Costa Rican authorities are trying to step up their efforts to fight the practice of human trafficking, seen here mostly in the form of commercial sexual exploitation of women and children.

A government-sponsored seminar began yesterday with officials from various government institutions including the Child Welfare Office (PANI), National Institute for Women (INAMU) and the ministries of Health and Public Security.

Representatives of the International Immigration Organization and experts from countries including Colombia, El Salvador, the United States and the Dominican Republic are also attending.

Human trafficking is the third biggest generator of money in the world in terms of illegal activities. An estimated 5 million to 27 million people become victims of it every year, according to Vice-Minister of Public Security Ana Durán.

Many victims of human trafficking are brought here to be commercial sex workers, a business that's grown along with tourism, she said.

Marisela Herrer, administrator of the Huellas de Esperanza shelter in El Salvador, said that the shelter, which has been open a little longer than one year, has received 96 victims of human trafficking from Colombia, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico.

While sexual exploitation is the main reason for human trafficking in the region, organ trafficking and labor exploitation are other practices associated with this crime.

Costa Rica is working on drafting a plan during the next few years to create harsher sentences for those convicted of human trafficking, Durán said.