Publications

What do we need to know? Improving the evidence base on trafficking in human beings in the Asia-Pacific region

Toni Makkai and Rob McCusker

Published in:
Development bulletin, no. 66, Dec 2004.

Abstract

There is a critical lack of reliable evidence about the nature and extent of trafficking in human beings in the Asia Pacific region. This paper discusses the key issues in regard to obtaining reliable data on people trafficking in the Asia Pacific. The paper examines the limitations of existing data in terms of conceptual problems, imprecise estimates, disparity in estimates and the lack of a centralised data repository. In addition, two issues that affect the ability to build a reliable evidence base are the availability of data and the extent to which data are shared or are accessible. The key question to pose is whether the data produced actually assist in the fight against trafficking. The paper concludes by recommending that governments, NGOs and law enforcement agencies need to establish what information they require in order to begin to tackle people trafficking. It may be more useful to concentrate on the essential characteristics of the trafficking process rather than pursuing the goal of victim quantification. There should also be an equal if not greater focus upon indirect indicators of trafficking, including, for example, the number of entertainment visas issued.