The first paper by Marina Caparini provides an introduction to human trafficking as

a transnational organized crime. She discusses the linkages and differences between trafficking

in human beings, smuggling of migrants and forced labour. The connection between

traffickers and other organized crimes is highlighted. Caparini concludes by providing an

overview of current policy initiatives as well as remaining challenges.

Leslie Holmes takes an interregional perspective and discusses human trafficking between

Asia and Europe. After showing the specific characteristics of human trafficking, the

paper explains the reasons for the current existence of the phenomenon. He then analyses

the various forms of trafficking in human beings taking place between the two regions and

discusses existing cooperation efforts as well as an outlook for future opportunities.

Human trafficking in South Korea is addressed by Seo-Young Cho. She discusses trends

in the country, which is a destination, transit and source country. In particular, sex and labour

exploitation are addressed as the main forms of trafficking in human beings present in

South Korea. An analysis of anti-trafficking efforts with a focus on prosecution and protection

highlights recent reforms and remaining problems.

Huong Le Thu takes a closer look at human trafficking in Vietnam. She shows how

the ongoing transformation in the country results in economic growth but also creates opportunities

for exploitation. This leads not only to cross-border trafficking but also forms of

internal trafficking between rural and urban areas. Recent legislative reforms and bilateral

agreements indicate a certain awareness of the problem. However, victim identification, prosecution

of victims and internal coordination among enforcement units remain problematic.

Taiwan is often described as one of the success stories in combating human trafficking

after it was put on the Tier 2 Watch List in 2006. Yingyu Chen discusses the developments

in the country before and after 2006, and identifies the patterns of human trafficking in

Taiwan and the effects of the policy reforms.

Paul Buckley looks at cross-border cooperation in the case of Thailand and Myanmar. He

describes the situation of migrant workers in Thailand and explains national anti-trafficking policies in both countries. The paper further analyses regional initiatives as well as bilateral

labour and criminal justice responses.

In her contribution, Sallie Yea addresses an increasingly widespread phenomenon – human

trafficking for exploitation of fishermen in Southeast Asia’s long haul fishing industry.

She first explains the recruitment procedures and the transit routes being used before the victims

board the boats. Then the act of exploitation at sea is described, followed by an analysis

of what needs to be done to improve the situation.

Alistair Cook discusses the connection between cyberspace and human trafficking –

another aspect which is of growing concern in Asia. The internet is used to recruit victims

and can thus facilitate human trafficking, as shown by examples from Indonesia and China.

At the same time, the internet can be used to track down traffickers and prosecute them

through online petitions, data mapping and awareness-raising.

The approach of the European Union to combating human trafficking is analyzed by

Joanna Pétin. She illustrates the development of initiatives and directives addressing the issue,

with a focus on the 2011 Directive and its impacts on prosecution, protection, prevention

and partnership. She also highlights the problems with the human trafficking and migration

approach that are hindering the policy’s stronger success.

Ilaria Boiano discusses the situation of human trafficking in Italy. After explaining the

legal framework existing in Italy, she analyses the implementation of these legal measures and

the challenges. She concludes her paper with an overview of the international cooperation

efforts Italy is involved in.

The final paper by Zbigniew Lasocik deals with the situation in Poland. He shows how

Poland has developed from a source country into a transit and destination state while Polish

victims are still common. Although legal frameworks exist, a long-standing strategy is missing

and legal grey areas persist. At the end of his analysis, Lasocik focuses on the role civil

society can play in the fight against human trafficking.