DoD Response to Labor Trafficking in Iraq
As previously stated, trafficking in humans doesn’t simply involve sexual servitude – but takes many forms – wherever a profit can be made – human trafficking may soon follow. Due to DoD’s stepped up initiatives to find and prevent human trafficking, several labor violations were uncovered.
Most of these violations were committed by subcontractors, however; that fact doesn’t matter. Regardless of how the employee is recruited – through a contractor or subcontractor – this employee works for the United States government and should be treated with dignity and respect. Under no circumstances can any government agency – especially the United States government – condone any labor abuses or human trafficking.
Military law enforcement professionals at all levels must be
vigilant and make every attempt possible to proactively identify
and investigate any violation of international and national
trafficking in persons laws and policies.