Human trafficking – The importance of knowledge information exchange

Abstract

Trafficking in persons is a complex and growing global problem that requires a comprehensive cross sector response. It occurs across and within national borders. It affects virtually every country either as a country of origin, transit or destination for victims. It involves the exploitation of people and the fundamental breach of their human rights. Every year, thousands of men, women and children fall into the control of traffickers, in their own countries and abroad. Trafficking in Human Beings, (THB) involves the exploitation of people through force, coercion, threat, fraud or deception and may include acts generally defined as human rights abuses. Trafficking takes many forms, trafficked persons are exploited into prostitution, forced labour and services, slavery-like practices, and their body organs may be removed and sold. Human trafficking can be identified by the coming together of three factors: First, the act, (the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of persons); Second, the means, (the threat, use of force or other forms of coercion) and third, the purpose, (i.e. exploitation). In the case of children the use of threat or force in achieving these three factors is not required. Improving current data/intelligence systems and the ability to harmonise and use the data and exchange information is advantageous and would enable in-formed national action strategies and planning at both strategic and tactical level; improved monitoring and evaluation; targeted and informed awareness and prevention campaigns; enhanced training; targeted victim care and provision; identification of links between source and destination countries; improved and informed investigations and prosecutions.