I have since redirected my energies to Internet distribution, in order to get what I feel are compelling subjects and stories out more quickly to an audience.

The Nation article I believe you are referring to is called Oversexed by Debbie Nathan. Yes I have read it. I had not heard about the controversy resulting from the article, though I could see why there would be one.

There is somewhat of a political minefield surrounding this topic; the perceived focus on trafficking in persons for sexual exploitation. I do share the belief that there is a weighted focus on trafficking for sexual exploitation. I will not say over weighted because I feel the focus on trafficking for other forms of labor, including domestic help, should increase.

I can say a consistent theme that I have found from many of those that were on the front lines of social work or counseling voiced a frustration with the media and the political focus on sexual trafficking. It was never framed as stop with the focus on forced prostitution, but almost consistently in the context of "What about these other people?" "Is the heinousness of their experience not equal, or not relevant?"

This focus serves an agenda. If I can plug an audio interview on the tradio21 site -it is about 15 minutes long. Belgian author Chris de Stoop was one of the first journalist to "break" the story about trafficking of women into forced prostitution and strip clubs in Belgium. My understanding is that his first book, and several newspaper articles, led to the implementation of the Belgium anti-trafficking laws and collection of shelters set up specifically to assist victims of trafficking. Ten years later he wrote a second book, out of his frustration that the counter human trafficking movement, something of which he contributed to bringing about, had become hijacked to serve ulterior political agendas.

So what do I think of that?  I think that is a very serious accusation that holds a significant amount of credibility and should be looked at closely by all of those concerned about this matter.

If we are only focusing on making it more difficult for people to irregularly migrate from these source countries, we are only increasing the level of danger people will take, and the cost people will incur to get here; Europe or the US. The smuggling, and in some cases trafficking networks, exist because legal migration does not.

I believe BBC recently reported the US has seen the highest level of deaths in the desert on the US/ Mexico border.  As Eurotrib readers know, the stories don't end about shaky overloaded boats going down in various seas.

Your comment opens up a big can of worms, because there is a raging debate about the legitimacy of working in prostitution. I am going to deliberately refrain from stepping too far into that debate in the comments section, because my hope was to draw attention to some of the practices and policies that contribute to the root causes of trafficking, often referred to as the "push factors" -specifically staying away from the prostitution discussion. The topic though is a great one for Eurotrib. I won't be surprised, if it were to come up, if it ends up in the Debates section.

I have met some very articulate people, who hold opposing stances on this matter, and who present very solid and valid arguments. It is a very important topic, as it affects many lives; women, children, and men; homosexual & transgender. All deserve a dedicated non-politicized focus on the issues of their situation.  -That was probably not a very satisfying response.

Concerning what is being done to address this issue -another big question. Attempted short response: A large amount of money is put into education programs in source countries warning people about the dangers of human trafficking. Some money goes into repatriation and shelters, or relocation for a victim into the destination country. Also, it seems that a good amount of money has been received by law enforcement and immigrations officials.

What has gone into efforts to create living environments that do not "push" people to take inordinate risks and incur significant financial costs in hopes of obtaining a better life elsewhere? ...don't know -not much in my opinion.