A/HRC/10/64
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44. As ILO pointed out, coordination efforts, like UN.GIFT, have been effective in sharing
information and identifying the comparative advantages of member organizations in the fight
against human trafficking. They have also served to raise global awareness and partially
influence policymaking through high-level conferences and joint statements. These efforts could
be strengthened through an independent and well-funded secretariat that prepares the
groundwork of inter-agency cooperation. Inter-agency collaboration is most effective when
agencies work to their respective strengths, complement and add value to each other. The
development (and implementation) of national action plans on a range of related issues such as
forced labour, child labour and trafficking is an area where inter-agency coordination could
contribute to more efficient use of resources.
45. In promoting a human rights approach to combating trafficking, OHCHR advocates putting
human rights at the centre of any viable anti-trafficking strategy, based on the Recommended
Principles and Guidelines on Human Rights and Human Trafficking, as a platform providing a
comprehensive framework for combating trafficking from a human rights perspective.
46. UNICEF has emphasized the need to create a protective environment, where children are
free from violence, exploitation, and unnecessary separation from family; and where laws,
services, behaviours and practices minimize children’s vulnerability, address known risk factors,
and strengthen children’s own resilience. It is important that activities and provision of services
to prevent trafficking benefit all children who may be vulnerable to abuse and exploitation,
including to trafficking.
47. A notable trend in recent years has been a marked increase in the identification of
trafficked males as well as persons trafficked for labour exploitation, including women trafficked
into domestic servitude. Discussions led by IOM have also included how an increase in the
number of safe and legal migration channels may decrease the incidence of trafficking, and how
a broader protection framework for all migrants could improve the rate of identification of those
who have been trafficked.
48. As observed by UNEP, environmental degradation is becoming an important cause of
migration, both internal and across borders, due to its devastating impact, especially on the
livelihoods of the poorest communities, which contributes to their vulnerability to human
trafficking. It will be important to include environmental considerations into discussions of the
root causes of human trafficking.
49. The protection of fundamental labour rights is an important safeguard against trafficking.
This requires strong labour administrations, social dialogue and cooperation with other
stakeholders. Good practice examples in this regard are documented as a result of ILO technical
assistance to member States.
50. A human rights approach to combating trafficking requires an effective criminal justice
response to trafficking, where perpetrators are held accountable, while the rights of trafficked
persons are protected at all stages of law enforcement. UNODC stresses that an effective law
enforcement response depends on the participation of all levels of society from local
communities and non-governmental organizations to migration officials and prosecutors.
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