On the recordNovember 4, 2003
According to the latest U.S. Government estimates, some 800,000 to 900,000 people worldwide are trafficked across borders each year for forced labor or sexual exploitation. Although men are also victimized, the overwhelming majority of those trafficked are women and children. In addition, trafficking in people for prostitution, domestic servitude, and forced labor is an increasing area of international criminal activity. The reasons for the increase in trafficking are many. In general, the criminal business feeds on poverty, despair, war, crisis, and ignorance. Trafficking is considered one of the largest sources of profits for organized crime, generating 7 to $10 billion annually, according to United Nations estimates. The largest number of victims are annually trafficked from Asia and the Pacific region, according to the U.S. Department of State. The growth of sexual tourism in this region is one of the main contributing factors.
Source
govinfo.gov
