Justice Beyond Rescue: Legal Challenges in Protecting Human Trafficking Survivors

Human trafficking is not merely a crime; it is a profound violation of human dignity and freedom. Every year, countless individuals are exploited through forced labour, sexual exploitation, and other forms of abuse, leaving lasting physical and emotional scars. Although nations across the world have enacted laws to combat trafficking, protecting survivors remains an ongoing challenge. Many victims continue to struggle with social stigma, inadequate rehabilitation, and barriers to accessing justice even after being rescued. This article explores the legal framework designed to protect victims of human trafficking, highlights the gaps in its implementation, and argues for a survivor-centred approach that goes beyond rescue. True justice lies not only in punishing traffickers but also in restoring the dignity, rights, and lives of survivors through effective rehabilitation and reintegration into society.