Treading along a Treacherous Trail: Research on Trafficking in Persons in South Asia

A literature review of research on human trafficking in South Asia is completed. Three developments that have contributed to the increase in human trafficking in South Asia are identified, eg, modernization processes that have accompanied globalization have prompted more people to engage in illegal occupational practices or criminal activities. Scrutiny of existing literature indicated that Bangladesh, Nepal, & Sri Lanka were the major source countries & that India & Pakistan functioned as both destination countries & transit centers for international human trafficking. The benefits & shortcomings of collecting data from individuals in source countries, in the process of moving, in destination countries, & in rehabilitation facilities are considered. Lessons learned about five major research problems associated with human trafficking -- the extent of trafficking, the violation of human rights, the causes of trafficking, the mapping of certain groups, & the evaluation of knowledges & service providers -- are summarized. Recommendations for enhancing studies of human trafficking in South Asia are offered, eg, creating a regional knowledge base & developing policy programs to diminish trafficking. 6 Tables, 24 References. J. W. Parker