India: UNODC partners with National Crime Records Bureau to strengthen anti-trafficking  data gathering mechanisms

   

New Delhi/07 February: Under its project 'Strengthening the implementation of a comprehensive response to trafficking in persons,' UNODC has been working with the government and civil society organizations in India to prevent and address trafficking in persons (TIP) by developing and implementing a comprehensive response to TIP. 

In this backdrop, UNODC organised a 2-day Data Collection Workshop to Counter Trafficking in Persons on 6-7 February at New Delhi, in collaboration with the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), Government of India. The overall objective of the workshop was to enhance the understanding of TIP data gathering and data analysis processes and mechanisms.

The workshop brought together officials from the NCRB, anti-human trafficking units (AHTUs), and other relevant experts. Dr. Suruchi Pant, Deputy Representative of UNODC Regional Office for South Asia, Mr. Ramphal Pawar, Director and Dr. Vivek Gogia, Joint Director, National Crime Records Bureau presided over the discussions.

 "I am very happy to acknowledge that these two days of the workshop are a step towards addressing challenges in data collection. Not only will the workshop enhance the understanding of data gathering, data classifications, data analysis, and the roles of various agencies, but will also lead towards a more coordinated and comprehensive response to trafficking in persons," said Dr. Suruchi Pant.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Ramphal Pawar asserted, "UNODC is doing a commendable job in making the world safer from drugs, transnational organized crime, corruption and terrorism. UNODC also contributes to achieving of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We appreciate their commitment towards fostering partnerships aimed at building national and regional alliances on crime prevention, security, justice and health."

He also said that correct assessment of the magnitude of the issue of human trafficking is only possible with correct data collection. It is an organized crime and includes labor trafficking or practices similar to slavery, servitude or even for removal of organs, besides sex trafficking.

The Workshop provided an opportunity for the AHTU nodal persons to share experiences on the collection and analysis of data related to TIP and to present best practices. Discussions were also held on availability of relevant and timely information, need for strengthening information technology in improving outcome in the areas of crime investigations and other functioning of the police organizations.

Other interventions included presentations of reporting practice and data availability in the individual states. It was clear that much was known of trafficking in persons at the local level but there is scope and need for improving indicators to better capturing and reporting data.

In the interactive workshop, the participants were also introduced to best-practices and recent advances in TIP data collection and analysis from across the globe. The need for stronger collaboration between UNODC and NCRB on strengthening data collection, analysis and reporting mechanism on trafficking in persons cases was highlighted. Participants called for joint training programmes, international Classification of Crime for Statistical Purposes (ICCS) implementation and potential interest in reporting on SDG indicators through victimization surveys.

On behalf of UNODC, Ms. Deepika Naruka, Programme Coordinator thanked NCRB Officials for their support and cooperation in organizing the workshop. In his closing remarks, Dr. Vivek Gogia, Joint Director of applauded the meeting and stressed the need for further cooperation and partnership on data collection and reporting, considering the need for providing sex and age disaggregated data.

This activity was held in the framework of UNODC Global Programme against Trafficking in Persons, jointly with UNODC Regional Office for South Asia, with the financial support of the CSSF, United Kingdom. This project contributes to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and in particular SDG 16 on Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.