The Global Dimension of Human Trafficking: Causes, Forms and Consequences

Abstract

Human trafficking is one of the most serious international crimes, affecting millions of individuals annually and representing a flagrant violation of fundamental human rights. Legally defined by the Palermo Protocol (2000), this phenomenon involves the recruitment, transportation and exploitation of individuals by means of coercion, fraud or abuse of power, for the purpose of illicit profit.

From an academic perspective, the causes of trafficking are multiple and interconnected: systemic poverty, economic inequalities, political instability, gender discrimination and limited access to education. Against the backdrop of globalization and irregular migration, vulnerable people – especially women, children and refugees – become targets of transnational criminal networks.

The phenomenon manifests itself in various forms: sexual exploitation (the most prevalent), forced labor, organ trafficking and child exploitation. These forms of exploitation are systematically hidden in informal economies or conflict zones, making it difficult to identify and punish the perpetrators.

The consequences are profound and multidimensional. At the individual level, victims suffer severe psychological trauma, and at the societal level, trafficking in human beings undermines social cohesion, fueling corruption and instability. From a legal perspective, this scourge undermines the rule of law and requires a firm and coordinated response.

The international response includes instruments such as the UN Convention against Transnational Crime and Directive 2011/36/EU, which impose clear legal obligations on states to prevent trafficking, protect victims and punish traffickers. In Romania, Law no. 678/2001 constitutes the domestic legal foundation, complemented by institutional structures such as ANITP.

In conclusion, human trafficking is a phenomenon with complex roots and systemic consequences, which requires a rigorous legal approach, international coordination and victim-centered public policies.