Master's Thesis from the year 2011 in the subject Law - European and International Law, Intellectual Properties, grade: 7,5, Tilburg University, course: International Law - Human Rights, language: English, abstract: Trafficking in Human Beings (THB) for sexual and labour exploitation is a severe violation of Human Rights. Yet, while efforts both on a European as well as international level, aim to combat and eradicate this heinous crime, reality depicts a worldwide rise in THB. Trafficking in Human Beings is a truly lucrative business for the perpetrators of organized crime, whilst predominantly targeting the most vulnerable groups in society. The European and international discourse on Trafficking in Human Beings has recognized that the previous criminal law approach to THB in some countries is ineffective in combating this crime. This is evident in the global rise of THB. The criminal law approach, with a narrow focus on the prosecution of perpetrators, disregarded the plight of the victims of THB and their highly vulnerable position. Thus an increased focus has been given to a comprehensive approach to trafficking in human beings, which must implement a human rights based approach, in order to place the victims at the center of focus, whilst aiming to strengthen their position and protection. The 2010 judgment of Rantsev v Cyprus and Russia at the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) reflects the discourse on a more comprehensive approach to Trafficking in Human Beings and was a watershed as regards the positive obligations of state parties, in combating THB. In its landmark judgment in Rantsev, the European Court of Human Rights broadly extended the positive obligations of states, party to the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (ECHR) under its Article 4.Article 4 provides safeguards against slavery, servitude and forced or compulsory labour.Article 4 does not mention Trafficking in Human Beings but was established to fall within the