Return and Reintegration
The following is excepted from an International Organization for Migration
(IOM) background paper, which offers information about the assistance
required in return and reintegration efforts for victims of trafficking.
The background paper is reproduced in the Multiyear
Anti-Trafficking Action Plan for South Eastern Europe,
Stability Pact Task Force for South Eastern Europe Task Force on Trafficking
in Human Beings, March 2001.
Voluntary return and reintegration programs are an integral part of
victim protection and assistance. [Many] [c]ountries . . . currently
do not offer legal options for victims of trafficking to stay, and
most women who are identified are keen to leave the country and the
situation in which they find themselves, to return to their home
environment. There is also much concern for the safety of victims
who are in danger of being recaptured by their traffickers. Victims
are of great value in terms of financial investments made and the
risks of testifying against traffickers.
Prior to return home, time is required to initially stabilize victims,
both psychologically and physically. Shelters and safe houses offer
the immediate assistance necessary, while travel documentation and
arrangements are organized. Co-operation between NGOs, Governments
and International Agencies is crucial for the protection and assistance
of the victim and the organization of travel home.
Upon return home, victims require assistance coming to terms with
their experiences and reintegrating into life. Long and short-term
assistance is required. Initial medical / psychosocial help, counseling
and legal advice are necessary in the early phases. Later other options
become more appropriate, including further education / vocational training
and / or other income-generating activities. Clearly the co-operation
of NGOs, Government and International Agencies is significant. Successful
reintegration is vital in terms of stabilizing the victim, offering
new life perspectives and protecting him/her against potential re-trafficking,
particularly in the crucial first months.
The aim is to contribute to the safe, orderly and dignified return
and reintegration of trafficked human beings, with a focus on vulnerable
groups, such as women and children, to their home country as well as
to support adequate NGO and Governmental structures to ensure sustainability.
Strategies
Stage 1: Shelter
Victims of trafficking are often brought to shelters by law enforcement
officers. These officers need to be able to identify victims, and to
attend to their specific needs, thus awareness raising and training
activities need to target this group. A second function of law enforcement
officials in relation to shelters is ensuring the safety of the victims
within. Initial protection and shelters and safe houses provide assistance.
Staff must be appropriately trained to offer necessary medical, legal
and psychosocial assistance, as well as inform victims of return and
reintegration options.
Stage 2: Pre-departure
Once a victim has decided to return home, it is necessary to obtain
travel documentation, establish an appropriate itinerary, contact NGOs
/ International Agencies / Government Authorities in the countries
of transit and / or origin as appropriate, arrange an escort is necessary,
etc.
Stage 3: Travel
During travel, transit assistance should be available as appropriate,
contact with trained border guards and consular officials should be
established as necessary.
Stage 4: Arrival / Reintegration
Upon arrival, it may be necessary to contact trained border guards,
escort the victims to a shelter / safe house. Shelter staff should
be fully trained to offer initial medical, legal and psychosocial assistance
as necessary. In the longer term, other options should be available
to stabilize the victims and assist him / her to fully reintegrate
into life. Further, particularly in the initial months, it is important
to carry out preventative work to protect victims from potential re-trafficking.
Stage 5: Testifying
The possibility of returned victims testifying against their traffickers
should be explored, on the condition that the victim fully agrees and
his / her personal needs and safety are considered.”