International
law requires States to prosecute trafficking in persons effectively and
fairly. Along with prevention and protection, prosecution widely is
seen as one of the main pillars of an effective national response to
trafficking. For example, in the annual Trafficking in Persons report,
the US Government considers: 'whether the government vigorously
investigates, prosecutes, and punishes trafficking' to be a key
indicator in assessing and ranking countries.
But
worldwide, the number of prosecutions for trafficking remains
stubbornly low - especially when compared to the generally accepted size
of the problem. Very few traffickers are ever brought to justice and
the criminal justice system rarely operates to benefit those who have
been trafficked.