Under the United Nations Trafficking Protocol, 2000, Article 2, “human trafficking” is defined as the “buying, selling, and movement of persons within or between countries, through, in the case of adults, a range of means such as coercion and deception, for the express purpose of exploiting them.” One essential element of an effective national criminal justice system’s response to human trafficking is a comprehensive legal framework, in compliance with international standards. A second element is a specialist law enforcement capacity organized, empowered, funded and trained to respond appropriately to human trafficking. A third essential element is a general law enforcement capacity to respond effectively to trafficking cases; and a fourth essential element is strong, well-informed prosecutorial and judicial support. A fifth essential element is the quick and accurate identification of victims, combined with immediate protection and support for them. A sixth element is special support to victims as witnesses, and a seventh element is the development of systems and processes that enable effective international investigative and judicial cooperation in trafficking cases. The eighth essential element is effective coordination among international bodies in providing assistance to those countries affected by human trafficking that do not have the institutional structures, resources, or skills needed to mount an effective criminal justice response to trafficking. 5 notes and 75 references