Trafficking in and trading of human beings is one of the phenomena of urbanism. This article presents a simple 'explanatory model for human trafficking through urbanism'. Human trafficking, which is the biggest global illegal business after drug trading, has been declared an organised crime by the United Nations (UN). In order to crack down on these illegal businesses, the UN, in collaboration with many affected nations, has undertaken various measures, but has unfortunately met with little success. Trafficking in human beings continues to persist and the main players continue to accumulate considerable wealth through the exploitation of their victims. This article therefore explores the underlying forces responsible for human trafficking and presents an Explanatory Model for the Sustainability of Human Trafficking. The model draws from a case study of human trafficking from the Philippines to Malaysia. © 2008 SAGE Publications.

[No Keywords available]

sustainability urban area Southeast Asia Eurasia United Nations Malaysia Philippines illegal immigrant trafficking Asia