What are the different forms of human trafficking?

Dressember Reading Day #4

Every day during the month of December, we’re answering common questions and breaking down different aspects of human trafficking on our blog and Instagram. Join us in raising awareness about the injustice of human trafficking by sharing, donating, or joining the Dressember campaign (it’s not too late!).

At Dressember, our vision is a world without slavery. To make that vision a reality, we have to answer: what exactly constitutes human trafficking? It is not a singular issue; there are many forms of slavery in the $150 billion dollar industry. To act and fight effectively, we must first communicate effectively. Defining the forms of human trafficking establishes vocabulary for a constructive dialogue.

Let’s break it down.

Forced Labor

Forced labor is the most prevalent form of human trafficking (there are 20.9 million estimated victims of forced labor). It involves any instance in which an individual is forced or coerced into working under threat for little or no compensation. International Justice Mission estimates that 90% of all forced labor occurs in private economic sectors.

Bonded Labor

Also known as debt bondage, bonded labor is a common form of forced labor. It occurs when an individual is forced to work to pay off a debt; the value of their labor often exceeds the value of the debt itself. Vulnerable individuals (including, but not limited to, immigrants, victims of war, and socioeconomically disadvantaged persons) often have no choice but to enter into bonded labor to meet basic needs.

Sex Trafficking

A21, a partner of Dressember, defines sex trafficking as, “forcing, deceiving, or coercing a person to perform a commercial sex act.” These acts are often performed in exchange for any item of value, including drugs, clothes, food, or shelter. The National Human Trafficking Hotline reported 7,859 cases of sex trafficking in 2018 alone, with a majority of victims being female.

Forced Marriage

When one or both parties in a marriage enter without full, free, informed consent, it is considered a forced marriage. The Tahirih Justice Center reported at least 3,000 suspected forced marriage cases between 2009 and 2011 in the United States alone; forced marriage is also prevalent in developing nations.

Is forced marriage the same as arranged marriage?

Not really—in arranged marriages, both parties provide consent. Forced marriages involve coercion.

Forced Child Labor

Children are, unfortunately, not exempt from human trafficking. Data indicates that, globally, 168 million children aged 5 to 17 are engaged in child labor, hindering their education and development.

Is all work done by children considered child labor? No.

Put simply, child labor is the enslavement of anyone under the age of 18. “Child work” and “child labor” are not always considered slavery. Child labor becomes slavery when a child is exploited for their work for someone else’s gain.

Child Soldiers

Children may also serve in armed conflicts as a form of human trafficking. Child soldiers often work on the front lines of conflicts—serving as lookouts and messengers or participating in active combat. The Child Soldiers World Index noted at least 18 conflicts in which children participated since 2016. Children frequently serve as military personnel believing they will have a higher chance of survival in conflicts.

Constructive conversations about how to fight human trafficking are possible with these forms of slavery clearly defined. Want to learn more about how you can join the conversation surrounding modern slavery? Check out these resources for further reading.