Journeys in Cambodia
Trafficking of girls for prostitution elicits somewhat contrasting opinions in discussion groups I've been in. The almost near-majority opinion is in favour of it being banned or some such. A minority, often radically oriented, argues that prostitution, like many economic transactions, is not necessarily forced upon the girl. It is a transaction wherein freedom of choice is available to both buyer and seller. And both work in their own self-interest. However simplistic these arguments may sound on either side, trafficking is a complex, multi-layered issue that culminates into many girls, often underage, losing innocence early and taking to a life which they soon begin believing is the best they could have.

Nicholas Kristoff, an op-ed at NYtimes, in a 5 part writeup, takes the reader through a vivid journey of his travels and experiences in rescuing prostitutes and eventually trying to analyze prostitution in Cambodia.

Part 1 starts with his meeting the girls under question.

Part 2 begins with bargaining for the sale of 2 girls from their owners. Both girls are offered the option of staying back, one which they do not choose to exercise.

Part 3 chronicles the journey home of one of the girls. Her homecoming being lukewarm at best, culminates in the promise of a new life.

Part 4 chronicles the other girl's return journey. The story does not end as well as it could have. Kristoff identifies recidivism as a strong consequence of scars inflicted by years of servitude and being conditioned to a life that one may find difficult replacing with.

Part 5 concludes with an analysis of what constitutes modern day trafficking.

Stories such as these possibly get enacted all across the world - especially in Asia-Pacific countries. I wonder if prostitution(forced or unforced) is a function of social mores and local culture in terms of sexual permissiveness. Forced prostitution appears to be a more generic symptom of societies where poverty, human rights and education are still a concern. There seems little doubt that underage trafficking should be deemed illegal, but what of prostitution in general? Does legalizing the same result in a better deal for girls (not necessarily underage)? Or is it just a question of free-will when you are old enough to make your own decisions.