El delito de trata de personas en la legislación ecuatoriana

Abstract

Human trade is a huge social and psychological problem, not to mention a serious legal one. Women and children are the most vulnerable to this wrongful social matter. It is said that this problem originated in European countries and was known as the “white slave trade”; especially women trade with the purpose of sexually exploitation. This kind of “commerce” opened the way for the mafia economy to expand. Today, this kind of activity has increased outrageously, but at the same time it has also changed. Today, the trade will be used not only for sex, but for illegal organ acquirement, labor exploitation, and all those who go against human rights. Unfortunately, it happens in countries where poverty reigns and where society takes this topic for granted. Such is the case from India, where families are the ones in charge of selling their daughters and sons for different situations. However, in our country for example, this activity is present in extremely poor neighborhoods where the involved families are in health or education necessities; that makes them an easier prey for the organized crime. The following research job pretends to gather the most recent regulations concerning human trade on a national and international scope; it will also provide knowledge of the actual struggle Ecuador, Colombia and Argentina´s government have to go through to timely and effectively assist victims, since they are the ones with a higher percentage of trade victims in South America.