Human Trafficking Around the World

This unprecedented study of sex trafficking, forced labor, organ trafficking, and sex tourism across twenty-four nations highlights the experiences of the victims, perpetrators, and anti-traffickers involved in this brutal trade. Combining statistical data with intimate accounts and interviews, journalist Stephanie Hepburn and justice scholar Rita J. Simon create a dynamic volume sure to educate and spur action. Hepburn and Simon recount the lives of victims during and after their experience with trafficking, and they follow the activities of traffickers before capture and their outcomes after sentencing. Each chapter centers on the trafficking practices and anti-trafficking measures of a single country: Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, France, Germany, India, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Niger, Poland, Russia, South Africa, Syria, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Examining these nations' laws, Hepburn and Simon reveal gaps in legislation and enforcement and outline the cultural norms and biases, societal assumptions, and conflicting policies that make trafficking scenarios so pervasive and resilient.This study points out those most vulnerable in each nation and the specific cultural, economic, environmental, and geopolitical factors that contribute to each nation's trafficking issues. Furthermore, the study also highlights common phenomena that governments and international anti-traffickers should consider in their fight against this illicit trade.

Stephanie Hepburn and Rita J. Simon make an effective case that while the specifics of trafficking vary depending on its focal point, there are certain constants. In their review of a range of countries, they demonstrate that economics, geography, civil unrest, societal inequality, and gender disparities play a major role in how trafficking manifests itself. -- Christa Stewart, New York State Office of Human Trafficking, Office of Temporary Disability Assistance I recommend this comprehensive study to anyone wanting to understand the fight against the modern-day slavetrade. The book stands apart by augmenting nation-by-nation accounts of trafficking realities with critiques of existing local anti-trafficking measures and consideration of local obstacles. Supported by diverse sources, the authors set forth clear policy recommendations to combat trafficking. -- Lori J. Johnson, staff attorney, Farmworker Unit, Legal Aid of North Carolina Human trafficking and sexual exploitation are complex issues which differ in nature from country to country, and very often accounts of human trafficking are based on anecdotal evidence. Hepburn and Simon managed to delve beneath the surface of policies and legislation within the various countries that they studied by involving those who are involved at a grass root level and have come up with a fascinating account of these practices in the various countries covered in their book. -- Carol Bews, assistant director, Johannesburg Child Welfare Society This volume demonstrates ways in which global migration policies and programs facilitate human trafficking by focusing on law enforcement rather than promoting uniform labor standards. Its broad focus helps readers compare practices among countries and understand the transnational impact of national legislation and policies on human trafficking around the globe. -- Gretchen Kuhner, author of the American Bar Association's Human Trafficking Assessment Tool Report Immensely well-documented and useful. Kirkus Reviews an immensely learned and informative piece of work, much needed to prod and set aright the misperceptions and lethargy that beset this disturbing issue. -- John Tirman Washington Post Superior and well-written, this is the rare resource that is both scholarly and approachable, making it a must-read Library Journal

Stephanie Hepburn is an independent journalist whose work has been published in Americas Quarterly, USA Today U-Wire, and Gender Issues. She is a weekly and monthly contributing writer for the New Orleans Times-Picayune. A graduate of the University of Michigan and the Washington College of Law at American University, she integrates her legal and journalism backgrounds to create pieces that are highly informative and have a human tone. Her book with Rita J. Simon, Women's Roles and Statuses the World Over, was named an Outstanding Academic Title by Choice, Rita J. Simon is a University Professor in the School of Public Affairs and the Washington College of Law at American University in Washington, D.C. She has published more than forty books and is currently the editor of Gender Issues.