Human Trafficking 101

The United Nations defines human trafficking as: “the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of people through force, fraud or deception, with the aim of exploiting them for profit.”

Human trafficking can take multiple forms. There is forced labor, forced domestic servitude, sexual exploitation, forced illegal activities, and organ harvesting, to name a few. Some forms of trafficking can include more than one of these types of activities. It is important to view each case individually before trying to make a determination as to whether there is human trafficking. The best course of action is to refer it to a law enforcement or intervention agency with training in human trafficking.

There are three elements to human trafficking. All three must be present to meet the legal requirements of human trafficking. The key elements include:

• Act (what is done):

  • Recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring, or receipt of persons;

• Means (how it is done):

  • Threat or use of force, coercion, abduction, fraud, deception, abuse of power or vulnerability, or giving payments or benefits to a person in control of the victim.

• Purpose (why it is done):

  • Exploitation, which includes exploiting the prostitution of others, sexual exploitation, forced labour, slavery, or similar practices and the removal of organs.

When a minor is involved, there is no requirement for means. All that is required is the ACT and the PURPOSE.

Human Trafficking World Wide

There are an estimated 30-50 million people enslaved in the world today. Why is there such a huge gap in the number range? Because human traffickers operate in the shadows. They hide their activities and their victims. They prey on individuals who are less likely to report them or who may be unable to seek help. There is also a stigma attached to being trafficked. One of the most common questions I hear from people is “why don’t they just leave?” This highlights the terrible misunderstanding that the public in general has about human trafficking. Many are unable to leave. Their traffickers have conditioned them to obey, they have threatened them with violence, or threatened their families. They have told them that if they report them, they will be the ones arrested. There are large numbers of young people who may not even realize they are being trafficked. Many countries, especially developing countries, have no reporting method in place and cannot track individuals who are being trafficked.

Who is Most Vulnerable to Human Trafficking ?

Human trafficking is a widespread issue that affects people from all walks of life. However, traffickers specifically target those who are most vulnerable—those who are easier to manipulate, exploit, or coerce. Understanding these vulnerabilities is crucial in the fight against trafficking and in providing protection and support to those at risk. Let’s look at a few of those.

Children and Teenagers

Children and teenagers, especially those in unstable or abusive homes, are particularly vulnerable to trafficking because of their young age, their lack of experience, and their eagerness to be accepted by others. 28 percent of all identified trafficked persons are children. The word identified is italicized because children are far less likely to report because they know their trafficker, they fear their trafficker, they lack information about their options, they don’t trust authorities, and they may be returned to their trafficker without any safeguards or support.

Runaways and homeless youth are primary targets, as traffickers prey on their need for shelter, food, and security. In Japan, societal pressures and cultural expectations can also make adolescents susceptible to exploitation through deceptive employment opportunities or online grooming.

Trafficked boys are the fastest segment of trafficked children, with the number of boys trafficked quintupling from 2004 to today. They face additional challenges because of gender stereotypes and a significant lack of male-specific child trafficking support centers.

Technology makes it even easier for traffickers to target children and teenagers. Approximately 41 percent of children who are trafficked are recruited online. The top online sources for child trafficking, according to the Human Trafficking Institute, are Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and Roblox.

Women and Girls

While human trafficking affects both men and women, females are disproportionately affected by sex trafficking. Women and girls facing economic hardship, domestic abuse, or social isolation are more likely to be lured into trafficking through false promises of employment, education, or romantic relationships.

Migrant Workers and Foreign Nationals

Immigrants, especially undocumented individuals or those with limited legal protections, are at high risk for labor trafficking. Language barriers, lack of knowledge about their rights, and dependency on employers make them vulnerable to exploitation in industries such as domestic work, agriculture, construction, and entertainment.

Individuals Experiencing Poverty and Unemployment

Economic hardship makes individuals more susceptible to traffickers who promise financial stability. Those struggling to provide for themselves or their families may unknowingly enter exploitative work situations, believing they are legitimate opportunities.

Victims of Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence

Those who have experienced abuse, whether physical, emotional, or sexual, often have a diminished sense of self-worth and may be more susceptible to manipulation by traffickers who offer false love, security, or stability.

People in the Foster Care System

In many countries, including Japan, children in foster care or orphanages are at higher risk of being trafficked due to their lack of a stable support system. They may age out of care without adequate resources, making them easy targets for exploitation.

Individuals with Mental Health Challenges or Disabilities

Those with mental health conditions or cognitive disabilities may struggle with decision-making and self-advocacy, making them more susceptible to coercion and abuse by traffickers.

Those Involved in Online and Social Media Exploitation

Traffickers frequently use social media to identify and groom potential victims. Young people who engage with strangers online or respond to offers for modeling, acting, or other jobs are particularly vulnerable to deceptive recruitment tactics.

How Can We Protect the Vulnerable?

Recognizing these vulnerabilities is the first step toward prevention. Education, awareness, community involvement, and strong support networks are essential in protecting at-risk individuals. By equipping families, schools, and churches with knowledge about trafficking tactics, we can create safe environments where exploitation is less likely to thrive.

As a Christian ministry, we believe that God's love and restoration can reach both victims and traffickers. Through outreach, advocacy, and support, we aim to protect the vulnerable and bring healing to those affected by trafficking.

If you suspect trafficking or need help, please reach out to us or a trusted organization for guidance and support.