Citation

Graycar A, McCusker R. Int. J. Comp. Appl. Crim. Justice 2007; 31(2): 147-165.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, American Society of Criminology's Division of International Criminology, Publisher Informa - Taylor and Francis)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This article discusses the dimensions of human trafficking within the Asia and Pacific regions. The authors contend that the most serious impediment to eliminating human trafficking is that sound data and uniform data collection systems for this transnational crime are inconsistent and/or lacking on a region-by-region and a country-by-country basis. Therefore, it is essential that authorities establish what information is needed to combat this crime and implement transnational enforcement and data sharing systems. Instead of collecting what happens to be collected, authorities should focus exclusively on critical data, data that is actually needed in order to push antitrafficking agendas, and exclude noncritical data that does not aid in enforcement. Within specific countries, singular agencies should be created to collect and analyze available data instead of the numerous governmental and nongovernmental organizations collecting data today. These singular agencies, if similarly implemented in regional countries, could share related data and truly grasp the extent of the problem, the nature of trafficking, and develop complementary enforcement strategies. If this were implemented country-by-country and region-by-region, trafficking data could be universally applied to create a truly transnational effort. (NCJRS abstract)

The dimensions of human trafficking within the Asia and Pacific region are numerous and complex. In the Philippines, organized crime groups are involved in various ways, leading to a fragmented response, Drawing on reports from various organizations, it is possible to map what is known, and what needs to be known, in order to formulate a holistic strategy to combat trafficking. So far, research has concentrated on estimating the scale of the problem, identifying trafficking routes, documenting methods of recruitment, and assessing existing policy frameworks. To make further progress, it will be necessary to coordinate efforts of various NGOs, establish common definitions across national boundaries, and work out data-sharing agreements between organizations.