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Prevention, Protection, Prosecution

Although a long-standing practice, trafficking in persons has only gained worldwide notoriety in recent years. Much of the newfound zeal to combat the practice has been sparked by the efforts of non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

© Polaris ProjectNGOs have taken different approaches to combating trafficking--not least because it is a multi-faceted issue that is affected by gender inequality, economic disparity, war, and criminal networks, among other factors. They have, however, typically focused their programs on prevention, prosecution, or protection--the 3 Ps. Prevention programs may, for example, offer jobs, education, or activities that alert victims to trafficking hazards. Prosecution ensures that laws are enforced and that there are strict penalties for traffickers. And, finally, protection for victims provides them access to crisis services, shelters, legal advice, and so on. Knowing these services exist may make victims more likely to seek help.

For the most part, NGOs involved in human trafficking have focused their work on education and victim protection services. With sometimes limited access to government officials, they have been less involved with matters like corruption in law enforcement. It remains that NGOs at all levels have helped governments to develop stronger laws. Some international organizations, like Human Rights Watch, the Global Alliance against Traffic in Women (GATW), and Global Rights have been particularly active in the development of UN protocols, for example. NGOs have also been in the vanguard of bringing public and government attention to this sad business, especially over the past decade.

Local organizations in places like Albania, Nigeria, Thailand, and Colombia have implemented successful programs in their own countries. In some cases, these efforts include contracts between local NGOs and authorities to ensure that women whom police have rescued from traffickers are taken to shelters.

Victims' Rights

Historically, victims of trafficking have been treated poorly when seeking help from authorities. People who have already been victimized may be further harassed, not protected from abusers, or put into prison. NGOs have helped sensitize immigration and law enforcement officials to the plight of victims and to develop better guidelines for interacting with them.

The victims themselves may have little understanding of their rights or may need assistance to ensure full reintegration back into society. As such, they need safe places to stay where they can recover from their ordeals and get medical care and legal advice. In Europe, “safe houses” set up in Italy, Belgium, and Austria have been models. NGOs have been integral to setting up such crisis shelters, both in the United States and elsewhere. The SAGE project in the U.S., for example, assists those who have been victimized by sexual exploitation with “trauma recovery services, substance abuse treatment, vocational training, housing assistance and legal advocacy.”

Victims may have an additional worry about being returned to their home countries where they may be subject to further reprisals. The state must often decide whether to issue temporary residence permits to trafficked victims. Because governments fear that the system may be abused, such permits have usually been conditional on the victim agreeing to cooperate in prosecutions. Some rights groups, however, want to see longer residency options based on the need for the human rights of trafficked persons to be protected.

Strategic Differences

While NGOs will often pull together on common campaigns to combat trafficking, they have not always agreed on strategies. This is especially true where sex trafficking is concerned. Some NGOs, and the current George W. Bush Administration in the U.S., see all forms of prostitution as exploitation and, thus, trafficking. Other NGOs note that the reality in many countries is that, for some women, prostitution is the only means of securing a livelihood. Hence, some NGOs focus their efforts on aid for sex workers--attempting to make an unfortunate predicament a little safer for these women. There are those, however, who criticize these tradeoffs as unethical.

There are related disagreements over whether legalizing prostitution would lead to less, or more, trafficking in persons. A range of NGOs take decidedly different positions on this question. Currently, NGOs receiving U.S. federal funds are not allowed “to promote, support, or advocate for the legalization or practice of prostitution.” Some NGOs claim that these new guidelines have put a damper on their ability to help young women and girls trapped in prostitution.

The Bigger Picture

Politics aside, there is the larger aim of addressing the root causes of trafficking. Poverty and lack of employment opportunities make people more vulnerable to the false promises made by traffickers. As such, many NGOs focus on alerting potential victims to the hazards of being trafficked--into sweat shops, domestic service, sex work, or agricultural labor. In short, better education can make a difference and a variety of NGOs are pursuing such initiatives. Women’s organizations in China, for example, have worked with government agencies to create awareness among illiterate women who are vulnerable to being trafficked. Training courses are sponsored by these organizations to raise awareness about laws and policies against trafficking.

In Southeast Asia, an initiative spearheaded by the International Labor Organization involves many local NGOs in creating targeted income generation schemes, educational and skills training, micro-credit, and awareness-raising interventions--all to keep people out of trafficking networks. And, in Eastern Europe, a radio and television advertising campaign aims to educate viewers about trafficking. (See links below for other “best practices.”)

Make a Difference: There's a lot you can do to help bring an end to the practice of human trafficking. Check out our Get Involved section.

Speak Up: Have your say about the issues discussed here.

Read more: For a factual overview of human trafficking and some information about international and regional initiatives to combat the practice, check out our articles on “Human Trafficking 101” and “Crossing Borders.” The “From the Frontlines” section offers testimonials and perspectives from those touched by and working on the issue everyday.