Human Trafficking for the Purpose of Organ Removal: The Rights of Victim-Donors Amplified
Faith Tunde-Yara, LLM, UCT | September 22 | 10:15-11:15 AM
Topic: Research, International | Knowledge Level: Beginner
Human trafficking for the purpose of organ removal (HTPOR) has remained a subject of unconfirmed reports but since the 1980s, a growing body of research by medical anthropologists, journalists, and academics has shown that it is a global phenomenon (OSCE, 2013). However, a large proportion of debate on the crime has focused on addressing the shortage of organs by developing systems to promote altruistic donation of organs, leaving behind a wide gap in the body of research that focuses on the serious human rights abuses faced by victim-donors, and the need to protect and promote these rights. This presentation seeks to highlight and address this gap by answering the question: "What rights do HTPOR victims have and how can they be protected?" A desk-based methodology analyzing a broad selection of journal articles, cases, and newspaper reports, alongside a human-rights based approach is used. This approach acknowledges that trafficking in persons is first a violation of human rights to which everyone is entitled (UN. OHCHR, 2015). Findings focus on the trends and patterns of HTPOR; operations of organ trafficking networks; consequence of HTPOR on victim-donors; the inherent human rights violations suffered by victim-donors; and five case studies highlighting active organ black market where victim-donors are sourced. Findings show that processes involved in HTPOR infringes on one or more rights of victims involved. This presentation concludes with recommendations for the international and regional community to set up needed support mechanisms for victim-donors to exercise their human rights in the face of such cruel and degrading treatment by organ traffickers.
Presentation Objectives:
· Describe "Human Trafficking for the Purpose of Organ Removal" (HTPOR)
· Discuss the research that was conducted using a desk-based methodology, with in-depth study and analysis
· Showcase and draw the attention of the international community to the human rights abuses faced by HTPOR victim-donors, with the aim of reigniting conversations around the promotion and protection of their rights