" (Jones et al, 2007, p.107) The definition clearly states that any means of achieving full control over another - be it through threats, kidnapping or deception - for commercial purposes can be considered human trafficking.
The definition has to include all possible means of human acquisition, as the reality of human trafficking shows that recruiters and traders are willing to undertake any means imaginable in order to acquire their victim. Apart from this, the UN further defines the term "exploitation" as "the prostitution of others or other forms of sexual exploitation, forced labor or services, slavery or practices similar to slavery, servitude or the removal of organs" (Jones et al, 2007, p.107). Again, the definition is intentionally broad and encompasses a variety of possible forms of degradation and servitude due to the realities of the trade.
There is, however, a gray area in defining human trafficking, particularly with regards to prostitution. Some argue that not all women working in the sex trade can be classified as "coerced". These women, proponents argue, willingly crossed borders and entered prostitution as a means of survival, and should therefore not be labeled "victims" of the sex trade. On the other hand, there are also those who believe that even those who willingly accept their lot as prostitutes can be viewed as coerced by economic forces. The need to survive heightens the vulnerability of these women, hence their willingness to serve as sex workers without overt coercion (Jones et al, 2007, p.107). These two points of view serve to pinpoint a key area of discussion in defining human trafficking.
Another area of contention is the issue of borders. Should national borders be crossed before the crime can be labeled human trafficking? The issue is merely one of the contested and hotly debated areas in the definition of human trafficking. In essence, defining human trafficking can be very difficult, due to the many facets of the crime.
The highest prison population in the world can be found in the United States. This has been an on going problem in our country for quite some time. The national prison population has risen nearly 500 percent since 1972, far greater than the 28 percent rise in the national population during this ti...
