Human trafficking is a global issue, and though its significance differs in different parts of the world, it remains one of the main issues destroying teens’ lives. From teenagers to the elderly, from suburbs to urban regions, the issue remains a great challenge in society. Human traffickers target vulnerable individuals from well-established backgrounds to those from a poor social background. Some may argue that vulnerability can be dealt with by the parents and guardians. It is usually not the case when these traffickers are becoming more trickery and aware of specific vulnerabilities within society.
In the initial stages of trafficking, the traffickers assume the role of a caring and loving friend to gain the trust of their victims. It follows the phases whereby the victim is forced into commercial sex and other forms of slavery unwillingly. At this stage, it is usually difficult for the victim to reject the proposal from their already trusted “traffickers”, making them fall easily to any their trap. Without someone close enough to identify the vulnerability that may cause these successive events, it is hard for a well-establish social background to prevent a teen from being engaged in trafficking. No person or family is immune to human trafficking, and the rise of these cases in Canada alone indicates a possibility that this booming “business” continues to enlarge, and take over our society.
According to statistics, there were 33 victims of human trafficking in Toronto, a number that grew to 250 victims within four years. It is crucial evidence to suggest that much is yet to be done to curb this growing problem. It does not entirely remain the role of the government. Both parents and guardians have to be involved in the whole objective of identifying and preventing the rise of such vulnerabilities that may lead to human trafficking. According to “Hidden in Plain Sight: Sex Trafficking in Canada”, the author, Kanji, states that human trafficking is currently the third-largest crime in the world. According to Kanji, traffickers target First Nations youth by waiting outside shelters and nearby bus stops.
The process of dealing with human trafficking is turning into more challenging to authorities. It is not clear how more government education and the rise of child protection services do not seem to curb this rise. Probably, the solution is to identify how the human trafficking issue is shifting from what is already known by authorities. Without a clear definition of causes and how to deal with such cases, it will remain a tough issue for the government to assist its people and human trafficking victims. Can we easily tell when a teenager is vulnerable to human traffickers? Are people aware that government services exist to deal with these issues? This indicates a necessary public education on all parties; the guardians, parents, and teenagers. Free public education can be made available to teenagers in their curriculum, seminars, and workshops.
Education alone, however, may be ineffective in covering all possible factors behind this global menace. Sensitization is needed, and not just offering one-sided education, it should involve the vulnerable groups. The number of human trafficking cases will decrease if the root cause is dealt with on all possible fronts. Education and properly aligned government services remain a viable solution.
