Human dignity is the recognition that human beings possess a special value intrinsic to their humanity and as such are worthy of respect simply because they are human beings. By the basic understanding of the human dignity, it is inferred that respect should be accorded to all people under natural law. By “natural law” we refers to the broad category of universal principles of dignity and decency which, while not law in and of themselves, have historically informed our understanding of basic human rights from the Declaration of Independence to the United Nations Universal Declaration on Human Rights. Human trafficking therefore is an affront on human dignity in all its ramifications. This is because, trafficking as a crime is designed to exploit those most vulnerable by reasons of their dire poverty, illiteracy and social discrimination.
Published in Chapter:
Disproportional Influence and Vulnerability Infringement in Human Trafficking: Ethico-Economic Implications
Copyright: © 2022
|Pages: 19
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-7998-9282-3.ch006
Abstract
Human trafficking occurs within the context of widespread objectification and commodification of persons as “products” in economies in which they have little power and sometimes few options for self-determination and self-sufficiency. In both labor and sex trafficking, there is a power imbalance where the trafficker possesses the economic power to treat the trafficked as a commodity and also takes control of all the profits. In the transaction, it is obvious that there is no element of consent, voluntariness, pleasure, or personal desire of the victim. This explains why trafficking in human beings is a ruthless, cynical, and multi-layered form of exploitation where traffickers profits by victimization and make turnover from the adversities, distress, and vulnerability of the trafficked persons. This unscrupulous business practice is such an intricate problem embedded majorly in poverty, marginalization, and ideas of subordination. Human trafficking has legitimized a brand-new element into capitalism which has supplemented slavery, status inequality, and disrespect to human dignity.