Trafficking and globalization

Many experts have linked the liberalization of markets and the structural adjustment strategies of the World Trade Organization, World Bank and Inter American Development Bank with an erosion of human rights guarantees. Globalization has also been noted as a contributing cause of trafficking in persons. In 2001, the UN Secretary General requested information on globalization and its impact on the enjoyment of human rights from Member States.

The solicitation included a question on the perceived relationship, if any, between "processes of globalization and negative aspects of international trade such as trafficking in people, arms and the increase in international crime".

Of the countries under study, only Costa Rica responded, stating that ...[G]lobalization has encouraged trafficking in people and arms and has led to an increase in international crime and drug trafficking in particular. These new illicit activities are further facilitated by new technologies and modern means of communication. However, these technologies should also be used to combat them.

The Government also responded that "[g]lobalization of the economy should be followed by globalization of genuine human rights. If globalization is to promote dignity and human rights and itself become consolidated and permanent, people must be at the center of the effort, and their social, legal and cultural rights must be guaranteed".