European approaches towards data collection
15 September 2008 - A significant challenge to the fight against human trafficking is the lack of reliable and comparable data to help develop adequate responses. The different facets of trafficking, coupled with its illicit nature, make it difficult to collect, monitor and analyse data at national and international levels. Data is also collected by different actors according to different needs and not necessarily shared.
To address this gap, the Austrian Federal Ministry of Interior, together with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Vienna, is holding a conference on data collection for human trafficking on 18-19 September 2008.
To take place in the European Parliament in Brussels, the meeting will gather representatives from EU Member States, international organizations, UN.GIFT, NGOs and international experts to discuss challenges in collecting comparable data across the EU and adopt a common approach.
"Once established, common EU guidelines on data collection on trafficking in human beings will allow member countries to introduce more effective and comprehensive measures to fight and prevent this crime while protecting the rights of the victims," says Peter von Bethlenfalvy, Director of the IOM Special Liaison Mission in Vienna.
Data collection is key to developing targeted responses. It helps assess the extent of trafficking, identify and understand changes and trends, propose methods to overcome gaps and establish a common system of comparison, develop research capacities, monitor and assess national counter trafficking responses, and reduce risk factors.
The conference is part of a broader project to develop common EU guidelines for the collection of human trafficking related data, funded by the European Commission. A multidisciplinary working group consisting of representatives from EU Member States, law enforcement, research institutes, civil society and international organizations was set up and has been contributing to the elaboration of the guidelines. The conference will allow for participants and experts to discuss the work done so far and to better refine the tool.
"Our main objective is the improvement of the collection and comparison - as well as sharing - of trafficking-related data. EU countries are strongly encouraged to enhance their capacities to collect and share data and to foster cooperation with each other," says von Bethlenfalvy. "Ultimately, the project should result in a unitary system of data collection which will significantly enhance the efficiency of counter trafficking efforts."
The final guidelines will be presented at a high-level conference on human trafficking in Vienna in February 2009.