Human trafficking is a global issue which on the rise. This can be seen through the graph presented below which shows the rise in convictions for human trafficking from 2007 to 2016. This issue heavily affects human rights which is why a human rights approach needs to be taken to defeat it. Firstly, a human rights approach needs to be taken to protect human trafficking survivors after they have been rescued. According to Mary Buckley, survivors of human trafficking are given the option of protection in Russia only if they decide to testify in their case. Meng-Hsuan Chou adds that these victims are still vulnerable to being deported even if they decide to cooperate. Leaving these victims to fend for themselves leads to a bigger risk for them to be trafficked again (Howard and Lalani). It can be seen through this example, taking a criminal approach towards this issue adds more issues for the potential victim. Also, a human rights approach would make sure the victims’ rights are secured. Making sure a victim’s rights are protected is important, so they do not become the villain in this situation. According to the UN Charter the UN has an obligation to, “…reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small.” This means everyone’s rights should be actively promoted and protected by the UN. This does not discriminate against anyone, and it would be the perfect way to approach a human trafficking case. Because every victim of human trafficking has their rights violated, these same rights should be the focus of the investigation. Their rights should become a priority since they already got them taken away for a period of time. Another reason this approach should be taken is because it would put the victim in the center of everything. The focus would not mainly be set on the perpetrators. Instead, a light would be shed onto the victims, and they would have the opportunity to use their voices for the benefit of the public. The article, “Human Trafficking: Modern Day Slavery,” states, “The European Commission has stated that the ‘needs and rights’ of victims ‘shall be at the centre of the EU policy against human trafficking. This means first and foremost a clear commitment of EU institutions and Member States to follow a human rights centred approach and to promote it in their external relations and development policies.’” It can be determined that the European Union agrees with a human rights approach when it comes to human trafficking. This is important to note because one of the reasons this organization was created is to maintain security in several areas. For them to see that this issue needs to be approached with a focus on human rights proves this is one of the best approaches which should be taken.