Human Trafficking in the 21st Century: Legal Frameworks and Societal Challenges

This work provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary analysis of human trafficking, examining legal, social, and media dimensions under international, European, and national law as valid in 2024. It investigates the definitions, criminalization, and prosecution of trafficking, as well as victim protection mechanisms at both national and transnational levels. The study explores emerging forms of exploitation in sectors such as modeling, professional sports, and media, highlighting challenges for existing legal frameworks. Using doctrinal legal analysis, comparative methods, case law review, and interdisciplinary perspectives, this work evaluates the effectiveness of current laws and identifies gaps in enforcement and victim support. Finally, it proposes practical reforms aimed at strengthening legal responses, harmonizing regulations, and improving protection for victims in contemporary social and technological contexts.