---
title: "Human Trafficking: Definition, Law & UPSC Notes"
description: "Human trafficking involves coercion or fraud for exploitation, impacting policy researchers and Model UN students in understanding global human rights issues."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/human-trafficking"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- Human trafficking is the recruitment, transport, or harbouring of persons through coercion, fraud, or deception for the purpose of exploitation, including forced labour and sexual servitude.
- How does human trafficking differ from migrant smuggling under the Palermo Protocols?
- What are the three elements required to prove human trafficking?
- Which Indian laws criminalise human trafficking?
- Why is victim consent treated as irrelevant in trafficking cases?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

Human trafficking is the recruitment, transport, or harbouring of persons through coercion, fraud, or deception for the purpose of exploitation, including forced labour and sexual servitude.

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## Timeline

1. 15 November 2000

   Human trafficking is codified in international law by the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children — th…

2. 25 December 2003

   Human trafficking is codified in international law by the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children — th…

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Example

In 2000 the United States enacted the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, which mandated the State Department's annual Trafficking in Persons Report that tiers nations by their compliance with anti-trafficking minimum standards.

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