Human trafficking exploits people through force, fraud, coercion or abuse of vulnerability for another person’s gain.
Human trafficking exploits people through force, fraud, coercion or abuse of vulnerability for another person’s gain.
WHRF focus area. Trafficking can take place across borders or within one country. Exploitation may include forced labour, sexual exploitation, domestic servitude, forced criminality or other abuses, and it can affect adults and children of every nationality.
Effective responses must protect people rather than punish them for conduct connected to their exploitation. Prevention requires safe migration pathways, fair recruitment, labour rights, child protection, survivor-informed services and accountability for those who profit.
The UN Trafficking Protocol defines trafficking and sets duties on prevention, protection and cooperation. OHCHR’s recommended principles emphasize that the rights of trafficked people should be central to every intervention.
WHRF approaches this issue through independent research, public-interest analysis, non-partisan advocacy and cooperation with credible human-rights actors. This page identifies a focus area; it does not claim that WHRF currently operates a field programme or provides direct services in a particular country.
Contact WHRF if your organization has relevant evidence, expertise or a responsible partnership proposal.
Last reviewed: 20 October 2026.
