BARRACKS AND BROTHELS Peacekeepers and Human Trafficking in the Balkans

The majority of uniformed service members and civilian contractors working in peacekeeping operations do so honorably. Yet peacekeeping operations in the Balkans have had the unintended consequence of providing the demand for trafficked females.

In addition to the implications for human rights and the rule of law, human trafficking in post-conflict regions has security implications for peacekeepers that to date have been overlooked or downplayed by defense officials and militaries. Peacekeepers who serve with honor are being tainted by the minority who commit human rights violations and support criminal networks.

This report details the prevalence of existing attitudes that pose serious challenges to the comprehensive implementation of these anti-trafficking policies.