[NCKH] Legal protections for human trafficking victims: A systematic review

Authors: Nguyen Duy Dung and Nguyen Hai Yen

Abstract: This systematic review analyzes and compares legal provisions protecting victims of human trafficking across multiple countries, aiming to identify gaps, best practices, and propose policy recommendations to mitigate legal disparities. Human trafficking affects millions of people, primarily women and children, requiring a human rights-based approach rather than a purely criminal one. However, inconsistencies in national laws have undermined victim identification, support, and access to justice, thereby perpetuating trafficking networks and causing further harm. Following PRISMA guidelines, the research team conducted a comprehensive literature survey in May 2025 using Scopus and Google Scholar databases, employing keywords related to “human trafficking” and “victim protection,” limited to academic research from 2004–2024. Of the initial 17,200 results, 50 studies were selected for analysis regarding geographic scope, legal framework, enforcement, gender factors, and compliance with international treaties. Data were aggregated by topic to identify trends and differences. The results revealed significant disparities in legal frameworks (40/50 studies) and uneven enforcement due to a lack of resources and coordination (33/50). Mechanisms for identifying victims were weak (30/50), biased towards female victims of sexual exploitation, and overlooked forced labor and men. Compliance with the Palermo Protocol was inconsistent (30/50), with EU countries showing higher levels of legal harmonization than Asia and Africa. The article highlights the need for legal reform, strengthening the principle of non-punishment and unconditional support for victims, thereby promoting cross-border cooperation and mitigating the global impact of human trafficking.

Link: https://malque.pub/ojs/index.php/mr/article/view/14316