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15 Years of the United Nations Rapporteur on Violence against Women, Its Causes and Consequences (pdf)

added 04/15/2009

This report reviews the status of violence against women as researched in 14 annual reports, 32 country mission reports, and 11 communication reports published as recently as December 2008. The report focuses on reproductive health and rights, poverty, migration, internally displaced persons (IDPs), women refugees, trafficking, aging, and adolescent girls. It also highlights how the mandate on violence against women has changed, what has been learned, and problems still to be addressed.

Addressing Gender-based Violence: UNFPA Strategy and Framework for Action (pdf)

added 03/11/2009

"This report identifies the particular areas where action is most urgently needed and proposes general policy frameworks for combating gender-based violence. The proposals, which focus on reducing gender inequality and discrimination, are aimed at UNFPA's overarching goal of eliminating violence against women and girls. The report critically examines existing policy frameworks, and suggests where future efforts need to be concentrated. "

Anti-Human Trafficking Manual for Criminal Justice Practitioners

added 10/28/2009

"The purpose of this manual is to support criminal justice practitioners in the prevention of human trafficking, the protection of its victims, the prosecution of its culprits and in the international cooperation needed to achieve these goals. The manual is divided into fourteen modules which outline the indicators of human trafficking, the impact of abuse on victims, international cooperation in prosecuting cases, how to engage with trafficked persons, and victims’ needs and support mechanisms."

Child Protection Information Sheets (pdf)

added 03/18/2009

"This booklet comprises 14 information sheets which highlight how child protection is crucial to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. Covering different forms of abuse, these sheets also outline how to build a protective environment for children and what UNICEF is doing on the ground to protect children."

Child Trafficking for Sexual Purposes Report (pdf)

added 04/15/2009

End Child Prostitution, Child Pornography and Trafficking of Children for Sexual Purposes (ECPAT International) released a report in November 2008 on the global problem of child sex trafficking. The report sums up progress countries have made since passing laws to combat child sex trafficking. Finally, the report highlights key lessons learned and discusses six recommendations to improve strategies and policies.

Collaborating to Help Trafficking Survivors: Emerging Issues and Practice Pointers (pdf)

added 11/15/2009

"This manual is for those committed to assisting trafficking survivors, especially sexual assault and domestic violence advocates and their allies in the criminal and legal systems who have basic knowledge of the trafficking assistance process. This manual examines issues and promising practices that have emerged during the six years since the federal government decided in 2000 to devote significant attention to trafficking and its victims."

Domestic & Sexual Violence Advocate Handbook on Human Trafficking, 2nd Edition (pdf)

added 10/28/2005
Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence

A handbook designed to aid domestic and sexual violence advocates in working with victims of trafficking and in better understanding the issues involved with trafficking. Contents include basic information and definitions, an overview of benefits available to victims of trafficking, relevant laws, tips and questions to consider when working with victims, a review of the role of domestic violence centers in responding to the issue, and additional resources and tips for advocacy. Although the booklet does include Florida-specific information, it contains information that can be utilized in many communities across the US.

Exploitation of Trafficked Women (pdf)

added 08/07/2009
Graeme R. Newman

"This guide describes the problem of exploiting women who have been trafficked into the United States and the aspects of human trafficking that contribute to it. The guide focuses on the final period in the process of trafficking at which women are further exploited by those into whose hands they are passed. Finally, it reviews responses to the exploitation of trafficked women and examines what is known about the effectiveness of these responses from research and police practice. "

Greater Cincinnati Human Trafficking Report (pdf)

added 10/02/2009

"The report summarizes research and analysis of laws, ordinances, and regulations applicable to human trafficking in greater Cincinnati. It also includes findings from an extensive survey of law enforcement officials, social service providers, healthcare providers, attorneys, city and county leaders, non-governmental organizations, media, and faith-based organizations. Finally, it recommends three first steps the city and community leaders may take to begin addressing human trafficking."

Guatemala’s Femicide Law: Progress Against Impunity? (pdf)

added 08/29/2009

This report places femicide within a particular historical, cultural and socio-political context describing the 36-year internal conflict that resulted in rape, torture and murder of tens of thousands of Guatemalan women and girls. Although the government has made some progress in implementing some aspects of the Law Against Femicide, the report also points out that the lack of understanding of the law, continued social unrest, poor media portrayal, and inadequate efforts to implement the law stand in the way of serious progress. The report concludes with recommendations for the government including improving investigation and prosecution of crimes of violence against women, and protection of the victims of violence and their children.

Hidden Slaves: Forced Labor in the United States

added 03/16/2005
Free the Slaves and Human Rights Center at the University of California Berkeley

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the history and current US laws and regulations against forced labor and trafficking. It illuminates differences between US and international anti-trafficking legal framework. It also includes recomendations for improvement in US policy and legal and social service providers.

HIV Vulnerabilities of Migrant Women: from Asia to the Arab States: Shifting from Silence, Stigma and Shame to Safe Mobility with Dignity, Equity and Justice (pdf)

added 04/15/2009

This report focuses on female migrant workers from Bangladesh, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka, who worked in the host countries of Bahrain, Lebanon, and the United Arab Emirates. Researchers' key findings concluded that female migrant workers are vulnerable to HIV during all stages of employment abroad. They face sexual assault, sexual exploitation and being trafficked into the commercial sex industry while applying for or being recruited into employment, or during transit between home countries and host countries. Home countries' policies can also contribute to the problem as banning women from working abroad serves to push worker migration underground.

Human Trafficking

added 08/24/2007
VAWnet

The political and human rights issues related to human trafficking are discussed in this document. Critical thinking questions are posed, along with facts sheets and policy initiatives.

Human Trafficking Service Provider Manual for Certified Domestic Violence Centers (pdf)

added 10/28/2005
Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence

This is a manual designed to assist domestic violence advocates in working with victims of trafficking. The manual details considerations and recommendations for service provision, benefits available to victims of trafficking, legal issues, criminal prosecution of traffickers, working with the media, potential funding sources, and additional anti-trafficking resources.

Male Ordered: The Mail-Order Bride Industry and Trafficking in Women for Sexual and Labour Exploitation (pdf)

added 05/15/2009

"This report provides extensive research of the mail-order bride industry in the United Kingdom. The industry is linked to the promotion of trafficking, prostitution, pornography and slavery. The report suggests that this industry not only exploits vulnerable groups of women but also reinforces racial and ethnic stereotypes. Recommendations are given on what the government can do to further protect women."

Model Law against Trafficking in Persons (pdf)

added 07/21/2009

"The model law is a comprehensive tool for use in drafting legislation on trafficking in persons. It includes sections on definitions, criminal provisions, victim protection and assistance, and cooperation between government agencies. The model also provides extensive commentary on each section. The commentary generally includes alternative language and optional provisions, examples of laws from various countries, and clarification on international standards to combat trafficking in persons."

Primer on the Male Demand for Prostitution (pdf)

added 06/30/2006
 

This Primer was originally developed to assist European antitrafficking projects in the Baltic States in challenging the legalization and decriminalization of prostitution industries and in focusing on the demand. In this version, it has been adapted for use in a more general, international context.

Progress of South Asian Women 2005 (pdf)

added 04/23/2009
Dr. Ratna Sudarshan

"The document presents a snapshot of women's situation in South Asia, an overview of the processes at work promoting the advancement of women, and identifies gaps during the period 2000–2005. Some of the challenges noted are disproportionate returns to contributions, the added "burden of care," a declining sex ratio, increased gender-based violence, trafficking of women and girls, and the spread of HIV/AIDS."

Report of the Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Migrants

added 08/15/2009
Jorge Bustamante

The author points out that female children are extremely vulnerable to gender-based violence during migration. Migration is often difficult and dangerous for female children due to “additional restrictions on travel” girls may face due to “male guardianships.” Female children are also vulnerable to human trafficking for sexual exploitation or forced labor during migration. The report concludes with recommendations for policy improvements on migration legislation.

Sex Trafficking Into The United States: A Literature Review

added 09/24/2008
Edward J. Schauer, Elizabeth M. Wheaton

"This study is an investigation of the literature relating to the trafficking of women and children into the United States for sexual exploitation. The intent is to discover the extent and complexity of the problem, the cost in both human and economic terms, and research directions toward the development of probable political, legal, economic, and social solutions.Recommendations are given for state statute creation, police training and paradigm change, and increased/broadened victims’ services."

Sex Trafficking Needs Assessment for the State of Minnesota

added 09/30/2008
The Advocates for Human Rights

This 2008 report, focuses on trafficking for commercial sex exploitation and prostitution, highlights successes in combating sex trafficking and suggests ways to improve responses to this complex problem in Minnesota.

Sexual Violence Public Policy Topics

added 11/08/2009

"This area contains topic-specific resources related to public policy and systems advocacy. Current topics include: civil legal rights, clergy sexual abuse, DNA, drug-facilitated sexual assault, indigenous issues, marital rape, privacy & confidentiality, public health, sex offender, sexual harassment, sexual violence in military, prisons and on campus, and trafficking."

The 2006 Trafficking in Persons Report (pdf)

added 07/31/2008
U.S. Department of State (June 2006)

"This report highlights the efforts of the international community to combat human trafficking and encourages foreign governments to take action against all forms of human trafficking."

The Facts About Child Sex Tourism (pdf)

added 07/31/2008
U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Public Affairs (April 2005)

"This fact sheet includes a definition of child sex tourism, both the global and U.S. response, and suggestions for what governments, citizens and business can do to combat child sex tourism."

The Hofstede Committee Report: Juvenile Prostitution in Minnesota (pdf)

added 08/05/2002
 

This report provides an overview of juvenile prostitution, the sex industry in Minnesota, and efforts to end juvenile prostitution. This report also recommends tougher penalties for people who exploit children and teenagers.

The VAWA Manual: Immigration Relief for Abused Immigrants (pdf)

added 11/26/2008
Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. & Immigrant Legal Resource Center

Manual on the preparation, filing and processing of applications pursuant to the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Also includes detailed information on Special Immigrant Juvenile Status for Children Under Juvenile Court Jurisdiction, and U and T Non-Immigrant Visas (Victims of Crime and Trafficking). A good resource for advocates and legal professionals working with these victims.

The VAWA Manual: Immigration Relief for Abused Immigrants, Index of Appendices 1-100 (pdf)

added 11/26/2008
Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. & Immigrant Legal Resource Center

Contains a list of appendices in connection with The VAWA Manual: Immigration Relief for Abused Immigrants.

The VAWA Manual: Immigration Relief for Abused Immigrants, Index of Appendices 101-200 (pdf)

added 11/26/2008
Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. & Immigrant Legal Resource Center

Contains a list of appendices in connection with The VAWA Manual: Immigration Relief for Abused Immigrants.

The VAWA Manual: Immigration Relief for Abused Immigrants, Index of Appendices 201-300 (pdf)

added 11/26/2008
Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. & Immigrant Legal Resource Center

Contains a list of appendices in connection with The VAWA Manual: Immigration Relief for Abused Immigrants.

The VAWA Manual: Immigration Relief for Abused Immigrants, Index of Appendices 301-380 (pdf)

added 11/26/2008
Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. & Immigrant Legal Resource Center

Contains a list of appendices in connection with The VAWA Manual: Immigration Relief for Abused Immigrants.

Toolkit for Integrating Domestic Violence Activities into Programming in Europe and Asia (pdf)

added 10/28/2009

"A manual designed to address violence against women, and specifically domestic violence, as a global human rights violation. Additionally, it explores the connections between domestic violence and human trafficking and analyzes different programming models for addressing the needs of survivors in (United States Agency for International Development) USAID programs. The toolkit is intended for USAID workers, donor organizations, and local organizations working to combat violence against women in countries where USAID operates."

Traffickers and Trafficking in Southern and Eastern Europe: Considering the Other Side of Human Trafficking

added 09/24/2008
Rebecca Surtees, NEXUS Institute to Combat Human Trafficking, Austria

"This paper describes patterns of trafficking from and within South-Eastern Europe, with particular attention to traffickers and their activities. To date, attention has primarily been paid to victims of trafficking — who they are and what makes them vulnerable — in an effort to develop counter-trafficking interventions. To complement these studies of victims, studies of traffickers and their operations are also required."

Trafficking for Prostitution in Italy: Possible Effects of Government Proposals for Legalization of Brothels

added 10/23/2008
Esohe Aghatise

This article's main emphasis is on the trafficking of Nigerian women and girls to Italy, and gives an overview of the trafficking problem for prostitution into Italy. Changes in trafficking patterns, activities carried out by the Italian government and non-governmental organizations in assisting victims, the legal policies used to combat trafficking, and government proposals to legalize brothels are examined.

Trafficking in persons monitoring report July 2007 – December 2008 (pdf)

added 11/01/2009

This report details governmental responses to trafficking, comparing Australia’s approach to those of other Asia-Pacific countries. The report identifies factors that contribute to high levels of trafficking within a country, and highlights economic instability as a major obstacle to effectively identifying and preventing trafficking activities. Finally, the report offers recommendations for continuing to prevent and prosecute trafficking activities.

Trafficking in Persons Report 2008

added 09/11/2008
U.S. Department of State

"This Report is the eighth annual TIP Report. It is intended to raise global awareness, to highlight efforts of the international community, and to encourage foreign governments to take effective actions to counter all forms of trafficking in persons."

Trafficking in Persons Report 2009 (pdf)

added 06/23/2009

"The ninth annual report seeks to increase global awareness of the human trafficking phenomenon by shedding new light on various facets of the problem and highlighting shared and individual efforts of the international community, and to encourage foreign governments to take effective action against all forms of trafficking in persons."

Trafficking in Persons: A Gender and Rights Perspective: Briefing Kit (pdf)

added 04/07/2009
United Nations Inter-Agency Project on Human Trafficking in the Greater Mekong Sub-Region, UNIFEM

This briefing kit provides information to all practitioners addressing the issue of trafficking in persons and encourages rethinking of efforts from a gender and rights perspective. It is dedicated to survivors of trafficking whose voices and experiences of struggle and resilience continue to inform analyses on and response to trafficking.

Trafficking in Women: Moldova and Ukraine (pdf)

added 03/05/2003

This document explores the trafficking of women for the commercial sex industry as a human rights violation in both Moldova and Ukraine. The report analyzes the mechanisms of trafficking in both countries and the NGO and governmental response to the problem, including information on Moldovan and Ukrainian law. The report also addresses the obligations of the Moldovan and Ukrainian government under international law. 2000

Trafficking of Women: U.S. Policy and International Law (pdf)

added 10/28/2005
Women's Environment & Development Organization

This fact sheet provides a brief overview of trafficking, the definition under U.S. and international law, and certain protections for trafficked women. The document also lists steps that the U.S. can take to continue its effort to combat trafficking, such as putting more effort into the protection and support of victims.

Trafficking: Considerations and Recommendations for Domestic Violence Advocates

added 10/28/2005
Firoza Chic Dabby

Offers domestic violence advocates some considerations and recommendations for working with victims of trafficking. After a brief overview of statistics and issue analysis, the document provides considerations and recommendations for advocates in seven key areas: (1) Arrest, (2) Custody and Release, (3) Legal representation and the investigation process, (4) Endangerment and confidentiality, (5) Shelter Services, (6) Complex traumas and oppressions, and (7) Medical records and care.

Transnational Trafficking and the Rule of Law in West Africa

added 08/14/2009

"A recent report that highlights the problem of trafficking of West African women to Europe for forced prostitution. Women trafficked from West Africa are generally controlled by a debt bondage system. The UNODC found that trafficking has a significant negative impact on the rule of law in West Africa. The flow of trafficked people and goods rivals the GDP of some countries in West Africa. Corruption among government officials and law enforcement increases as organized crime groups gain more power and money through trafficking."

Turning Pain into Power: Trafficking Survivors' Perspectives on Early Intervention Strategies (pdf)

added 02/23/2006

This report examines the health care system as an ideal place to focus education and intervention efforts on victims of trafficking, modern day slavery. Through interviews with trafficking survivors themselves, this report illustrates their recommendations on how to direct future intervention and policy efforts.

U.S. Policy Alert 2007 (pdf)

added 04/30/2008
Polaris Project

"Check out Polaris Projects U.S. Policy Alert for a state-by-state analysis on the status of Human Trafficking."

Understanding Human Trafficking in the United States

added 03/18/2009
T.K. Logan, Robert Walker, and Gretchen Hunt

"This article describes and synthesizes nine reports that assess the U.S. service organizations' legal representative knowledge of, and experience with, human trafficking cases, as well as information from actual cases and media reports. The authors provide recommendations to better address human trafficking in the United States."

Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000 (pdf)

added 01/24/2000
 

Act of the 106th Congress of the United States of America.

Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000: Trafficking in Persons Report

added 06/07/2005
US Department of State

The Department of State is required by law to submit a report each year to the U.S. Congress on foreign governments’ efforts to eliminate severe forms of trafficking in persons. This Report is the fifth annual TIP Report. This Report is intended to raise global awareness and spur foreign governments to take effective actions to counter all forms of trafficking in persons — a form of modern day slavery. The Report has increasingly focused the efforts of a growing community of nations to share information and to partner in new and important ways to fight human trafficking.

Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000: Trafficking in Persons Report 2005 (pdf)

added 10/28/2005
U.S. Department of State

The TIP Report serves to expose these despicable aspects of trafficking. It provokes, lauds, and challenges. Countries including the United States, which is dealing with its own trafficking problem, have been inspired to greater action against human trafficking as a result of this unique compendium.

Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000: Trafficking in Persons Report 2006

added 08/08/2006
 

This year’s report looks at slave labor as well as sex trafficking, noting that a child trafficked into one form of labor may be further abused in another. “The brutal reality of the modern-day slave trade is that its victims are frequently bought and sold many times over."

Other formats: pdf

WHO Ethical and Safety Recommendations for Interviewing Trafficked Women (pdf)

added 08/09/2004

This document provides ethical and safety recommendations for interviewing trafficked women in response to rapid growth of trafficking and the demand for information about trafficking by policy makers, advocates and the media.

With an End in Sight

added 04/07/2009
Cheywa Spindel, Elisa Levy, Melissa Connor, UNIFEM

"With an End in Sight" narrates inspiring stories showing how groups of people are moving ahead and creating new ideas to combat violence against women. It provides knowledge, insight and hope of how violence against women can be eliminated with combined effort, compelling advocacy, and wide-reaching education.