I.

Thesis
It is in 1920s that the concept of Human Trafficking as an international threat was introduced to world
politics and law. In 1926 an official report submitted by the League of Nations emphasized on the issue of
human trafficking and calls for an action to combat it. However, the report focused on traffick in
women which was for policy making agenda, and disregarded the fact that men are trafficked.The
exclusion of the scandinavian countries data about human trafficking has undermined and shaped the
definition of trafficking that is being used nowadays.
II. Argument
The word traffic have become synonymous with criminality; mentioning the term traffic can
often entail international/intercontinental crime.
Human trafficking research continues to show the persistent problem of the definition.
Henni Forchhammer called for international focus on trafficking of women in which the issues can
only be solved through multinational coordination through the league.
Grace Abbot called for a research about women trafficking and was approved by the league.
The research found that within the U.S dance halls were contributors to women
trafficking.
Report of the Special Body of Experts on the Traffic in Women
In 1921 the terminology changed from White slave traffic to traffic in women and children
Roberd Hendl as a matter of sensationalist press reports based mostly on imagination.
The language of traffic as a form of international crime resulted from a political process led by
campaigners and advocates within the League of Nations. (5)
League redefined International traffic as what Snow and Johnson defined it.
direct or indirect procuration and transportation to a foreign country for gain of a
woman or girl for the purpose of providing sexual gratification to one or other persons
(7)
Women trafficking as an underground business.
Licensed prostitution systems are more likely to have higher rate of human trafficking than
unlicensed prostitution systems. (Scandinavian dilemma)
III. Concerns regarding Snow and Johnson arguments
The use of the word traffic for humans, drugs, and weapons. (Criminalization of the victim?)
Existence of the place and tourism provide a place for prostitutes, thus, leading to sex trafficking?
how can you traffic people who have the legal abilities to work in prostitution?
Eugenicist justification/claim to women's prostitution.
IV. Question
Where did the term white slave trade come from?
Why did the white slave trade was replaced by the term human trafficking?
How does the term under world influences the way law and politics approach human trafficking as
discussed by Snow and Johnson? p7/8
In comparison to Snow and Johnson research in early 1900s how did the white slave trade or
nowadays human trafficking routes have changed? p10
The article talks about how the scandinavian dilemma continues to shape our definition of human
trafficking. However, unlike in the 1920s nowadays Scandinavian countries are more open about the
existing human trafficking within the countries. Then does the Scandinavian Dilemma still exist?