Fact Check: Sex trafficking is a form of modern slavery.

Fact Check: "Sex trafficking is a form of modern slavery."

What We Know

Sex trafficking is widely recognized as a form of modern slavery. According to the CDC, sex trafficking is defined as a type of human trafficking that exploits individuals through force, fraud, or coercion to perform commercial sex acts. The Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (TVPA) explicitly categorizes sex trafficking as "the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, obtaining, patronizing, or soliciting of a person for the purpose of a commercial sex act" (CDC).

The United States Department of State further elaborates that terms like "modern slavery," "trafficking in persons," and "human trafficking" encompass the act of compelling individuals to engage in labor or commercial sex acts through coercive means. This definition aligns with the broader understanding of modern slavery, which includes various forms of exploitation such as forced labor and debt bondage (State Department).

Analysis

The assertion that sex trafficking is a form of modern slavery is supported by multiple credible sources. The CDC, a reputable public health organization, emphasizes that sex trafficking is a serious public health issue that affects individuals across diverse backgrounds and is characterized by exploitation through coercive tactics (CDC).

Additionally, the State Department's definition of modern slavery aligns with the understanding that sex trafficking involves the exploitation of individuals, often through deceptive practices or threats, to compel them into commercial sexual activities (State Department). This definition is corroborated by various international frameworks, including the Palermo Protocol, which recognizes the gravity of trafficking and its classification as a form of slavery.

Moreover, the FBI notes that human sex trafficking is the most prevalent form of modern slavery, with millions of victims, primarily women and children, being exploited in the commercial sex industry (FBI). This data underscores the severity and widespread nature of the issue, reinforcing the claim that sex trafficking is indeed a form of modern slavery.

While some sources may present varying perspectives on the nuances of trafficking and exploitation, the consensus among reputable organizations and legal frameworks is clear: sex trafficking is a form of modern slavery.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that "sex trafficking is a form of modern slavery" is substantiated by comprehensive definitions and descriptions provided by authoritative sources such as the CDC and the United States Department of State. Both organizations categorize sex trafficking under the broader umbrella of human trafficking and modern slavery, highlighting the coercive and exploitative nature of such practices. The overwhelming evidence from credible sources supports the conclusion that sex trafficking is indeed a form of modern slavery.