Responding to trafficking

To be effective, anti-trafficking strategies must target the three dimensions of human trafficking: supply, demand and the systems and structures that allow it happen. This means taking action in the countries of origin, transit and destination. All the interventions developed to combat trafficking can be clustered under the 4Ps - Prevention, Protection, Prosecution and Policy.

Prevention reduces the vulnerability of a person or community to becoming a victim of trafficking. To be effective, the factors that make a person or community vulnerable must be clearly identified. Tackling demand is another way to prevent trafficking - for example, educating consumers about how their lifestyle choices impact others.

Protection begins when a victim is rescued and reunited with their family and continues when they are assisted to rebuild their lives. It may include keeping victims safe from threat, violence and abuse, counselling, help with income generation, education and vocational training.

Prosecution ensures the victim receives full justice, including meaningful prosecution of the perpetrator. It requires vigorous law enforcement, fighting corruption, identifying and monitoring trafficking routes, and cross-border coordination.

Policy is the framework which supports all of the anti-trafficking initiatives described above.