Abstract

CLEMENTE, Mara. THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE COUNTER-TRAFFICKING FIELD IN PORTUGAL: THE ROLE OF NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS. SOCIOLOGIA ON LINE [online]. 2022, n.28, pp.11-34.  Epub July 27, 2022. ISSN 1647-3337.  https://doi.org/10.30553/sociologiaonline.2022.28.1.

This article analyses the role of non-governmental organizations (NGO) in the construction of the counter-trafficking field, that is, in conceptualizing human trafficking and its victims, and developing policies and practices to combat it. Using interviews, observation and documentary research, and adopting a historical perspective, this article analyses the Portuguese experience. This article argues that, in contexts with a high level of institutionalization in the counter-trafficking field and a profound weakness of civil society organizations, the NGOs involved in outsourcing counter-trafficking services do not challenge counter-trafficking policies and practices - including a controversial security-oriented approach, focused on prosecuting traffickers. Such practices include silencing any debate about prostitution, at least in the counter-trafficking field.

Keywords : human trafficking; NGO; critical trafficking studies; Portugal..

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