FROM PROTOCOLS TO PRACTICE: THE INTERNATIONAL LEGAL RESPONSE TO HUMAN TRAFFICKING

AUTHOR – PRIYA MADHESIYA, STUDENT AT AMITY INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED LEGAL STUDIES, NOIDA

BEST CITATION – PRIYA MADHESIYA, FROM PROTOCOLS TO PRACTICE: THE INTERNATIONAL LEGAL RESPONSE TO HUMAN TRAFFICKING, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 5 (8) OF 2025, PG. 373-383, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.

ABSTRACT

Human trafficking remains one of the most grievous human rights violations in the modern era, transcending borders and affecting millions worldwide. This paper undertakes a comprehensive analysis of the international legal framework established to combat human trafficking, tracing the evolution of global instruments and conventions that shape anti-trafficking responses today. Beginning with the 1904 International Agreement for the Suppression of the White Slave Traffic and culminating in the landmark 2000 UN Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children (Palermo Protocol), the study examines how the international community has progressively recognized trafficking as a serious transnational crime and human rights issue.

The paper evaluates the binding and non-binding instruments under the United Nations, the International Labour Organization, and regional frameworks such as those developed by the European Union and South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation. It explores the key components of these instruments, including prevention strategies, victim protection, and prosecution mechanisms. Additionally, the study critiques the gaps in enforcement, state compliance, and victim-centric approaches, arguing for a more integrated, human-rights-based strategy that includes accountability, cross-border cooperation, and socio-legal reform.

By comparing legal obligations and best practices, this paper highlights the need for harmonization between international and domestic laws and emphasizes the importance of political will and institutional coordination. The study concludes that while significant progress has been made, human trafficking persists due to structural vulnerabilities, weak implementation, and lack of survivor-centric policies.

Keywords- Human Trafficking, Palermo Protocol, International Law, Victim Protection,   Transnational Crime, UN Conventions, Legal Framework, SAARC Convention, Law Enforcement Cooperation