What does 'human trafficking' refer to?

Human trafficking refers to the illegal trade of people for exploitation, often involving coercion or deception. This crime typically encompasses a range of exploitative practices, including forced labor, sexual exploitation, and involuntary servitude, among others. It is characterized by the abuse of power or a position of vulnerability, where traffickers manipulate, deceive, or outright force individuals into exploitative situations.

This understanding is distinct from other concepts such as the legal movement of immigrants for employment, which involves lawful procedures and protections for workers. Similarly, assisting individuals in finding work abroad and exchanging people for educational purposes do not imply any illegal or exploitative intent and are typically conducted within legal frameworks and ethical considerations. In contrast, human trafficking is deeply rooted in violations of human rights and is recognized globally as a serious crime that requires strict enforcement and prevention measures.