UN Peacekeeping & Human Trafficking

Maria Hamdouchi & Annalise McGrail

HypothesisIntervention by UN peacekeeping troops in a country decreases subsequent levels of human trafficking

Background: UN Controversy• Suspected violation

o 1992-94- Mozambique (UNOMOZ)o 1990s- Bosnia, Kosovo, Cambodia, Somalia

• The UN respondso 2003- zero tolerance policy

o “Sexual exploitation and sexual abuse violate universally recognized international legal norms and standards and have always been unacceptable behavior and prohibited conduct for United Nations staff. Such conduct is prohibited by the United Nations Staff Regulations and Rules.”

Did it work?

Background: UN Controversy• Effectiveness?

o 2005- Prince Zeid Ra’ad reporto →2008-resolution A/RES/62/214

o United Nations Comprehensive Strategy on Assistance and Support to Victims of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse by United Nations Staff and Related Personnel

TheoryUnited Nations Peacekeeping missions increase forced prostitution related human trafficking in a country

Theory: Push vs. Pull Factors

Theory: Pull Factors● GDP per capita (ln)● Language fractionalization● Information flows

Methodology: DataIndependent variable→ UN mission

Dependent variable→ destination for forced prostitution

Methodology: DataDependent variable• Dichotomous indicator based on a

significant level of trafficking• Significant= 100 or more reported

casesWhy?

● Exact human trafficking levels are unknown

● Observe trends rather than exact inflows

Methodology: Process● Two-part model

○ Logistic regression○ Conditional logistic regression

Evidence:Table A: Relationship between trafficking and presence of UN Missions

Concluding RemarksHypothesis: Intervention by UN peacekeeping troops in a country decreases subsequent levels of human trafficking

Background: Isolated cases of human trafficking due to UN personnel

Methodology: x→ UN peacekeeping intervention y→ internal forced prostitution

Results: Intervention decreases subsequent levels of human trafficking within three years

Thank you for your time.Questions?