Understanding human trafficking as a market system: Addressing the demand side of trafficking for sexual exploitation

Abstract

To fully understand how human trafficking thrives, one must analyze it as a market system where traffickers make profits by meeting the demand for services supplied by trafficked persons. This article describes this supply and demand market-based approach to trafficking in human beings for sexual exploitation and examines the various forms and social and cultural contexts that compose and foster demand for sexual services. It also examines the demand for (trafficked) sex workers generated within the context of the trafficking business chain by three distinct groups: The customers or clients of trafficked persons (primary demand), the employers of (trafficked) sex workers and third parties involved in the trafficking process (recruiters, travel agents, transporters) who generate derived demand. The article further identifies the so called unique selling points of trafficked persons exploited for forced prostitution and other sexual services, demanded by clients - low cost, malleability, youthful and exotic - As qualities that put many young women at risk of being trafficked into prostitution. It also explores why the use of prostitutes -possibly supplied by trafficked victims- is more prevalent in some societies than others. In conclusion, a discussion focuses on measures that have been introduced in a number of countries to reduce both primary and other derived demand.