Trafficking in Human Beings and International Peacekeeping Missions: The 2004 NATO THB Policy

Citation:

Ballesteros, Alvaro. 2007. "Trafficking in Human Beings and International Peacekeeping Missions: The 2004 NATO THB Policy." Connections: The Quarterly Journal 6 (3): 121-39.

Author: Alvaro Ballesteros

Abstract:

This essay aims at analyzing the efforts of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization to fight human trafficking, to prevent NATO personnel from becoming clients fueling the THB operations run by organized crime groups, and to implement the 2004 NATO Policy of “Zero Tolerance” regarding THB. In order to do so, this paper will try to present a clear definition of what the problem is, and to explain the repercussions and links between THB and international peacekeeping operations; the allegations and cases affecting the UN and NATO, with the consequent damage to both institutions’ reputations; the development and content of the 2004 NATO Policy against THB; and the efforts to implement this policy. Finally, the essay will offer some recommendations for future steps.

In offering this analysis, I hope to support the North Atlantic Alliance’s efforts to fight THB in a comprehensive and successful way, making NATO the example for institutionalized programmatic efforts against THB proliferation and troop-involvement prevention. This research also tries to provide an in-depth review of the 2004 NATO Policy against THB, including an evaluation of the policy implementation process from the approval of the policy in the summer of 2004 to the summer of 2007. 

Keywords: military sexual assault, human trafficking, NATO, United Nations, THB operations, peacekeeping operations

Topics: International Law, International Organizations, Military Forces & Armed Groups, Peacekeeping, Trafficking, Human Trafficking

Year: 2007