Introduction. Human Trafficking: Challenges and Opportunities for the 21st Century

The Introduction begins with an outline of what human trafficking entails and the international and regional legal regime as it currently stands. It contends that human trafficking occurs across the globe, requiring international, regional and local responses that incorporate different actors, both state and non-state. The ten contributions in the special issue deal with some of the most common forms of human trafficking, including forced labour, sexual exploitation and child trafficking. The Introduction also outlines that there are many forms of human trafficking that are not as well-known but that, nevertheless, also require legal and policy responses. Some country good practice examples are provided. The Introduction also includes legal and policy proposals as agreed upon at both workshops.