Countering Trafficking in Persons

What works to counter human trafficking? And how can we learn more?

There are around 45 million victims of human trafficking globally. This problem has persisted, despite efforts by national, international, and non-governmental organizations. A recent paper reviewed evaluations of programs to counter human trafficking to identify what works. The researchers identified three areas of focus for successful programming: 1) Awareness-raising campaigns combined with a target behavior to change, 2) Long-term support for survivors, 3) Legislative change. The researchers also noted that most evaluations used only post-test data without pre-test data or control groups and recommended more robust evaluations to create an evidence base for future programming.

Less bark, more bite in anti-trafficking laws: Lessons from South Africa

In 2013, South Africa passed a law to criminalize human trafficking. Unfortunately, human trafficking continues to flourish in the country. Researchers conducted 30 interviews with well-placed figures in the police, government, and non-governmental organizations to understand why the law may not be effective. The interviews revealed a number of problems with successful implementation of the law: 1) Difficulty differentiating between human trafficking and illegal migration or between prostitution and sex-work, 2) Insufficient police training, 3) A lack of political will, 4) An underappreciation for the social and economic forces that drive human trafficking in the first place. The researchers recommended an increased focus on the contextual factors driving human trafficking as part of the efforts to eradicate it.

Do you have a study we should share for a future Facty Friday? Send an email to drg.el@usaid.gov!