War, poverty, and famine; political, social, and economic change; and the deep seated views and rituals rooted in a culture‘s history and traditions all contribute to the widespread and growing trafficking of women and children. The multilayered complexity, myriad contributing factors, enormous amount of money involved, and sheer magnitude of the

The 2020 UNODC Global Report on Trafficking in Persons is the fifth of its kind mandated by the General Assembly through the 2010 United Nations Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons. It covers more than 130 countries and provides an overview of patterns and flows of trafficking in persons at global, regional and national levels, based primarily on trafficking cases detected between 2017 and 2019. As UNODC has been systematically collecting data on trafficking in persons for more than a decade, trend information is presented for a broad range of indicators.

Worldwide, an estimated 2 million women are forcefully trafficked for the purposes of sexual abuse each year. Up to 50,000 women and children are trafficked into the U.S. annually. As many as 300,000 children are exploited annually by the sex industry within the U.S. alone. According to a recent report issued by the United States Congress, sex trafficking of women and children has been identified as the 3rd largest source of illicit revenue for organized crime, topped only by drug running and firearms dealing. Sex trafficking of women and children has reached epidemic proportions. The problem is growing and action must be taken. This important book, filled with insights and information from more than 30 top experts on trafficking, gives you the information you need to comprehend the scope of the crisis, the education you need to understand the methods of operation used in its execution and the intelligence you need to recognize and combat it. ôInternational Sex Trafficking of Women and Children-Understanding the Global Epidemic,ö is specifically designed for: Educators involved with increasing awareness and understanding of this crisis through academic courses. Law enforcement professionals, including trainers, administrators, investigators and both veteran and early career street officers who may encounter both trafficking criminals and victims. Government officials responsible for drafting and supporting legislation designed to combat this crime. Those compelled to take action to save and protect women and children worldwide from exploitation. Book jacket.

The UNODC Global Report on Trafficking in Persons 2016 is the third of its kind mandated by the United Nations General Assembly. In July 2010, the UNGA adopted the Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons. The Report covers and provides an overview of patterns and flows of trafficking in persons at the global, regional and national levels, based on trafficking cases detected mainly between 2012 and 2014. It looks at links between trafficking in persons, migration and conflict, and how refugees may be particularly vulnerable to being trafficked. The worldwide response to trafficking in persons, particularly in terms of criminalization and prosecution of trafficking crimes, is also a focus of this edition of the Global Report. Also included are the Country Profiles.

Bibliography pp. 68-72.