The international law of human trafficking

'In The International Law of Human Trafficking, Dr Anne Gallagher uses her unique position as a scholar and practitioner to chart the extraordinary developments of the past decade. This carefully researched and well-written book provides a comprehensive and accessible insight into a new, complex but vital area of international law. It affirms the central place that international law, including human rights law, must play in any solution to the age-old problem of private exploitation. I recommend it to all those involved in working against trafficking and supporting the victims of this illegal and inhuman trade.' Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland (1990-7) and former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (1997-2002) 'Dr Gallagher's expertise in this field, particularly in the area of criminal justice responses to trafficking, is recognized and deeply appreciated throughout the ASEAN region. ... This meticulously researched book confirms her position as a leading international legal authority on the issue. While scholarly in approach, the book is straightforward in structure and clear in expression. It reflects an acute understanding of the politics of human trafficking and of the significant challenges involved in securing effective national implementation of international norms. The International Law of Trafficking is a valuable reference for policy makers, practitioners and all those working to end impunity for trafficking offences and to secure justice for those who have been trafficked.' Dr Surin Pitsuwan, Secretary General, Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) 'Anne Gallagher has been a key player in analyzing, drafting, promoting, and critiquing the international legal order that has emerged over the past decade to address the previously long-neglected phenomenon of human trafficking. This authoritative book combines meticulous legal scholarship with deep insight into the key challenges that must be addressed in the years ahead.' Philip Alston, John Norton Pomeroy Professor of Law, New York University School of Law 'With an estimated 2 million women in sexual bondage in half the countries of the world, it is high time for the international community to pay attention to this human tragedy. The trafficking flow goes on while most governments at best only rhetorically deal with this manifestation of crime. Books like this one serve an important purpose in making the phenomenon better known and showing how international legal instruments and mechanisms are available, though by no means adequate and efficient. This is both an important legal contribution and one that addresses a significant human problem.' M. Cherif Bassiouni, Distinguished Research Professor of Law Emeritus and President Emeritus, International Human Rights Law Institute, DePaul University 'Trafficking in human beings is a modern form of slavery. Today, however, this issue does not raise the same level of concern as other serious human rights violations. In her remarkable in-depth analysis of international legal obligations to counter human trafficking, Dr Anne T. Gallagher clearly demonstrates that human trafficking is a gross violation of human rights, and comprehensively illustrates where State responsibilities lie. Her reflection on a wide range of international tools to respond to this crime, enriched by her authoritative experience, also provides valuable guidance to accessing the current challenges and possible responses. Her work enables us to understand that even anti-trafficking action could compromise the rights and dignity of trafficked persons, and that a human rights based approach is therefore essential to assess and establish an effective anti-trafficking strategy.' Dr Maria Grazia Giammarinaro, OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings Read more...