Human Trafficking in South Asian Countries: An Analysis from the Prism of Law

Abstract

Human trafficking is an international crime perpetrated by the traffickers for unlawful gain through the heinous act of sex trafficking, forced labor, begging, pornography, forced marriage, removal of organ, etc. Traffickers are using the information technology and online services to facilitate trafficking and to promote sex industry and sex slavery. Several laws and policies have been framed but failed to address the root cause of this menace. This study revisits the existing legal system to unfold the changing dimensions of Human Trafficking, focusing on the conditions of victims in South Asian Countries. The issues like changing pattern of slavery with changing attitude towards sexuality and gender, growing inequality, economic depressions, migration, sex tourism, etc. has been critically analyzed to address the challenges before the existing legal system coupled with human right responses with legal arguments. The above study is based on analytical study with an empirical insight by incorporating secondary data and advocates in favor of collaborative governance. This paper, drawing on available scientific evidence, validates the hypothesis that the issue must be addressed through a human rights centered approach within a comparative legal framework. It argues that states in the South Asian region have failed to assume the necessary responsibilities and that, since the Covid-19 pandemic, the global polity has been experiencing an unprecedented human crisis. In this context, the social work profession must intensify awareness programs and help ensure the welfare of affected individuals.