Human Trafficking-Two-Fold Problem

After reading the second chapter of Half the Sky and further research, I realized that the problems of human trafficking, especially in Cambodia, are not caused by a few definite circumstances but rather encompass many interrelating factors. In the chapter, Kristof and Wudunn introduce the problem of human trafficking, specifically in the realm of forced prostitution, by mentioning the staggering banality of human trafficking in Asia and then later delve into some personal stories. In almost all the personal accounts, the trafficked girls tend to come from poorer countries and poor villages where the laws against trafficking are so easily dismissive. This trafficking of young girls with the incentive of good, paid work is not rare but rather, according to Trafficking in Persons Report, only in Cambodia, roughly 100-200 women are taken advantage of in these brutal brothels per night! This fact astounded me-from the chapter, I got an inkling that these personal narrates only give a small window into the many tragic stories, however the sheer facts still astound me.
From the reading and research, I realized that rescuing the girls from these ruthless brothels is only half the problem; but rather keeping the girls from returning is also a tough dilemma. In the chapter, and later in a column in the New York Times, Kristof refers to the difficult and sometimes adrenaline-rushing events of rescuing the girls from the brothels. However, even though the horrid lives girls had at the brothels, many girls, even when they are safely rescued, decide to return to these brothels. This tendency is due to the fact that many brothel owners get their girls addicted to meth, which makes it nearly impossible for the girls to leave for good. Despite the fact that this is recognized problem, according to Trafficking in Persons Reports, Cambodia’s prevention policy does not include any drug regulation and also reveals that the Cambodian laws have never been stringently enforced and thus just reiterating the human trafficking problems. Thus, this two-battle is still ongoing, especially in regions of Cambodia.