ABSTRACT
It is imperative to understand humanitarian law and human rights as we discuss the impact of human trafficking. Humanitarian law focuses on the protection of life, the dignity and worth of individuals, and the prohibition of inhumane treatment, while human rights focus on freedoms, justice, and peace. These entities work with vulnerable populations and are intended to reduce suffering, without exception. Despite efforts by the United Nations, European Union, United States, and many other entities to combat human trafficking, it remains one of the fastest growing industries in the world (Ngwe & Elechi, 2012). It is estimated that up to 40 million people are trafficked each year, resulting in $150 billion dollars of profit (International Labor Organization and Walk Free Foundation, 2017; Fish, 2017).
