Section 1: Trafficking and Anti-trafficking Efforts in Egypt

Trafficking in persons is a world-wide phenomenon that affects almost every country in the world. The United Nations Special Rapporteur on Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children (hereafter "the Special Rapporteur on Trafficking"), in her 2009 report to the Human Rights Council, states that "in varying degrees and circumstances, men, women and children all over the world are victims of what has become a modern day slave trade".¹ The Special Rapporteur describes trafficking in persons as "one of the fastest growing criminal activities in the world". Moreover, it   generates massive profits for criminal groups and results in serious breaches of human rights and dignity. Trafficking in persons includes the trafficking of women, children, and men for the purposes of sexual or labor exploitation;  it can occur within or across national borders.