Human trafficking in Turkey: A feminist analysis

Abstract

Human trafficking has grown into a global issue especially after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Due to its geographical position and economic situation Turkey is both a destination and transit country for victims of human trafficking. Human trafficking mostly emanates from sexual exploitation of women in Turkey. In the study transnational sex trafficking of women in Turkey and Turkey's counter trafficking policy is analyzed from a feminist perspective under three titles-legalizing prostitution, tightening the borders and victim protection, and prosecution of traffickers. Feminism suggests a counter trafficking policy focused on victim's perspective however it cannot offer a universally valid formula. As every country Turkey has its own economical, social and cultural conditions which it should consider while building a victim oriented anti-trafficking policy.