Friday, November 27th, 2009 - No comments

Best practices in preventing trafficking

‘Conversation starters’ answered the questions: “What are some of the best practices in preventing trafficking?” and “How do we protect victims from further abuse and violence?” Below is a brief summary of the thoughts shared at Conversations for a Better World.

A very small number of participants wrote in from Asia and Europe, and all contributors were male. By joining the conversation, contributors hope to engage others. Click here to read some of the contributions.

Law

A conversation-starter believes that local laws should be implemented in conjunction with ratified human rights provisions and agreements. Such laws should be applied by inter-agency mechanisms, including law enforcement, foreign affairs, social welfare and civil society.

Economic and political policy

A contributor argues that international, regional and national policy must integrate the origin, transit and destination states for those who are trafficked. The approach needs to address those factors that make trafficking possible such as poverty, instability, war and most importantly “traditions, inequality and vulnerability.” There should be a regional database for criminals associated with trafficking and a stronger geographic border policy.

Solutions

It is important for the state to comply with approved human rights agreements. Since criminal networks facilitate trafficking, a solution calls for an “integrated approach covering labor, migration, criminal and human rights dimensions” by practicing laws that abet criminal networks that enable trafficking. Due to risk factors such as poverty, lack of employment and education, it is in the interest of wealthier, or “destination”(“destination refers to the ending place of trafficked women and girls) countries to aid developing countries in order to improve the standard of living of people in “origin” countries (“origin” pertains to the country which is the starting point for trafficking, of which there are many).

In the meantime, education and awareness campaigns could help women understand their rights, and how to avoid the threat of traffickers. This education should not be limited to women. Male involvement is key to proper prevention.

To answer, “How do we protect victims from further abuse and violence?” if women are rescued from trafficking, the state should be responsible to help the women get back to safety and a sustainable existence that includes job training, housing, counseling, language courses, and the like. The best solution may not be for the women to return back to the home or origin country, especially if there are cases where parents had sold their daughters. Women should be assisted to relocate to places where they would not be at risk again.

Guest Editor

Radha Patel

Consultant, UNFPA

About

Radha Patel is freelance consultant, working in international development and public administration. A San Francisco native, Radha is currently in New York working for the UNFPA. She enjoys hiking, kayaking and walking in nature when she has the opportunity. Radha finished her postgraduate education at Columbia University and the London School of Economics, respectively.