The Problem of Human Trafficking in Colombia, South America
Jarrod Sadulski, PhD | September 24 | 11:30 AM-12:30 PM
Topic: Research, Law Enforcement | Knowledge Level: Intermediate
Colombia, South America has unique challenges when it comes to human trafficking. There are unique factors in Colombia that contribute to the human trafficking problem, and the government has taken a proactive approach to combat human trafficking that should be replicated in other countries around the world. In February of 2020, Dr. Sadulski conducted in-country research in Colombia as a guest of the Colombia National Police. This research included interviews and presentations from the leadership of INTERPOL and the Criminal Investigative Directorate in Colombia, which oversee combating human trafficking in Colombia. It was discovered that characteristics in recruitment and coercion are different in Colombia compared to other countries. In particular, the proactive approach of the Colombian government that focuses on five modalities of human trafficking was discovered during this research. These modalities include sexual exploitation, homeless exploitation, marriage for asylum, organ trafficking, and labor exploitation. During this research, the leadership of INTERPOL and the Criminal Investigative Directorate identified the trafficker profiles that are used by the Colombia National Police to identify those engaged in human trafficking. Global implications of human trafficking in Colombia and the international partnerships with 18 countries that have formed an alliance against human trafficking with Colombia was analyzed in an informative presentation. The in-country research provided firsthand insight into Colombia’s approach to combating human trafficking. Recommendations for how other nations can learn from Colombia’s approach were developed. This research will serve as the platform for Dr. Sadulski’s presentation on Colombia’s approach to combating human trafficking.
Presentation Objectives:
· Describe the in-country research study and share firsthand insight into the unique characteristics of human trafficking in Colombia, South America
· Assess the five modalities that INTERPOL and the Colombia Criminal Investigation Directorate use to identify and combat human trafficking
· Discuss specific regions of Colombia that are highly susceptible to human trafficking and what the government is doing in terms of special prosecutors and investigators to address this problem