Citation

Stewart DE, Gajic-Veljanoski O. CMAJ 2005; 173(1): 25-26.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2005, Canadian Medical Association)

DOI

10.1503/cmaj.1041360

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Trafficking in human beings is an international crime, an undesirable by-product of globalization. Trafficking of women for sexual exploitation is the industry's major component. Trafficking entails the denial of human rights, including the right to health. It is essential for physicians to know its extent and the health problems likely to be found in this exploited population. Because of its covert nature, trafficking is very difficult to quantify. In Canada, trafficked captives are usually discovered through police raids or when victims seek asylum. This likely represents but a fraction of this activity. Women who have been trafficked are at increased risk for a range of physical and mental health problems. Canada is both a destination and a transit country for victims trafficked from Eastern Europe, China, Southeast Asia and Latin America. Although substantial efforts have been made by some Canadian NGOs, a 2003 US report on human trafficking found little Canadian data and described Canada as lacking a national strategy on trafficking, making little effort to prosecute traffickers, giving victims no assistance or protection, and frequently deporting or charging them as criminals. Canada still seems to be focused more on criminal and educational approaches than on human rights such as victims' assistance, protection and right to health. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)