Ciencia e Saude Coletiva
Volume 14, Issue 4, 2009, Pages 1029-1035

Trafficking in persons: A health concern? [Tráfico de pessoas: Uma preocupação da Saúde?] (Article)

Zimmerman C.* , Kiss L. , Houssain M. , Watts C.
  • a Gender, Violence and Health Centre, Department of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 36 Gordon Square, London, United Kingdom
  • b Gender, Violence and Health Centre, Department of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 36 Gordon Square, London, United Kingdom
  • c Gender, Violence and Health Centre, Department of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 36 Gordon Square, London, United Kingdom
  • d Gender, Violence and Health Centre, Department of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 36 Gordon Square, London, United Kingdom

Abstract

Human trafficking is a phenomenon that has now been documented in most regions in the world. Although trafficking of women and girls for sexual exploitation is the most commonly recognised form of trafficking, it is widely acknowledged that human trafficking also involves men, women and children who are trafficked for various forms of labour exploitation and into other abusive circumstances. Despite the violence and harm inherent in most trafficking situations, there remains extremely little evidence on the individual and public health implications of any form of human trafficking. The Brazilian government has recently launched a national plan to combat human trafficking. However, because the health risks associated with human trafficking have not been well-recognised or documented, there is extremely limited reliable data on the health needs of trafficked persons to inform policy and practices.. Brazilian policy-makers and service providers should be encouraged to learn about the likely range of health impacts of trafficking, and incorporate this into antitrafficking protection and response strategies. As well as prevention activities, the government, international and local organisations should work together with the public health research community to study the health needs of trafficked persons and explore opportunities to provide safe and appropriate services to victims in need of care.

Author Keywords

Traffic in women SEXUAL EXPLOITATION Labour exploitation Public health violence Health needs

Index Keywords

Internationality international cooperation Brazil Article human rights crime human Humans public health
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-70349510416&partnerID=40&md5=5fdd863d522ac21bb02824b5659bc68b
ISSN: 14138123
Cited by: 8
Original Language: Portuguese