Human trafficking, also known as trafficking in persons or modern-day slavery, is a serious crime that involves the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring, or receipt of individuals through force, fraud, coercion, or deception for the purpose of exploitation

. This exploitation can take various forms, including forced labor, sexual slavery, commercial sexual exploitation, involuntary servitude, debt bondage, or practices similar to slavery

. Key characteristics of human trafficking include:

• Use of force, threats, violence, manipulation, false promises (such as well-paying jobs or romantic relationships), or psychological coercion to control victims

• Victims can be of any age, gender, race, nationality, or background, and often include vulnerable populations such as children, migrants, indigenous peoples, LGBTQI+ individuals, and those facing economic hardship or social marginalization

• Trafficking does not necessarily involve crossing borders; it can happen within a single country or community

• Exploitation of minors for commercial sex is considered human trafficking regardless of whether force or coercion is used

Human trafficking is widely recognized as a grave violation of human rights and is addressed by international agreements such as the United Nations Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons

. It is a hidden crime because victims often fear traffickers or law enforcement and may not identify themselves as victims

. In summary, human trafficking is the criminal act of exploiting people through coercion or deception for labor or sexual purposes, affecting millions worldwide and involving complex social and legal challenges