KEY POLICY CONSIDERATIONS
ASIA AND THE MIDDLE EAST
The work of UNODC ’ s Global Action to Prevent the Trafficking in Persons and the Smuggling of Migrants ( GLO . ACT ) is guided by a number of key policy considerations . These ensure that the context in which the implementation is taking place is understood and factored in , thus facilitating a holistic and efficient response . Furthermore , the considerations aid the Project in prioritizing its actions to ensure a sustainable and effective approach to tackling the root causes .
UNDERSTANDING THE TIP , SOM AND CONFLICT NEXUS
From a rule of law perspective , the intricate nexus between the legal frameworks governing organized crime , international humanitarian law , international criminal law and international human rights law means that distinguishing between different crimes can prove challenging . UNODC ’ s mandate concerns the fight against organized crime , but our approach acknowledges that crimes committed in certain contexts may overlap or be part of international human rights violations , crimes against humanity and war crimes . In line with the UN Security Council Resolutions 2388 and 2331 , the Project recognizes that TIP in armed conflict and post-conflict situations can also be associated with sexual violence as a tactic of warfare and that those displaced by armed conflict can be especially vulnerable to TIP and its associated forms of exploitation . The project thus takes a holistic approach , ensuring harmonization with other human rights , humanitarian and international justice actors involved . GLO . ACT recognizes that the aforementioned legal frameworks should be applied in a mutually reinforcing manner . The project ’ s focus , therefore , is not limited to combatting TIP and SOM but rather seeks to reinforce the rule of law in each of its interventions .
IMPROVING THE AVAILABILITY AND RELIABILITY OF OFFICIAL DATA
Possessing accurate , official data on TIP and SOM is integral to UNODC ’ s work . For several of the countries involved in GLO . ACT , the development of a reliable system to collect , collate and analyze data on TIP and SOM is in a nascent stage . The GLO . ACT team is committed to working together with countries to ensure that the relevant data is always up-to-date and consistent , that it differentiates between TIP and SOM , and that it is presented with a clear methodology so that collection methods and sources can be cross-referenced .
CLARIFYING THE CONCEPTUAL CONFUSION BETWEEN TIP AND SOM
The GLO . ACT team recognizes the need for targeted campaigns in combination with specialized trainings for criminal justice practitioners and other key actors to improve the understanding of both TIP and SOM as distinct offences . More information is available in the GLO . ACT approach to Implementation