Part 12 - Human Trafficking: Causes, Consequences and Counter-Measures

Protection

Protecting and assisting trafficked persons is a crucial element of anti-trafficking efforts. However, coordinating the various programs and activities that have been put in place has proven challenging. Efforts have tended to be project-based and fragmented, lacking an overall strategy and division of labour among stakeholders, who have often competed for funding and influence. Now, national action plans, referral mechanisms, standard operating procedures, and memoranda of understanding foster better cooperation and coordination between and among governments, government agencies, international organisations and NGOs.

Another shortcoming of anti-trafficking efforts in recent years has been, paradoxically, a focus on trafficking. Victims of domestic violence or various forms of exploitation have received relatively little support. In Southeast Europe, for example, some shelters protecting and assisting victims of domestic violence have had to close for lack of funding. Donors should address the root causes of trafficking, which include violence, gender discrimination, and poverty.

The prevention of trafficking in countries of origin should be a priority issue. Preventing people from becoming trafficked is better than arresting traffickers or assisting victims. Awareness-raising campaigns inform potential victims about the risks of responding to dubious job advertisements or of migrating abroad without valid travel documents and work permits.

Movies, TV spots, posters and leaflets have raised awareness particularly about the danger of forced prostitution. However, campaigns have faced several obstacles:

• Awareness-raising campaigns were at times perceived as efforts to prevent people from migrating to wealthier countries.

• Institutions launching campaigns have often failed to coordinate their activities, reflecting, among other problems, fierce competition for funding.

• Awareness-raising campaigns have not always targeted specific groups, undermining the effectiveness of campaigns.

A further challenge has been a lack of resources for the re-integration of trafficked persons into their countries and communities of origin. Now, there are more programs that provide social services, education and vocational training to trafficked persons and high-risk groups.

In order to find sustainable alternatives to irregular migration and trafficking, it is crucial to identify which skills are needed on labor markets. Preventive programs must address the socio-economic root causes of trafficking. They must mitigate discriminatory practices affecting women and minorities and improve the economic prospects of high-risk groups such as single mothers, orphans, drug addicts, victims of domestic violence and members of ethnic and religious minorities.

Given the difficult economic conditions in many parts of the world, preventing trafficking "at the source" is a long-term challenge and requires more attention and funding. Anti-trafficking objectives should be mainstreamed within development programs.