ROLE OF THE MEDIA IN HUMAN TRAFFICKING

ROLE OF THE MEDIA IN HUMAN TRAFFICKING
ABSTRACT
Human Trafficking’ is one among the many other types of transnational crimes growing in magnitude daily. Every year hundreds of thousands of men, women and children are trafficked illegally all over the world. It is perhaps the most devastating physical and psychological trauma experienced by men, women and children of all ages. Just as the narcotics trade and weapons smuggling all have one trait in common, human trafficking and their ill-gotten proceeds feed conflict, instability and repression worldwide. It is no doubt that many international organisations across the globe from the United States, Europe to the Mekong Delta region provide vital help to victims in need, working across borders, creating Global Human Trafficking Hotline Networks. These measures include sharing practices on anti-trafficking strategies that build on common patterns focusing on eradication, prevention and victim protection. Yet, trafficking continues to thrive. Human Trafficking is a complex issue that attracts vigorous debate from a range of different groups as to its definition, causes and solutions. This brings home the immeasurable responsibility that lays with policymakers at international to national level, respective ministries, and media organisations to the level of communities to the total commitment of all concerned to anti-trafficking efforts. The objective of this study is to examine the role of the media in raising awareness and the possible measure that could be contributed by the media to address this issue.