Women Migrant Workers and Trafficking in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Human trafficking is considered a crime the world over. This is rampant in developing countries, Sri Lanka being no exception. Human trafficking is transnational, involving the sending country and the destination country, and curbing this practise would require the cooperative action of both countries. The author gives a good exposition of human trafficking, distinguishing it from migration. This study attempts to highlight the trafficking of women in Sri Lanka, as it is practiced, since there is a scarcity of literature on the subject. The information obtained would help the state and other stakeholders to take appropriate action to rid the country of this dangerous practice. This publication examines the vulnerability of women, their desire to escape from poverty through any means, and the consequent exploitation by unscrupulous agents through the promise of employment. The profiles of trafficked migrant women area studied and the dynamics of migration and trafficking are also given good coverage. The existing legal framework with the institutional support given is studied, and the recommendations for future action for both state and non state bodies towards curbing this practice is also provided by the author.