Trafficking in human beings: a modern form of slavery or a transnational crime?

Trafficking in human beings is often qualified as a modern form of slavery, with the obvious intention to stress the seriousness of the crime and to bring it within the jurisdictional scope of the International Criminal Court. This article critically assesses this position. The author argues that, while there is certainly overlap between the crimes, trafficking in human beings and enslavement are distinct categories. Moreover, he questions the urgency of expanding the jurisdiction of the ICC with this crime, in view of the improving performance of national states to tackle trafficking in human beings.