Final answer:
The Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 defines human trafficking as the recruitment, transportation, or harboring of persons by means of force or coercion for exploitation, encompassing forced labor and sexual slavery. It is a global issue affecting millions and requires a comprehensive response for its abolition.
Step-by-step explanation:
The definition of human trafficking according to the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (TVPA) and its subsequent reauthorizations is the recruitment, transportation, transfer, and/or harboring of persons through the threat or use of force or coercion for the purpose of exploitation. This includes diverse forms of exploitation, such as forced labor, sexual slavery, and conditions akin to modern slavery. The TVPA has been a cornerstone in U.S. legislation for combating human trafficking, outlining the means traffickers use to exert control over victims and establishing significant measures for the protection and assistance of those affected.
Human trafficking is not limited by gender or age, affecting women, men, and children alike. Recognizing the international aspect of trafficking, measures have been adopted to face the complexity of this issue, including airport and border control screenings and international cooperation. With millions affected worldwide, it is clear that human trafficking is a global crisis, necessitating a multifaceted approach to abolition, prevention, and victim support.