In an interview with Sputnik, Syrian Deputy Interior Minister Hassan Maaruf stated that thousands of these crimes have taken place in Syria over the last three years; 65 percent of victims of human trafficking are reportedly women.
"Syria has turned into one of the countries delivering 'slaves'; before, Syria had only been used as a trans-shipment point for human trafficking," he said, calling for international cooperation to resolve the problem.
Nizar al Sakif, head of the Syrian Association of Lawyers, told Sputnik that human trafficking is flourishing in northern Syria, mainly in the city of Aleppo.
According to him, the Union of Arab Lawyers is currently collecting the relevant documents for the International Court of Justice on the issue of slavery in Syria.
A criminal group involved in human trafficking was recently detained in the Syrian capital Damascus.
Under Syrian law, human trafficking is punishable with lengthy prison sentences and a hefty fine.
Never miss a story again — sign up to our Telegram channel and we'll keep you up to speed!
