CORRUPTION

Lessons Learned by NGOs in the Fight Against Human Trafficking
Given the likely ongoing and prominent role of NGOs in the fight
against trafficking, further and more extensive research in the area of
“lessons learned” could help to promote knowledge sharing and reduce
inefficiencies between organizations.
Staff turnover presents a problem for service continuity
Respondent D described how “[c]onstant staff turnover [and] changes (especially within law
enforcement) hamper relationship[s] and also…forward momentum.” While staff turnover is not
unique to the field of counter-trafficking, this suggests that documenting lessons learned, and
instrumentalizing policies and procedures in order to ensure knowledge and relationships are
captured and sustained, is likely to aid counter-trafficking efforts. At the same time, improving interorganizational
networks, rather than relying on one-to-one trust-based relationships, could help to
maintain continuity.
Vigilantism can cause harm
There is an amount of suspicion in relation to organizations that carry out extrajudicial rescues of
TIP victims, rather than relying on law enforcement. The well-publicized events associated with
former Australia-based organization “The Grey Man” may have proven a turning point for this type
of approach. The organization, which described itself as comprised of ex-Special Forces staff and
police officers, was found to be operating fraudulently. Eventually, it was found that the twenty-one
children the organization claimed to have rescued were in no danger and had never been trafficked,
and The Grey Man was declared a hoax (Drummond, 2012; McCulloch, 2012). Respondent B said
in this context that “[b]reaking down doors doesn’t work, is out dated [sic] and should be banned…
‘Rescuing’ victims is often so un-ethical it is ridiculous.” Additionally, vigilantism is a crime.
International TIP cannot be stopped until border policies are improved
International Affairs Forum
Respondent B pointed out that “rescues” do “nothing to change global migration patterns or issues”
as risk factors enabling TIP. The respondent went on to add that “[t]he end of trafficking will come only
with better international border policies.” Although it was unclear at which level, or by which means
these ought to be addressed.
Respondent prescriptions: what needs to be done?
Several survey respondents provided suggestions about improving work against TIP. Respondent
B focused on business and the financial sector, recommending regulation of the latter, particularly
with “regards to its own supply chain management”, as this would enable capital to be more ethically
managed. Respondent D described trafficking as a “complex and multi-layered crime”, which requires
more awareness and “much more training…all round.” They suggested all parties “need to be
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