Global synthetic dataset analysis
Regional analysis
Victims exploited in Asia
Demographic characteristics
Victims exploited in Asia account for 14 per cent of all victims. Most of these cases are registered between 2015 and 2022. Around 71 per cent of these victims originate in South-East, Central, and South Asia. In some other cases, victims originate in Eastern Europe (11%) or East Africa (7%).
Most trafficked persons exploited in Asia are females (69%). Around 50 per cent of these victims are adults between 18 and 29 years of age, and another 13 per cent are children.
Trafficking experience
58 per cent of the victims were trafficked for forced labour, and another 29 per cent were trafficked for sexual exploitation. Most victims of forced labour are exploited in domestic work (75%) and construction (10%), while victims of sexual exploitation are mainly exploited in prostitution (82%).
Victims exploited in Asia are controlled with restrictions on finance, movements, medical care and necessities (48%), psychological, physical and sexual abuse (47%), and debt bondage or withheld wages (42%).[1] Victims are most likely to be recruited by ‘others’[2] (75%) or friends (16%). The duration of trafficking in 43 per cent of the cases is two years or more.
[1] It is important to note that trafficked persons can be subjected to multiple types of exploitation and means of control, so percentages may not add up to 100.
[2] Indicates a notable relationship with the recruiter that does not fit other categories like family or friends. This may include brokers, contractors, employers, or smugglers. See the Global Synthetic Dataset Codebook for a detailed explanation.