ABSTRACT
Anti-trafficking policies are often (mis)used by governments as a palliative, in order not to tackle the root causes of exploitation and abuse. The anti-trafficking framework was established with the adoption of the Palermo Protocol, and has been enthusiastically adopted by many States, but at the same time strongly criticised by academics and civil society actors. This chapter looks at some problematic areas of the anti-trafficking framework, especially those with which service-providing NGOs working with trafficked persons and affected groups are confronted. It focuses on the benefits of anti-trafficking work. The chapter explores if and how service-providing NGOs can continue their role in the anti-trafficking field without compromising themselves. It assesses the opportunities for NGOs to challenge and change the framework from within, in their capacity as service providers, whistle-blowers and watchdogs. The chapter particularly refers to service-providing NGOs that take on a human rights approach to their anti-trafficking work, and which do not advocate the abolition of sex work.
