Traffickers target minors in Bolivia
28 April 2008 - Human trafficking does not discriminate between countries, whether rich or poor, large or small. It takes place in every corner of the world. Although it especially affects women and girls, men and boys are also victimized.
Cases of human trafficking have surfaced in Bolivia, demonstrating that this country is not immune from the phenomenon. Studies carried out by different institutions indicate that Bolivia is a country of origin, transit and destination, but also that it is difficult to quantify the problem. "The numbers are not that high and only cover cases that have been reported and cases undergoing trial," says Cristina Albertin, UNODC Representative in Bolivia.
While many women and girls are forced to work as prostitutes, men and boys are usually made to work in mines, factories and fields. These trends are confirmed by Betty Pinto, responsible for the national programme for the human rights of migrants and women of the Office of the Ombudsman.
Since statistics show that more girls and women migrate and disappear than boys and men, Ms. Pinto considers that "human trafficking is a deeply gendered issue." Although both sexes are negatively affected, trafficking mainly affects females "because of how we conceive women's bodies," which are so devalued as to be perceived as objects, mere merchandise.
A few years ago, Ms. Pinto and her colleagues came across human trafficking "without even knowing it" during an investigation into prostitution, when they realized that "many girls and adolescents, some of whom were undoubtedly minors," were being exploited. At least 30 per cent of them had been lured by employment agencies.
Employment agencies attract candidates through advertisements offering cleaning, cooking and other kinds of jobs. It is common for such agencies to have biblical names, such as Eden and The House of God, to give the impression of innocence. "Young aspiring workers go to those places, bite the bait and are suddenly thrown into prostitution," Ms. Pinto explains.
Agencies also distribute flyers around schools. "They find boys and girls that have skipped class, hand them a leaflet and then take them away, just like that, school uniforms and all," Pinto says.
Some young Bolivian boys and girls who are victims of human trafficking stay in the country while others cross the border. The tradition of sending minors from rural areas to the city could be risky. Relatives and friends who say they will take care of the kids and educate them might actually be exploiting them, either commercially or sexually. Ms. Albertin says that "this practice may become a covert form of human trafficking." In the case of minors who leave the country either forcefully or under false pretenses, the Office of the Ombudsman informs that adolescent males tend to go north while adolescent females tend to go south. Many cross the border illegally and then disappear.
Given Bolivia's vulnerability to human trafficking, several mechanisms have been established to prevent that crime, protect the victims and prosecute traffickers. The State has, for example, adopted a law against human trafficking and established specialized police and judicial units. Through technical assistance programmes, UNODC and other international organizations support this effort to guarantee the rights of minors and adults.
In Spanish: Escuche extractos de la entrevista con Betty Pinto, de la oficina del Defensor del Pueblo (1.20 min., mp3)