South Asia14
In South Asia, there are many countries used as origin, transit and destination countries for trafficking.
Victims are sent to other countries in the region and to other parts of the world. Even
more prevalent is the movement of persons within the countries for exploitation in various forms.
Even though there are no definite numbers of victims, it is estimated that 150,000 victims are trafficked
from the region annually.15 Many studies have revealed that trafficking in women and children
is on the rise in Asia.
Trafficking for commercial sexual exploitation is the most virulent form of trafficking in the
region. The movement of young girls from South Asian countries to brothels is common, taking
place either between countries or within countries. There is further movement to the Middle East
as well as other destinations. Internal displacement due to conflict in some countries, poverty and
lack of employment opportunities increase the vulnerability to being trafficked.