A report examining the incidence, causes, and consequences of re-trafficking was released by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) on February 18, 2011. The report analyzed the cases of 79 victims of re-trafficking from the IOM database and was funded by the U.S. Department of State Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons. In the report, “re-trafficking” was understood to describe a previously trafficked person who had exited or escaped that human trafficking situation, and had then re-entered a later trafficking situation. This report bridges the gaps in research on re-trafficking, an issue that has not been thoroughly studied. The report acknowledges the difficulties in identifying when a person has successfully exited one trafficking situation before being trafficked a second time.
The report found that victims are frequently re-trafficked within two years of being rescued. According to the report, women and children who were trafficked before the age of eighteen were most vulnerable to experience re-trafficking. International trafficking victims who were returned by law officials to their home countries were also at risk of being trafficked domestically when returned to their country for many reasons. An international victim of trafficking is likely to experience internal trafficking on return to their home country when significant gender inequalities exist in the home country; when victims of trafficking are members of ethnic minority groups that are racially discriminated against in the home country; or when the home country is experiencing conflicts. The report also cites psychological difficulties re-integrating back into home countries, and a lack of trust in seeking help from reintegration programs as risk factors for re-trafficking, as well as threats and power exerted by traffickers monitoring victims returned home from an international trafficking situation. Lastly, the report cites economic push factors, such as a lack of employment opportunities in home countries that increases the risk of human trafficking.
Recommendations from the report include ensuring that reintegration programs are adequately funded to provide long-term assistance to victims of trafficking. The report also highlights cases where police have colluded with traffickers and returned victims back to trafficking situations, and demands tougher penalties for law enforcement officials involved in trafficking. In addition the report recommends creating alternatives to returning international victims of trafficking back to their home countries, where they are at risk of being re-trafficked. Instead, it suggests that victims of international trafficking have a risk-assessment screening before being returned home, with the option to stay in the destination country for a reflection period. Additional recommendations include the development of safe and legal migration channels; the need for anti-trafficking programs to work with local agencies to develop local economies; and providing education about trafficking situations and sexual violence.
To access the full report, please click here.