1. Create a Comprehensive Information System.
In order to develop policy and measure the expenditures of resources and the
achievement of identified goals, it is necessary to first develop accurate
reporting systems to measure the problem. To do this, it is
recommended that governments create a centralized information
management system to collect, assemble, analyze and distribute reliable
data on trafficking.
Such a data collection system must be sensitive to
how information is kept in other systems, including that:
. Information can be registered by a number of different
institutions: law enforcement, migration authorities,
health and labor departments, ombudsman's offices, and
the justice sector.
. Data may be hidden or obscured by the particular registry
systems of an institution.
. Available information may not be collected due to
incomplete forms and other deficiencies.
2. Establish an Integrated, Policy Framework.
Broad, coordinated actions between all relevant actors in law enforcement,
immigration, social services, health, education, labor, foreign affairs
and human rights will assist in responding to the multidimensional
characteristics of trafficking.
As has been done on the issue of
commercial sexual exploitation of children and child labor, a National
Action Plan on Trafficking in Persons can contribute to awareness,
encourage reporting, articulate clear policy aims and assist in
information sharing between institutions.
It is also a means to further
strengthen and enforce international legal obligations effective
throughout the region such as those found in the Convention on the
Rights of the Child, ILO Convention No. 182, CEDAW and the Inter
American Convention of Belem do Para. Plans can also reinforce
existing trafficking provisions in National Plans against Commercial
Sexual Exploitation of Children and other policies.
3. Provide Effective Public Leadership.
Experience with policy development and implementation in the region has demonstrated
the importance of strong, independent leadership of a coordinating
body and the need for independent financial resources to underwrite the
plan. An independent, staffed and financed technical group to oversee
and manage this process is important. Given the constantly changing
features of trafficking, it will be crucial to periodically review and
update policies, plans and initiatives.
4. Tailor Programs to Meet the Needs of Trafficked Persons.
As repeatedly noted, the evils of trafficking cannot be fully
addressed either in terms of prosecuting traffickers or remedying the
harms of trafficking without careful attention to the needs of the
trafficking victims.
It has been well documented that the specific needs
of trafficked persons are unique as compared to other crime victims. In
particular, the fact that trafficking involves dislocation results in the
unavailability of the victim's usual sources of protection. This includes
government services that are unavailable to victims trafficked abroad.