Despite the ratification of global and regional anti-trafficking frameworks and enactment
of relevant national laws, human trafficking remains an endemic security problem in
East Asia, threatening states and societies. Two-thirds or 25 million of global trafficking
victims were identified to be in the region. This NTS Insight briefly reviews the current
regional trends and patterns of human trafficking in East Asia. It demonstrates that
robust legal frameworks, while absolutely important, are not sufficient to eradicate and
prevent human trafficking. It primarily analyzes three fundamental issues that impede
effective law enforcement and the eradication of human trafficking in East Asia: (1)
weak law enforcement capacity of states; (2) the persistent corruption-trafficking nexus;
and (3) limited support services and protection assistance for victims. It highlights the
importance of developing and adopting a victim-centered approach in order to make
anti-trafficking efforts more holistic and effective.

Read the full paper here.