The Epidemic Crisis Of Sex Trafficking - 1341 Words

Across the globe many countries’ governments are battling the epidemic crisis of sex trafficking. Sex trafficking can be defined as â€Å"a commercial sex act [that] is induced by force, fraud, or coercion, or in which the person induced to perform such act has not attained 18 years of age† (Laxalt 2012: 12). Although inhumane, many countries are taking part in the trafficking of people. This international trend has formed sex trafficking into â€Å"the second largest organized crime in the world† (Adler 2010: 357). Labor organizations estimate that there are â€Å"at least 2.4 million trafficked persons at any point in time† (ILO 2008: 1). With numbers like that, the ILO estimates that â€Å"annual profits generated from trafficking in human beings are as†¦show more content†¦When delving into Cambodia’s culture it is evident that its most pressing social problems is the trafficking of people in and out of the country. Though the governme nt has recognized this problem and addressed it in the constitution, serious enforcement has yet to take place. The Cambodian Constitution expressly prohibits trafficking, stating in Article 46(1); â€Å"commerce of human beings, exploitation by prostitution and obscenity which affect the reputation of women shall be prohibited† (Constitutional Assembly 1999: 10). Furthermore, Constitution states â€Å"the protection of women and children’s rights†¦to education†¦and protection against employment detrimental to their health and welfare† (Constitutional Assembly 1999: 11). With the stated commitments written within the Constitution it would seem human trafficking is of much importance. Unfortunately, for these women and children, the Constitution is â€Å"rarely used in courts on behalf of the victims† (Schwartz 2004: 416). The Constitution merely stands to be more of an aspiration than actually functioning. To back the statements written within t he Constitution, Cambodia has established laws providing penalties for trafficking offenders. The definition the law gives for Trafficking is anyone who â€Å"lures another person, male or female, minor