Anti-corruption and integrity in the public sector
Trafficking in Persons and Corruption
Breaking the Chain
This publication explores the link between trafficking in persons and corruption.
Although many countries have taken considerable steps to combat trafficking in persons,
these have not comprehensively focused on the fundamental role that corruption plays
in the trafficking process. This publication presents a set of Guiding Principles
on Combatting Corruption Related to Trafficking in Persons. These Guiding Principles
are a useful guide for any country that is in the process of establishing, modifying
or complementing a framework to address trafficking in persons-related corruption.
The report includes two cases studies from Thailand and the Philippines, where the
practical application and the effectiveness of the Guiding Principles is examined.
There are over 20 million victims of forced labour globally, which includes victims
of trafficking for forced labour and sexual exploitation.
Trafficking in persons relies on systemic corruption. Corruption ensures that traffickers
can operate undisturbed and under the radar, without risk of being arrested or convicted
even when a trafficking crime has been uncovered.
Corrupt behaviour ranges from active involvement, such as violating duties, accepting
or transferring bribes, and facilitating transactions, to passive involvement, such
as ignoring or failing to follow up on information that a crime may be taking place.