Human Trafficking: Fighting Losing Battle?

A recent article about human trafficking concerns in China suggests law enforcement officials are not doing their part to fight this growing crime. Published statics would indicate that the country is making a substantial effort to combat human trafficking and that reported incidents have decreased over the last several years. However, these numbers are a result of "China's narrow definition of human trafficking, which only covers the kidnapping, purchase, or sale of women and children younger than 14." In many instances young adults are caught up in his dangerous cycle as well because of pressures to find work and assist in supporting their families. Cases of forced labor and sexual exploitation are on the rise, and the Chinese government has been apathetic in responding to this issue; it has even, in some instances, ignored known illegal exploitation of women and children in factories. The government has announced several anti-trafficking initiatives, but they do not appearing to be working. Moreover, because of the migration tendencies inherent in China's framework, trafficking offenses are difficult to prosecute. In a country where everything seems to be working against the safety of its citizenry, can there be any hope?