (DSW) personnel on the 2005 human trafficking law, and on trauma-informed, specialised investigative and prosecutorial techniques.

f. Improve victim-witness assistance programs to increase protective services for victims participating in the criminal justice process.

g. To combat human trafficking, it’s essential to reduce the demand for exploited individuals, specifically targeting those who pay for commercial sex and those who use forced labour. Ghana’s Human Trafficking Act imposes severe penalties, with a minimum of five years’ imprisonment. If a parent or guardian is involved, they face fines and/or imprisonment for five to ten years. General penalties range from five to 25 years in prison.

Conclusion    

Human trafficking poses a grave threat to global stability and security, demanding immediate and sustained attention. To effectively combat this scourge, nations must prioritise robust investigations and prosecutions of traffickers, including corrupt officials and deceptive recruiters, ensuring convicted criminals face severe penalties, primarily through substantial prison terms. Only through this unwavering commitment to justice and collaborative action can we fortify our defences against this heinous crime and safeguard the fundamental rights of our citizens.

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