Dr. Justice Shivaraj V. Patil National Human Rights Commission Faridkot House, Copernicus Marg, New Delhi-110001 Website : www.nhrc.nic.in Member, NHRC (Former Judge, Supreme Court of India) March 16, 2006 Preface International Human Trafficking has become a serious issue closely related to economic, social and demographic development for receiving and sending countries of the world. Human trafficking often quilified as modern day slavery is caused by human rights violations embedded in poverty, illiteracy, lack of access to education and means of production. Till a few years ago, trafficking was considered coterminous with prostitution or sex-trade. The fact, however, is that trafficking is carried for various other purposes too, such as domestic service, labour in small factories/establishments, begging, for the purposes of marriage, adoption, public sport, organ trade, etc. In fact, it has with the passage of time acquired altogether new dimensions in the wake of economic reforms brought forth by the process of globalization. The growing international realization of the problem of trafficking and its ramifications has led to the coming into force of the present Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children supplementing the United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organised Crime 2000, with its wider and inclusive definition of trafficking. The definition clearly exemplifies that trafficking in human beings is now not just confined to sexual exploitation but also covers other forms such as children trafficked to serve as domestic servants, or as labour in hazardous industries. Women and children, particularly those from marginalized sections and those from poor economic strata, are undoubtedly the most vulnerable. III