An Introduction to Human Trafficking - United Nations Office on ...

PART ONE.—VULNERABILITY
The effects of globalization have also introduced new variables in<strong>to</strong> traditional discussions
of poverty. A World Bank analysis of the social consequences of the economic collapse
of countries of the former Soviet Union reveals what the study identifies as “new poverty”,
the result of structural adjustments and political decisions that have destabilized the
economies of these emerging States and plunged entire sec<strong>to</strong>rs of the population in<strong>to</strong> situations
that in fact constitute a new form of poverty among people who had never thought
of themselves as poor. 35 This form of crisis-driven poverty has contributed <strong>to</strong> a feeling of
hopelessness among many of the population. Their sense of despair, coupled with a sense
of panic at finding themselves suddenly without any traditional social protection mechanisms
<strong>to</strong> assist their families, was a motivation behind many young women seeking employment
outside their countries of origin, leading <strong>to</strong> extreme forms of exploitation, abuse and
trafficking. Ascribing trafficking <strong>to</strong> poverty in general terms in such situations fails <strong>to</strong> recognize
the complexity of cause as well as motivation and leads <strong>to</strong> inadequate prevention
programmes.
4.—Social and cultural exclusion
In every country, certain groups benefit from privileges and access <strong>to</strong> resources and political
power that inure them <strong>to</strong> the potential hazards of economic downturns, political instability
or natural disasters. Those who do not fall in<strong>to</strong> the “preferred” category suffer
discrimination in education, employment, access <strong>to</strong> social services, including health care,
access <strong>to</strong> resources (especially in times of natural disaster) and lack of a political voice.
Socially excluded groups are cultural subgroups who are marginalized according <strong>to</strong>
complex fac<strong>to</strong>rs, including ethnic, linguistic and religious differences, low social status and
involuntary minority status. Social exclusion prevents groups from receiving benefits and
protections that are intended for all citizens. Their economic mobility is usually affected
and they are excluded from mainstream activities such as education and employment. 36
Social exclusion can be the result of state policies as well as ingrained cultural traditions
and practices. In developing such prevention programmes, it is important <strong>to</strong> understand
where changes need <strong>to</strong> be made.
Social exclusion is particularly important when discussing how <strong>to</strong> prevent revictimization
and re-trafficking. Trafficked persons face considerable obstacles upon their return home,
not the least of which are the attitudes and biases of their own communities. Young women
trafficked for purposes of sexual exploitation may encounter discrimination based on their
involvement in prostitution. Others face the shame and humiliation of returning penniless
in spite of hopes of coming back with provision for their families. <strong>An</strong>d, frequently, these
same persons return with the added black mark of having been arrested as “illegal immigrants”,
notwithstanding their true status as victims of crime.
35
Nora Dudwick and others, eds., When Things Fall Apart: Qualitative Studies of Poverty in the Former Soviet Union
(Washing<strong>to</strong>n, D.C., World Bank, 2003).
36
Maureen A. Lewis and Marlaine E. Lockheed, “Social exclusion: the emerging challenge in girls’ education”,
Exclusion, Gender and Education: Case Studies from the Developing World, Maureen A. Lewis and
Marlaine E. Lockheed, eds. (Washing<strong>to</strong>n, D.C., Center for Global Development, 2007).
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