Read the text below and answer the following question based on it.
Human trafficking is slavery
According to the United States Department of Justice,
human trafficking is the “third most profitable criminal
activity. An estimated $9.5 billion is generated in annual
revenue from all trafficking activities, with at least $4 billion
attributed to the worldwide brothel industry.”
The United States Department of State estimates that
800,000 women, children and men are internationally
trafficked every year. Most of these victims are enslaved in
the sex trade industry, followed by domestic servitude and
labor. Over 14,000 victims are trafficked into the United
States annually, according to the United States Department
of Justice, and an estimated 200,000 American children are
potentially trafficked each year into the sex trade.
Since 2001, the United States Department of Health and
Human Services has issued almost 1,100 certifications to
human trafficking victims in the United States originating
from over 40 countries. The largest contributing regions are
Latin America and Asia. The majority of victims are female
and half of all victims are children. Law enforcement
agencies report that the majority of trafficking cases
presented as prostitution. But victims of human trafficking
have also been rescued from enslavement as domestic
servants, child soldiers, child brides, beggars, manual
laborers, sweatshops workers, and in landmine removal
efforts. There are also baby trafficking rings that sell babies
to both knowing and unknowing adoptive parents.
Anyone can potentially fall prey to human traffickers. Before
enslavement, many victims earned higher educational
degrees. Many victims were professionals. Others were
simply seeking a better life when they fell prey. Regardless
of demographics or the circumstance of their trafficking, the
common thread among all trafficking victims is the deprivation of inherent human rights and dignity. They are
frequently subjected to physical, mental, emotional and
sexual abuse. Although these victims are a commodity to
the traffickers, they are nonetheless considered expendable.
They are consequently not given adequate care. Without
proper care and essential services, these innocent victims
will be less likely to live hopeful, healthy, and productive
lives.
Adaptado de: <http://globalrescuerelief.org/what-is-human-trafficking/> Acessado em 5 de maio de 2016.
Human traffickers