referral systems for assisting victims of international human trafficking monika peruffo,...
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Referral Systems for Assisting Victims of International Human Trafficking
Monika Peruffo, International Organization for Migration(IOM)
REGIONAL EXPERT MEETING ON RIGHTS BASED ASSISTANCE TO VICTIMS OF TRAFFICKING
Cairo, 14-16 December 2008The National Council for Women
“A … Referral mechanism is a co-operative framework through which state actors fulfill their obligations to protect and promote the human rights of trafficked persons, coordinating their efforts in a strategic partnership with civil society.
The basic aims of Referral Mechanisms are to ensure that the human rights of trafficked persons are respected and to provide an effective way to refer victims of trafficking to services.”
DEFINITION OF REFERRAL SYSTEM
Human trafficking is a complex problem that generated large number of victim’ needs (medical help, psychological support, legal assistance, shelter and everyday care, help with her/his migration status and in getting travel documents, protection from the trafficker):
impossibility of covering all areas by only one agency,
obligation to set up channels of coordination, collaboration and of effective and proper communication amongst a group of organizations providing services to trafficking victims.
Why a referral system for assisting victims of human trafficking?
National Referral system
General features of national referral systems:
- Usually based on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) amongst the participants of the referral system or on a national law,
- Coordinated by a national Government authority,
- Involve the Government authorities, international agencies and national NGOs, cover all or most of the most immediate victims’ needs (such as screening, medical help, legal status, shelter and daily care, psychological attention).
International Referral System:
International Referral: Flowchart
Basic Principles for Referral Actions
Respect for and protection of human rights Informed consent of the victim Non-discrimination Confidentiality and right to privacy Self-determination and participation Individualized treatment and care Best interests of the child
Good practices in Referral of victims
Referral Systems are not rigid structures but flexible mechanisms that are tailor-made to fit each country’s patterns of trafficking cases
The design of referral system should aim to formalize co-operation among government agencies and non-governmental groups dealing with trafficked persons
The cooperation agreements establishing referral systems for trafficking are likely to be most effective if they are founded on a formal co-operation agreement among the participants – for example, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) – that sets out the specific role and duties of each participant;
The designation of a national authority as national coordinator of the referral system ensures usually its profile and sustainability.
Permanent or temporary residents permits for victims of trafficking in the countries where they are exploited (countries of destination).
The establishment and/or strengthening of official channels and mechanisms of international cooperation amongst Governments and existing national referral
