Sexual exploitation and trafficking is an alarming global problem. The complex dynamics of this multifaceted phenomenon, tantamounts to the modern form of slavery that violates human dignity & worth. The multifaceted dimensions of trafficking in juxtaposition with sex tourism, labour migration, forced marriages, bonded labour, devdasi system and other similar practices, raises serious concerns about crucial ramifications of social relevance. The victim is subjected to violence, total humiliation and violation of personal integrity. The victim of such devastating violence may also end up with life threatening diseases like HIV/AIDS/STD or a lifetime of trauma, drug addiction or personality disintegration. It leads to multitude deprivations and violations of basic rights like-right to liberty and security of person, the right to freedom from torture, violence, cruelty, the right to home and a family, the right to education and employment, the right to health care. The only central legislation dealing with trafficking for prostitution in India is the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 (ITPA) but it does not address cross-border trafficking. The author seeks to propose some pragmatic steps to deal with the root cause of sex-trade and put forth a few suggestions for more effective legal control mechanism to combat this global issue of sexual exploitation and trafficking of women.
Prostitution, sex-trade, cross-border trafficking, sexual exploitation, human rights violation, Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956
