Human Trafficking in Latin America: Ratification of the Palermo Protocol in Comparative Perspective

East Tower 

The Palermo Protocol, a pivotal international instrument in the global fight against human trafficking, has gained widespread acceptance globally. Yet, its diffusion has been uneven, with varying levels of commitment across different regions. While much of the existing literature focuses on legal harmonisation and the diffusion of the Protocol on a global scale, the specific factors shaping its ratification within regional contexts remain under-explored. This study addresses this gap by critically examining the ratification of the Palermo Protocol across twenty-two Latin American countries from 2000 to 2023.
By employing a Cox Hazard Model, the research uncovers the influence of multifaceted variables on the timing and likelihood of ratification, including income inequality, globalisation, and regional norms. Surprisingly, the study finds no significant impact of GDP per capita, electoral conflict, human rights records, or prior adherence to human rights treaties on ratification patterns. Thus, these findings challenge existing scholarship that more democratic nations with greater equality are more likely to swiftly adopt international conventions.
The study additionally sheds light on the impact of regional norms and peer influence on ratification patterns while highlighting gender dynamics as critical factors requiring deeper exploration. These insights contribute to a deeper understanding of international norm adoption, suggesting that countries facing internal challenges may strategically leverage ratification, raising questions about their true commitment to anti-trafficking standards. This research holds significant implications for the field of law and society, questioning the effectiveness of international legal frameworks in regions marked by internal socio-political challenges.