|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Q1 What is the difference between human trafficking and human smuggling? A1 Human trafficking and human smuggling are not the same thing. The differences are as follows: Trafficking in persons (TIP) involves the recruitment, transportation or harbouring of persons for the purpose of exploitation (typically in the sex industry or for forced labour). Traffickers use various methods to maintain control over their victims, including force, sexual assault and threats of violence. TIP may occur across or within borders, often involves extensive organized crime networks and is clearly a violation of the basic human rights of its victims. The relationship between the trafficker and the victim is continuous and extends beyond the border crossing. The trafficked person can be forced into labour, prostitution or some other form of servitude. Victims can suffer abuse before, during and after transportation and can face fatal consequences if they attempt to escape. Human smuggling is a form of illegal migration involving the organized transport of a person across the border usually in exchange for a sum of money and sometimes in dangerous conditions. When the final destination is reached, the business relationship ends, and the smuggler and the individual part company. Q2 What is the scope of human trafficking in Canada and internationally? A2 Canada has been identified as a transit and destination country for human trafficking. Victims have been transited through Canada for final destinations in the United States. Victims of trafficking in Canada are predominantly women and female children who are sexually exploited. The extent of TIP is difficult to assess due to the clandestine nature of these activities and the difficulty in distinguishing between TIP victims and illegal migrants. A3 The involvement of transnational organized crime groups in human trafficking is part of a growing global trend. Trafficking in persons generates huge profits for criminal organizations. Trafficking in persons also occurs through smaller, decentralized criminal networks that may specialize in recruiting, transporting or harboring victims. Trafficking is also known to be perpetrated by small family criminal groups who control the entire operation. Individuals working independently may also traffic persons for profit. Q4 How are the victims deceived? A4 Traffickers approach potential victims in a variety of manners including:
More abusive methods are also used and range from:
Victims may be transported by plane, boat, train or any type of vehicle, and often a combination of them, using genuine and/or fraudulent documents that are usually removed from them upon arrival at their destination. Victims may then be isolated and/or taken to illicit businesses where they may be subjected to physical and sexual abuse and concealment. They may be forced to perform a variety of services including working in the sex trade, sweatshops, restaurants, or providing domestic work. Q5 How would I recognize a victim? (Usually includes a combination of indicators). A5
Q6 Where would I find a victim who has been trafficked for sexual exploitation? A6
Q7 Where would I find a victim who has been trafficked for forced labour? A7
Q8 Considering the clandestine nature of trafficking in persons, how does law enforcement learn of potential cases to investigate? A8 Information can be obtained from:
It is also the responsibility of law enforcement to seek out and identify potential victims through awareness initiatives and investigations. Q9 What is the role of law enforcement in addressing trafficking in persons? A9
Q10 What new enforcement powers do the new Criminal Code provisions under Bill C-49 give law enforcement? A10 Bill C-49 (CC Section 279.01 - 279.04) received royal assent on November 25, 2005. It provides new tools for the RCMP to combat TIP within Canada and gives provincial and municipal law enforcement the ability to enforce the new Criminal Code sections. The bill created three new indictable criminal offences to specifically address trafficking in persons:
Section 279.04 defines exploitation as causing a person to provide labour or services by engaging in conduct that leads the victim to reasonably fear for their safety or that of someone known to them, if they fail to comply. It would apply to the use of force, deception or other forms of coercion causing the removal of a human organ or tissue. The criminal law reforms contained in Bill C-49 complement the existing IRPA trafficking offence and existing trafficking-related Criminal Code provisions. An important element of Bill C-49 is that it does not require the crossing of borders. These new offences will better enable law enforcement to address not only international but also domestic human trafficking cases. Exploitation is the key element of the offence. Canadian law enforcement now has a significantly enhanced ability to ensure that the offence - whether under IRPA or the CC - is the one that best responds to the facts of a specific trafficking investigation. Q11 What training is available for law enforcement to enhance their investigative skills regarding human trafficking? A11
Q12 If I suspect a case of human trafficking, who do I contact? A12 Please contact your local police force of jurisdiction to report the suspicious activity. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|