Human Trafficking in Afghanistan: An Examination through the Lens of Social Constructivism

Authors

  • Talha Shahid Student of PhD in Political Science
  • Omar Farooq Zain Professor of International Relations and Dean Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan
  • Sania Khan Lecturer, Department of International Relations, National University of Modern Languages, Multan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.12731087

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this research is to first recognize the human trafficking as a problem in Afghanistan and then to present workable solutions.
Design/Methodology/Approach: The social constructivism theory is applied as a framework to analyze and interpret the complex dynamics that contribute to this multifaceted problem.
Findings: Human trafficking, a heinous crime encompassing exploitation and gross violation of human rights, has emerged as a lucrative and widespread enterprise. Often referred to as modern-day slavery, this global predicament has garnered significant attention in recent decades. The intricate process of human trafficking within Afghanistan, a landlocked nation surrounded by other states and devoid of water trade routes. Compounded by its status as a battleground for regional and international powers, Afghanistan faces additional challenges in combating this grave issue. Non-state actors and terrorist organizations further exacerbate the destabilization of peace within the country
Implications/Originality/Value: Recognizing human trafficking as a violation of fundamental human rights, it is imperative for governments and societies to address this issue collectively and strive towards its eradication.

References

AFP. (2022). Financial crisis forcing Afghans to sell their kidneys to feed families. DAWN. https://www.dawn.com/news/1677657

Ashraf, S. I. (2021). Afghanistan’s humanitarian disaster. DAWN.

Blue Campaign. (2017). Human Trafficking vs Human Smuggling: The Cornerstone Report.

Afghanistan—worst place for women. (2011, February 18). DAWN

Human trafficking (26 April, 2019). DAWN. https://www.dawn.com/news/1478451

George, A., Ray, S. (2010). Sex Trafficking and Sex Work: Definitions, Debates and Dynamics—A Review of Literature. Economic and Political Weekly, 45(17). https://www.jstor.org/stable/25664387

Güler, B., Sadat, S. K. (2022). Afghans forced to sell organs amid poverty, starvation. Asia Pacific.

Heart of Asia. (2019). Joint Regional Conference on Counter Terrorism and Counter Narcotics held in Almaty.

International Labour Organization. (2017). Penal Code. Criminal and penal law. Retrieved from International Labour Organization website.

Iqbal, A. (2022). Taliban erasing Afghan women from public life, say UN experts. DAWN.

Lacobucci, G. (2002). Afghans driven to sell kidneys on black market in the face of extreme poverty. BMJ. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.o587

Malik, W. A. (2023). Victims of poverty and exploitation. DAWN.

Mursal, M., Nader, Z. (2021). ‘I’ve already sold my daughters; now, my kidney’: winter in Afghanistan’s slums. The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2022/jan/23/ive-already-sold-my-daughters-now-my-kidney-winter-in-afghanistans-slums

Nossiter, A., Rahim, N. (2021). In Afghanistan, a Booming Kidney Trade Preys on the Poor. The New York Times.

Notezai, M. A. (2021). Making money out of misery. DAWN. Retrieved from https://www.dawn.com/news/1641505

OHCHR.org. (n.d.). United Nations Human Rights Treaty Bodies. Retrieved from OHCHR website.

Parreñas, R. S. (2012). What Is Human Trafficking? A Review Essay. JSTOR, 37(4). https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.1086/664472

Perria, S., Perosino, M. (2022). Taliban to Traffickers — The Perilous Journey Of Women Fleeing Afghanistan. World Crunch. Retrieved from https://worldcrunch.com/migrant-lives-1/journey

Reuters. (2021). Afghan humanitarian crisis, drug trafficking alarm China, India, Russia. DAWN.

The Constitution of Afghanistan: Article 34. (Ratified January 26, 2004). Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

U.S. Department of State. (2022). Trafficking in Persons Report: Afghanistan - Tier 3.

UNHCR. (2001). Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC). RefWorld.

UNHCR. (2017). Trafficking in Persons Report - Afghanistan. Retrieved from https://www.refworld.org/docid/5959ed1b13.html

UNODC. (2021). GLO.ACT convenes workshop in Afghanistan on building capacity to screen, refer, and assist victims of trafficking and smuggled migrants. Retrieved from https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/human-trafficking/glo-act2/

Vidwans, P., & Jamal, M. (2015). Human Trafficking Has a Hidden Cause — and It's on the Rise Worldwide. Human Rights Foundation. https://time.com/5638667/human-trafficking-cause/

Vlachová, M. (2005). Trafficking in Humans: The Slavery of Our Age. JSTOR, 4(4). https://www.jstor.org/stable/26323192

Weinbaum, M. G. (2006). Afghanistan and Its. Washington DC: USIP.

UNODC. (2008). Appropriate Legal Responses to Combating Trafficking in Persons in Afghanistan. United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Vienna.

Downloads

Published

2024-07-07

How to Cite

Shahid, T., Zain, O. F. ., & Khan, S. (2024). Human Trafficking in Afghanistan: An Examination through the Lens of Social Constructivism. Pakistan Journal of Social Sciences, 44(3), 403-412. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.12731087