International Collaboration to Stop Human Trafficking: Using Lessons From the Field to Create a Framework for Data Sharing in Eastern Europe

Abstract

Human trafficking is a problem faced all over the world. Recent estimates by the International Labour Organization estimate that approximately 21 million people are in situations of forced labor alone (ILO, 2012). Although trafficking does not always involve cross-border movement, certain regions of the globe experience this phenomenon more than others. Eastern Europe is known for both sex trafficking and labor trafficking, both of which are often characterized by cross-border movement in the region. According to a publication by the European Commission, between 2010 and 2012, 30,146 victims of trafficking were identified in Europe (Eurostat, 2014). Human trafficking hotlines play an important role in collecting, analyzing, and disseminating local and national statistics and trends. Eastern Europe has over 20 hotlines spread between nine countries. This study analyzes the potential for anti-trafficking hotline to collect and share trafficking data. This research includes findings from a case study on data sharing initiatives led by Polaris, a U.S. based anti-trafficking organization. Furthermore, this research includes data collected from a survey distributed to hotlines in Eastern Europe that assessed technical capacity and interest to participate in a regional data sharing initiative. Findings show that data sharing among hotlines is most successful when a specific purpose for data sharing is established and when specific regional interests propel the initiative. Based on survey respondent data, four out of five existing hotlines in Europe exhibit interest in participating in a regional data sharing initiative. Findings of this study advocate for the creation of a regional data sharing hub among hotlines in Eastern Europe.