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.
This report was prepared by Dr. Lisa Rende Taylor and Ohnmar Ei Ei Chaw, Issara Institute. Issara Institute programming in Myanmar and Thailand over the past year has focused on driving more ethical recruitment systems, down to the ‘first mile...Read More
There are over 40 million people in modern slavery worldwide. Modern slavery exists in every industry, in every country in the world. The financial services industry has a major role to play in combating this violent and abusive business. And yet ou...Read More
Unlocking Potential: A Blueprint for Mobilizing Finance Against Slavery and Trafficking is the final report of the Liechtenstein Initiative for a Financial Sector Commission on Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking, which has now formed Finance Again...Read More
Annual Report of the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery, including its causes and consequences Each year the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery, its causes and consequences is requested by the Human Rights Counci...Read More
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