Sex Trade in First World Countries vs. Second or Third Countries

Stopping trafficking of women and children in my opinion would be much easier to accomplish through law enforcement in a first world country than in other parts of the world. In America for example we have respected and revered law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, all ready in place. We have the expectations that these law enforcement agencies are actively pursuing criminals and enforcing our laws. The FBI, for example, has partnered with worldwide agencies such as the Southeastern European Initiative (SECI) "to stop these crimes at their sources overseas" (www.fbi.gov). The pimps and johns in America, and other such countries, live in the fear that once they are caught they will be punished. The problem most of the time is how to catch them; however I feel that the consequences should be steeper. Most pimps choose to be in this profession because they believe it is safe than drug trafficking. I do not believe legalizing prostitution is the answer either. Arresting the prostitutes rarely, in my understanding, leads to the arrest of pimps or johns, instead there needs to be a mandatory rehabilitation program for these women and children. This will help cut back on the enigma that it is their fault that they were victims. This rehab program would also be a way to help them get off drugs, if they are addicted, and re-enter society.

In second and third world countries, as seen in 'Half the Sky', the scene is very different. Women and children are often trafficked with the knowledge and consent of local officials. The sex trade industry is considered a cultural norm to the extent that a policeman said, "These girls are sacrificed so that we can have harmony in society. So that the good girls can be safe" (Kristof 24). The girls in the sex trade have been degraded to second class citizens. Just changing the laws in these countries will not do much to save these women and children. There needs to be a major cultural shift on every level. I do not believe that this shift can happen without intervention from outside forces and neither can it happen overnight. Until, this shift occurs I strongly believe organizations like the UN should step in and enforce a ban on brothels, the kidnappings and all crimes involved. In my opinion these crimes are just as severe and important as other crimes that UN addresses. Talk is not enough to stop the trafficking.