HEALTH AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING

Definition - International Organization for Migration

Trafficking occurs when a migrant is illicitly recruited and/or moved by means of deception or coercion for the purpose of economically or otherwise exploiting the migrant, under conditions that violate their fundamental human rights.

Some Statistics

    4 Million Per Year
    700,000 Women and Children

Motivation for Illegal Migration

    Improvement in Life Circumstances
    Avoidance/Escape from Disasters/Violence

Paradox ==> Greater Migratory Movement
        
    Strengthened Entry Requirements and Border Controls
    Demand for Certain Types of Workers
    Organized Networks of Illegal Services
    
Health Risks – Smuggled Migrants > Legal Migrants

    Predeparture - Selection
    Migratory Journey – Process of Smuggling
    Arrival at Destination – Status as an Illegal

Predeparture – Health Environment in Place of Origin

    Epidemiology of Health
    
    Social Equity – Barriers and Attractions

        Poverty ==> Deprivation ==> Illness
        Instability/Violence (personal and institutional)
        Immigration Screening Regulations
        Destination Country’s Health Programs
        Destination Country’s Economic Conditions

Migratory Journey – Acquisition and Transmission of Illness

    Type of Transportation (land, sea, air)
    
    Environmental Factors (exposure)

    Psychosocial Factors

        Violence (unique dependency)
        Illegal Nature of Trafficking (plus contraband)

Arrival at Destination – +/- Outcomes for Migrants and Host
    
    Limited Access to Social Programs (status, $, fear)

    Persisting Pre-existing/Acquired Conditions

    Acquired Health Problems (in host environment)

        Communicable Diseases (e.g., TB)
        
        Non-communicable Diseases

            Substance Misuse
            Violence
            Occupational Illness
            Sexual Abuse
            Mental Illness
            Poverty
            Isolation

Other Long-term Health Effects

    Incarceration
    Deportation
    Repeat Trafficking

DISCUSSION:

What are your opinions about the following recommendations that have been urged by the literature?

➢    Heighten awareness of human trafficking as an important social and health problem.

➢    Design and evaluate health promotion and preventive health programs that target trafficked migrants.