Current Conditions: Anti-Trafficking

Every year, 800,000-900,000 women and children worldwide are believed to be trafficked and sold for sexual purposes. This trade results in unimaginable mental and physical abuse, loss of human dignity, and violation of countless human rights. It is a modern form of slavery. It violates national and international laws against rape, torture, abduction and murder. The public health consequences of trafficking are significant. Many women and children are put at risk of AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases and thus condemned to a painful death.

Trafficking in Bangladesh
Exact numbers on trafficking are unavailable. In Bangladesh, estimates on the number of women and children trafficked range from 10,000 to 20,000 per year. Estimates cannot easily be tested because of the clandestine nature of trafficking. Trafficking occurs both within Bangladesh and across its borders to India, Pakistan, and Middle Eastern countries -- primarily United Arab Emirates and Kuwait. From Bangladesh, most women and children are trafficked for prostitution; domestic work; and labor, particularly in textile factories. Boys are often trafficked to Arab states to become beggars or camel jockeys.