Definition of the word human trafficker

The term "human trafficker" emerged in the 1990s as an alternative to the earlier and less precise expression "white slavery". The origin of the term "white slavery" can be traced back to the early 20th century when it was used to refer to the abduction, fraud, or coercion of women and girls, primarily in Europe and the United States, for the purposes of prostitution. However, it became apparent that the term "white slavery" was inaccurate because it implied that only white women were being trafficked, when, in fact, people of all races and genders were being affected by this criminal activity. In recognition of this, in 1949, the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which defined trafficking in persons as the recruitment, transportation, and exploitation of people for the purpose of forced labor or services, including commercial sex. In 1999, the United Nations adopted the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress, and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children, which defined human trafficking as a transnational crime and established international standards for its prevention and prosecution. The term "human trafficker" was chosen as the official designation for the person or group responsible for trafficking because it emphasized the grave harm caused to the human rights and dignity of those who fall victim to this crime, highlighting the fact that traffickers are not mere criminals but perpetrators of a serious violation of fundamental human rights.