Basic Instructions. Trafficking, exploitation

Usually, “trafficking” refers to the process when someone is getting exploited by the other person, who receives economic benefits from this. This is a form of violence, and most often, like other forms, it happens to women and children.

Most common types of exploitation are labor and sexual. Here are the main forms of exploitation that are found in the modern world:

— Prostitution or other forms of sexual exploitation,

— Forced labor or services,

—  Slavery or practices similar to slavery,,

— Servile status,

— Forced marriage,

— Organ harvesting.

Where should I go for help if I’m a survivor of exploitation?

You can file a crime report with law enforcement and they should be able to help you.

There is a protocol on the prevention and suppression of human trafficking. It implies that exploitation is a punishable crime. The protocol supplements the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime. 190 states are members of the organization, which means that they must criminalize human trafficking and protect survivors.

Search for the local non-profit and public organization that help survivors of human trafficking (you can find their contacts on the internet).  You can also try reaching out to local charities and religious organizations.

What should I do if I don’t speak the local language?

If you have to ask for help, but you don’t speak the local language, you may feel even more vulnerable. Try to learn the phrases you need to ask for help and share your location in advance. For example, “My name is… I am a survivor of human trafficking. I need help. Please come to…[insert address here]”.

In some countries you can ask the police or medical service to provide you with an interpreter. You can also use Google Translate to translate the necessary phrases in advance and save them or write them down. For example: “I need help. I don’t speak English (or another language, depending on the country). Can I get an interpreter?”.

If I have any migration issues (e.g. visa overstay or my registration has expired) and I was involved in illegal activities while being exploited, is it safe for me to call the police?

If your registration has expired or you are in the country illegally, problems may arise. Also, survivors of human trafficking are often arrested, detained, charged and even prosecuted for violations of the law, such as illegal entry into the country, illegal work or prostitution.

However, there are international standards that people affected by exploitation should not be prosecuted for violating immigration laws or for activities in which they were involved as a subject of trafficking. But these standards are not always met.If your registration has expired or you are staying in the country illegally, you may have problems while contacting law enforcement agencies and healthcare workers. If you have any issues with your migration status and your life is not in danger right now, it’s better to reach out to the organizations that help the survivors of domestic violence, refugees, and migrants (you can find their contact info on the internet). You can also try reaching out to charities and religious organizations..

You can also use a leaflet about minimizing risks of getting involved in human trafficking.