Mandela asserts that depriving individuals of their human rights challenges their humanity. The United Nations, on the other hand, defines human rights as intrinsic to all people, irrespective of factors such as nationality, residence, sex, origin, color, religion, language or any other status. Sadly, victims of human trafficking are stripped of their basic rights - rights that should have been guaranteed to them from birth. This deprivation reduces them to mere objects and denies them their fundamental humanity. Trafficking is considered a violation of human rights because it robs women and girls of the right to freedom of speech and expression, access to top-notch physical and mental healthcare services, educational opportunities and social interactions.
The act of human trafficking violates the right of a victim to voice their thoughts and feelings, as it is enforced throug
...h intimidation and coercion. In the United States Constitution, there is a guarantee of freedom of speech and expression for all individuals, irrespective of discrimination. This crucial right is safeguarded by the First Amendment which reads "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech..." (U.S. Constitution). The inclusion of this right in the Constitution highlights its importance according to the founding fathers. However, when an individual becomes a victim of trafficking, they are deprived of their rights since they cannot provide consent. Trafficked individuals, especially women, face threats, violence, and manipulation from their traffickers that hinder them from expressing themselves or taking any action. Many victims are forced into believing that they owe their traffickers for protection, food, transportation across borders, and othe
necessities. In every instance of trafficking,
the victim's ability to freely speak and express themselves is severely restricted.
Trafficking can cause emotional wounds and violate individuals' mental health, which can be more debilitating than physical injuries. Casabianca states that
victims of trafficking often experience symptoms of PTSD such as nightmares, intrusive thoughts, and flashbacks. These traumatic memories should not continue to torment them indefinitely. Traffickers prevent victims from receiving necessary psychological treatment, depriving them of a peaceful and fulfilling life and exacerbating the impact of their trauma. Additionally, trafficking instills self-doubt in victims who constantly blame themselves and question what they could have done differently to escape their circumstances. This is particularly true for victims of sexual abuse burdened with self-blame. Every individual deserves freedom from distressing thoughts and unwarranted guilt.
Human trafficking hinders victims' access to education, impeding their ability to receive a proper education and learn about their rights. Education plays a critical role in improving living standards, healthcare, and employment opportunities in developing nations, as stated by Brown. It is also vital for addressing issues like child labor, child marriage, pregnancy, and child soldiers while providing alternatives and choices. However, trafficking thrives in impoverished areas where education is often lacking. In cases of immigration-related trafficking, victims may be unfamiliar with the language or unaware of the laws that protect them in their new country. Therefore, it becomes imperative to educate women about human trafficking so they can take preventive measures or know how to escape if victimized. Deceit and manipulation keep individuals captive, depriving them of their right to an education.
Traffickers not only violate a woman's right to free social interaction, but they also confine and isolate them, preventing outside contact. The victims may be kept locked in rooms, apartments, or brothels, thus denying them the opportunity to seek help. Some traffickers resort to extreme measures such as
withholding food, physical assault, or rape if a woman resists being forced into prostitution (Advocates for Human Rights). These tactics of fear restrict victims' ability to escape and have severe negative effects on their mental well-being. Studies highlight the importance of positive relationships and strong support systems for overall happiness and health (Register of Trauma Specialists). Depriving victims of these essential elements represents a violation of their fundamental human rights.
According to the Declaration of Independence, all individuals are inherently equal and have certain rights that cannot be taken away. These rights include Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. It is unjustifiable to deny these fundamental rights. Therefore, it is essential for the government to intervene in cases of human trafficking, which blatantly violate multiple human rights. The University of Minnesota scholars propose various effective strategies for combating human trafficking: advocating for and protecting human rights; identifying victims and perpetrators; conducting research; establishing a strong legal framework and law enforcement response; safeguarding trafficked individuals; and ultimately preventing its occurrence.
- The victim essays
- Feminism essays
- Animal Rights essays
- Animal Testing essays
- Bullying essays
- Abortion essays
- Abuse essays
- Immigration essays
- Poverty essays
- Human Rights essays
- Inequality essays
- Violence essays
- Torture essays
- Crash essays
- Assault essays
- Racism essays
- Prejudice essays
- Controversial Issue essays
- Cyber Bullying essays
- Women's Suffrage essays
- Women'S Rights essays
- Women Empowerment essays
- Sojourner Truth essays
- Bullying In Schools essays
- Pro Choice essays
- Pro Life essays
- Should Abortion Be Legal essays
- Against abortion essays
- Abortion Debate essays
- Abuse Support essays
- Child Abuse essays
- Alcohol Abuse essays
- Physical Abuse essays
- Sexual Abuse essays
- Substance Abuse essays
- Migration essays
- Human Migration essays
- Illegal Immigration essays
- Immigrants essays
- Refugee essays
- Overpopulation essays
- Homelessness essays
- Hunger essays
- Dumpster Diving essays
- Homelessness In America essays
- Euthanasia essays
- Assisted Suicide essays
- Censorship essays
- Gun Control essays
- Empowerment essays