This course explores the connection between migration flows and trafficking flows.  In particular, it analyzes how certain trafficking in persons flows resemble migration flows and the factors that may increase the vulnerability of migrants to human trafficking.  It also looks at the role of criminal groups; how they leverage the aspirations of people willing to migrate in order to deceive or coerce them for exploitative purposes.

Persons who escape persecution and conflict in search of protection are particularly vulnerable to being trafficked.  This vulnerability and the elements that link trafficking victims and refugees are also examined.  Finally, the course explores trafficking in conflict areas, especially trafficking carried out by armed groups.

This course is based upon material published by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and is available as an open access article.

This course on trafficking in persons is designed for social workers, professional counselors, psychologists, nurses, and substance abuse counselors, who do clinical work.  This course is appropriate for beginning, intermediate and advanced level practitioners who wish to develop their understanding of human trafficking.  It may also be useful for licensed clinicians who require clinical continuing education courses for license renewal.  

Authors:  United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime

Learning Objectives: This course will provide the practitioner with detailed information regarding human trafficking, migration, and conflict.  Specifically, a professional will:

• Describe the connection between migration flows and trafficking flows
• Identify factors that may increase the vulnerability of migrants to human trafficking
• Recognize the role played by criminal groups in recruiting people into trafficking  

Citation:  United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, (2016).  Global Report on Trafficking in Persons:  Migration and Conflict (United Nations publication, Sales No. E.16.IV.6).