Responses to trafficking in the Global North: The case of Portugal and Spain

Abstract

Developed countries use anti-trafficking actions and discourses as a more palatable way of imposing polices that restrict migration and sex work. Although their aims and results are similar, the way individual States elaborate and use their anti-trafficking frameworks differs and therefore leads to different repercussions. We may consider, for instance, that while Iberian policies are similar, Spain’s system is much more harshly criticized than Portugal’s as its methods violate rights in a clearer manner.

Keywords human trafficking; migration; sex work; Spain; Portugal