Victimization factors that might contribute to women's vulnerability to trafficking in the

Russian Federation

Research problem

The trafficking of human beings in recent decades has been a matter of serious social and
political concerns. Despite claims by many countries that human rights and freedoms are
safeguarded within their borders, slavery still exists in the modern era. Across the globe,
countless individuals suffer exploitation against their will. They are forced into prostitution,
domestic servitude, or coerced into begging in public places. Some traffickers profit by selling
the organs of living individuals without consent. This vast human trafficking deprives many
people of their freedom and dignity every day, perpetuating modern-day slavery.

Reliable statistics related to human trafficking are difficult to find. The hidden activities of
traffickers make it difficult to accurately quantify the extent of exploitation. As a result of these
methodological obstacles to measurement, current statistics likely do not fully reflect the true
extent and realities of trafficking in persons worldwide. Comprehensive data that reliably reflect
this crime remain elusive.

However, according to the United Nations in 2002, more than 700,000 women, children, and
men are trafficked every year1. In 2022 Global Estimates of Modern Slavery report, collaborated
by ILO, Walk Free Foundation, and IOM, updated this data. The report noted about 27.6 million
individuals in forced labor in 20212, as defined by ILO Forced Labor Convention, 1930 (No.
29)3. While exact figures for trafficking victims are elusive (as the number of people in
trafficking includes people in forced labor), the problem demands serious consideration. Human
trafficking remains a pressing issue that needs addressing.

In Russia, despite the authorities' efforts to fight human trafficking, the problem continues to be
widespread. Women constitute the majority of trafficking victims in the country. However, the
factors that make Russian women and women from other countries more vulnerable to being
trafficked are still understudied.

1
OHCHR. (n.d.). SECRETARY-GENERAL CALLS HUMAN TRAFFICKING ‘ONE OF THE GREATEST
HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS’ OF TODAY - https://www.ohchr.org/en/statements/2009/10/secretary-general-
calls-human-trafficking-one-greatest-human-rights-violations
2
International Labour Organization. “Forced Labour, Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking.” Ilo.org, 2021 -
www.ilo.org/global/topics/forced-labour/lang--en/index.htm
3
OHCHR. (n.d.-a). Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29) - https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments-
mechanisms/instruments/forced-labour-convention-1930-no-29#:~:text=of%20the%20Conference.-,Article
%202,has%20not%20offered%20himself%20voluntarily
The research is important because human trafficking is a gross violation of human rights and
dignity, perpetuating a cycle of exploitation and suffering. It is critical to identify the factors that
make people, especially certain populations such as women, vulnerable to trafficking. This
understanding is necessary to develop successful prevention and intervention plans.
Research question

“What are the victimization factors of trafficking in the Russian Federation among women?”

Resolving the issue and examining the factors contributing to women's vulnerability to human
trafficking in Russia is crucial to solving this pressing research problem. Addressing the key
factors of victimization allows for the development of effective methods to combat human
trafficking. Understanding these factors not only reveals the root causes of the problem, but also
guides the development of policies and programs designed to keep women from falling prey to
traffickers. By targeting and addressing these victimization factors, efforts can be directed
towards creating a safer environment for women in the Russian Federation and reducing the
prevalence of human trafficking.

The question can be addressed due to the abundance of relevant sources, e.g. academic journals,
government reports, and data from organizations working with human trafficking. Additionally,
social media and online platforms provide information and communicating with people who may
have experience or insight into the topic.
Literature Review

1. Theoretical frameworks for trafficking in women: This section provides a theoretical

framework for identifying patterns and types of trafficking, particularly those that affect
vulnerable groups such as women. It aids in comprehending the extent of the issue and recurring
patterns in various regions. The inclusion of a theoretical framework is essential as it establishes
the basis for comprehending the research topic, demonstrates awareness of prior research, and
provides context and justification for the research problem.

2. Risk factors for human trafficking victimization among women: This section analyzes past
research that has identified demographic, socioeconomic, and other risk factors that increase
women's vulnerability to being trafficked. Reviewing what is already known about risk factors
according to previous studies is necessary to build upon existing knowledge and identify any
gaps.

3. Human trafficking in Russia: The final section focuses on what has been published
specifically about human trafficking involving women in Russia. It examines the context and
patterns of trafficking as well as any studies exploring risk factors for Russian women. Including
a section on the situation and research in Russia is important as it directly relates to the research
problem and population of interest.
Theory

The study analyses the factors that contribute to the victimization of women who are trafficked
in Russia. It corresponds to the meso-level of analysis in sociology, which examines the
interactions and dynamics between groups, organizations, and institutions in society. This level
of analysis is crucial to understanding the complex problem of human trafficking. The study will
involve women of varying ages who have been victims of trafficking, as well as professionals in
related fields, to identify specific factors of victimization in trafficking.