The trafficking of women for sexual exploitation in the Russian Federation

Abstract

Trafficking in persons is a serious breach of human rights and the analytical problem is highlighted by the fact that exact numbers cannot be detected. In this thesis, the author analyses the social factors of the causes of sexual exploitation in the Russian Federation and analyses Russia’s compliance with the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children, supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime provisions. The case study is about Russia due to the high rates of domestic violence against women and girls. The author concludes that four social factors cause the sexual exploitation of women and girls in Russia, which are economic inequality, shadow economy, domestic violence and inadequate legal system. Furthermore, the author concludes that based on the Protocol Russia does not comply with provisions that can be divided into five groups. These groups of provisions are protection, legislation, repatriation, prosecution and definition.