Human Trafficking in Belarus

Human trafficking remains an actual global issue. Today it becomes one of the fastest growing areas of criminal activity, affecting virtually all countries of the world. According to the International Organization for Migration, annually about 800 000 people are trafficked for subsequent sale and use abroad, not counting those who are trafficked within their own countries.

Trafficking is transnational by nature, but sometimes it may be limited to one country. People may be transported from one country to another legally or illegally. Sometimes people are not aware what kind of work they will perform and what conditions of work they will have. In this case, after crossing the border offenders usually confiscate passports and make people dependent on the traffickers. Traffickers use psychological and physical pressure.

The problem is not unique for Belarus and quite common for the entire world community. The international community is seriously concerned about this terrible violation of human rights and therefore goes to decisive action, which include developing a legal framework of this phenomenon and develop practical steps to eliminate it.

The Republic of Belarus most often plays the role of country of origin, where potential victims of trafficking live. According to statistics Belarusian citizens were taken out almost to thirty countries for sexual and labor exploitation. Among the most popular destination countries are states of Western Europe, Middle East and Russian Federation.

Also Belarus stands as a transit country for potential victims of trafficking. Its geographical position is attracting illegal migrants from Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, South-East Asia, China. They try to go through its territory into Western Europe.There are nonprofit organizations that work on this actual problem, trying to prevent illegal work abroad and fight human trafficking. For example, UNDP and UNICEF in Belarus have launched a project named "Preventing, Fighting and Addressing the Social Consequences of Trafficking in Human Beings in the Republic of Belarus".