What is human trafficking?

Human trafficking is defined as the illegal movement of people for the purpose of forced labor or sexual exploitation. This definition encompasses a range of actions and conditions in which individuals are recruited, transported, or harbored through coercion, deception, or abuse of power, with the aim of exploiting them.

This concept is critical to understand as it highlights the severe violation of human rights involved in such acts, distinguishing it from other forms of movement or migration that may be legal or voluntary. The definition emphasizes not only the transportation aspect but also the underlying purpose of exploitation, making it clear that human trafficking involves a lack of consent and the presence of severe exploitation, often characterized by violence, threats, or manipulation.

The other options focus on either legal and voluntary types of migration or the transportation of materials, which do not encapsulate the coercive and exploitative nature inherent in human trafficking. Understanding this distinction is essential for recognizing and addressing the complexities of human trafficking as a significant global issue.