Trafficking for sexual exploitation: victim protection in international and domestic asylum law

This paper illustrates that more comprehensive international and domestic legal frameworks are needed. Moreover, State officials must receive more extensive training with respect to the requirements for the identification and protection of victims of trafficking, specifically those officials most likely to obtain first contact with victims. States must also take a more active role in providing guidance to asylum adjudicators to ensure correct application of the 1951 Convention, taking note of the interpretative guidelines provided by UNHCR. This is crucial if the asylum framework is to uphold its position as a protector of those individuals suffering violations of their human rights in situations involving insufficient State protection.