Based on long-term ethnographic research, including documentary research, qualitative interviews and observations made at a Portuguese shelter for “sex trafficked women,” this paper explores the counter-trafficking apparatus questioning who benefits from it. The discussion explores the contrasts between an institutional commitment to constructing this apparatus and the actuality of procedural efforts purporting to support “trafficking victims.” The author argues that the higher goal of building a countertrafficking apparatus — in itself a political objective — limits the rights of “victims,” making processes that claim to be part of their protection de facto neo-liberal anti-political exercises in reenforcing bureaucratic state power.
The Helpline remains a key channel for potential victims, members of the public, businesses, and statutory agencies to report concerns, seek help, advice and information, and access relevant support services. In its six years of operation, the Helpl...Read More
Violence and harassment at work causes harm to individuals, families, businesses and societies. It affects people’s lives, dignity, health and wellbeing. It also exacerbates inequality in societies and undermines business productivity. There shoul...Read More
Climate change increases the risk of natural disasters and places a strain on livelihoods. This may contribute to high-risk behaviours and other negative coping strategies among affected populations, such as resorting to unscrupulous recruitment age...Read More
BankTrack’s Human Rights Benchmark evaluates 50 of the largest private sector commercial banks globally against a set of 14 criteria based on the requirements of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights(‘the Guiding Principles’)....Read More
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