United Nations’ mechanisms to halt trafficking in persons: The Libyan experience

Abstract

There are probably, many literatures regarding the mechanisms adopted by United Nations to halt trafficking in persons. However, there seems to be scarcity of such literature in Libya. The study posits that trafficking in persons (TIP) is one of the worst forms of human rights abuse, and one of the most brutal forms of crime. It is a multi-dimensional phenomenon affecting both adults and children and touching on nearly all countries of the world. Methodologically, the study made us of secondary sources of data collection which includes text books, journals, newspapers, magazines, seminar papers, etc. The study therefore, argues that Libya has emerged as a major route for African migrants seeking passage to Europe. The country descended into lawlessness in the wake of the overthrow of long-time leader Muammar Gaddafi, with rival governments claiming power, backed by rival militias. The paper then concludes by asserting that of the biggest impediments to reducing the vulnerability of potential victims of trafficking in person’s efforts is lack of understanding of the issue. In a very strict sense, trafficking in persons, and consequently, the measures taken to combat it, is often entangled with people smuggling, immigration and asylum, prostitution and other forms of organized crime.