NCJ Number
203234
Date Published
March 2003
Length
8 pages
Annotation
In response to requests from the United Nations Economic and Social Council and the United Nations Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, this report discusses trends in trafficking in human beings throughout the world, national and international law enforcement cooperation in investigating and prosecuting such cases, and victims support and the role of civil society.
Abstract
In discussing national and international law enforcement cooperation and assistance in addressing trafficking in human beings, the report focuses on measures to strengthen such cooperation between authorities and other relevant bodies. This discussion addresses interagency cooperation within countries at the national level and international cooperation in countering trafficking in human beings by transnational organized criminal groups. Special measures for investigating and prosecuting cases that involve child victims are also outlined, with attention to law reform that relates to the status of victims and witnesses in accordance with international instruments that emphasize child protection. The focus is on child victim protocols in destination countries to which children have been trafficked. Also discussed with reference to the investigation and prosecution of trafficking cases are the role of the victim in the criminal justice process, the inclusion of gender and human rights perspectives in criminal justice responses to the victims of trafficking, and international cooperation to prevent and combat trafficking in persons during post-conflict situations. One major section of this report discusses measures for public awareness-raising and social intervention for victim support. Attention is given to addressing root causes, victim assistance geared toward empowerment, and the involvement of civil society. The report concludes with a brief summary of the lessons learned and policy implications from a research workshop on trafficking in human beings, especially women and children.