The Significance of Referral Systems as a Response to Human Trafficking and Unsafe Migration

Abstract

This publication explains the significance of 'referral systems' in the context of trafficking and migration. It defines a referral system as a support network of agencies and individuals specifically developed to provide support and services for a particular purpose, with an intentionally targeted informational communication network and various mediums for access to information. The lack of coordinated information collection and consequent lack of understanding of the nature of the issue are well-identified obstacles to responding to the specific and ever-growing problems of trafficking and unsafe migration. This publication argues that the working concept of referral systems should not be underestimated as an information-gathering tool to aid antitrafficking policy.