Vol. 2, Issue 6, Part C (2016)

Abstract
This paper addresses the situation of human trafficking in India. It argues that the focus on trafficking either as an issue of illegal migration or prostitution still dominates the discourse of trafficking, which prioritizes state security over human security and does not adequately address the root causes of trafficking and the insecurity of trafficked individuals. The root causes or vulnerability factors of trafficking such as structural inequality, culturally sanctioned practices, poverty or economic insecurity, organ trade, bonded labor, gender violence, which are further exacerbated by corruption, have remained unrecognized in academic and policy areas. This paper argues that emphasis needs to be given to such underlying root causes and modes and also crimes related to human trafficking, that threatens human security of the trafficked persons in India. Accordingly, it provides some preventive measures to address and deal with the problem.