UNODC's GLO.ACT Supports Data Collection and Digitalization Process for Human Trafficking Data in Bangladesh

 In line with GLO.ACT-Bangladesh’s objective to support governmental authorities in building evidence bases on patterns and trends to effectively monitor and evaluate Trafficking in Persons (TIP), the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) and GLO.ACT-Bangladesh jointly conducted the First National Study on Trafficking in Persons in Bangladesh.

The study analyzes TIP in Bangladesh, exploring both domestic flows within the country, as well as cross-border trafficking flows. It recommends building a data collection system and using it as a basis for developing the Annual Country Report on Human Trafficking. GLO.ACT-Bangladesh also acknowledges the importance of establishing linkages as well as differences between TIP and the Smuggling of Migrants (SOM).

In this context, UNODC is assisting the Ministry of Home Affairs in developing an online data collection system and reporting format for the annual analytical country report on TIP cases. As part of this effort, the Public Security Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs, in partnership with UNODC, conducted a Workshop on Data Collection for the Bangladesh Annual Country Report on Human Trafficking on June 8, 2023. During this workshop, participants provided their insights on policy guidelines, content, data sources, and requirements for the proposed national database.

Following this, UNODC in partnership with INCIDIN – Bangladesh under the leadership of MOHA organized a meeting on the development of an Online Data Collection and Reporting Platform for the Annual Country Report on Human Trafficking. Discussions were centered around the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and protocols, as well as the development of a comprehensive user manual for the overall process of data collection and analysis. Through the meeting these initiatives have received preliminary approval and endorsement from the government.

Based on the draft tools, a 2-day workshop was organized at MOHA on providing a hands-on demonstration of the preliminary database. On the first day, representatives from relevant governmental ministries and agencies received orientation on the digital platform. The second day focused on engagement with UN agencies, INGO and NGOs working to prevent and counter TIP in Bangladesh.

 67 (14 female, 53 male) participants provided detailed feedback on the digital platform to ensure it is user friendly and effective. 

Moving forward, all input provided by participants will be incorporated into the upcoming stages of development, and the process will advance towards the final validation by MoHA.

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The Global Action against Trafficking in Persons and the Smuggling of Migrants - Bangladesh (GLO.ACT - Bangladesh) is a joint initiative by the European Union and UNODC, being implemented in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Through targeted, innovative, and demand-driven interventions, the GLO.ACT aims to support the Government of Bangladesh and civil society organizations to more effectively fight the crimes of human trafficking and migrant smuggling across the country.

The project works on developing evidence-based information on trafficking and smuggling patterns and trends, legislative review and harmonization, capability development of criminal justice actors, and international cooperation. The project also provides direct assistance to victims of human trafficking and migrants in vulnerable situations through the strengthening of identification, referral, and protection mechanisms. The project is fully committed to mainstreaming Human Rights and Gender Equality considerations across all of its activities.

The project is funded by the European Union.

For more information, please contact:

Mahdy Hassan, GLO.ACT Bangladesh National Programme Coordinator

muhammad.hassan@un.org

unodc-glo.act@un.org

X: @glo_act