Defining Sex Trafficking in International and Domestic Law: Mind the Gaps

Abstract

This Article undertakes a comparative analysis of the UN definition of trafficking (Art 3, Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children) and definitions of trafficking enacted in the domestic law of many state parties to the Protocol. The article identifies significant discrepancies between international and domestic definitions of trafficking and considers possible explanations for the gaps between the international and domestic law definitions.

Keywords: sex trafficking, human rights, definitions of trafficking