The introduction notes the significant and increasing activities of transnational criminal organizations and others that profit from international trafficking in persons and expressed the belief that women and children are particularly vulnerable and are targeted by these organizations. The protocol aims to encourage countries to establish effective prevention measures, to punish offenders severely, to ensure appropriate victim services and protection, to promote international cooperation on this issue, to provide safe and voluntary return of victims, and to educate the public about the issues. Individual sections of the protocol focus on its scope of application, definitions, the obligation to criminalize trafficking in humans, victim assistance, the seizure and confiscation of gains, law enforcement actions, border controls, the security of travel documents, verification of documents, prevention efforts, and cooperation with countries not party to the protocol. Footnotes