COMBATTING ‘CONTEMPORARY SLAVERY’: THE NEED FOR A PARADIGM SHIFT

The definition of contemporary slavery, or the more generic term human trafficking, has undergone many changes over time undergone a range of contextual meanings over time. Historically, this crime was a common and legally accepted practice; however, it is now viewed as a major human rights violation. Despite various national and international initiatives to eradicate human trafficking, the practice appears to be increasing in both frequency and variety of procedures involved... Vietnam has a long history of human trafficking. Following the Vietnam war the country has been confronted with a range of challenges in its efforts to combat the issue. There are a range of conventional theories that can be used to explain and respond to human trafficking, however this article argues that they are limited in their scope and ability to respond effectively to the complexity of the problem. The article concludes with some recommendations for a paradigm shift. An integrated approach that may be more effective for combatting human trafficking not only in Vietnam, but worldwide.