The overall objective of this framework document is to strengthen cooperation between IOM and UNHCR with respect to the identification and protection of victims of trafficking (VoTs). Specifically, the document intends to encourage the development of standard operating procedures between IOM and UNHCR at country level, and suggests a procedure for cooperation to ensure that the available expertise, capacities, and potential of each agency are effectively employed to deliver the best possible protection and assistance for victims of trafficking.The framework document highlights key areas for coordination and cooperation that are global in nature and should be adapted and adjusted to particular regional and national contexts. In particular, the document focuses on two areas where IOM and UNHCR play a key role: the identification of VoTs, the provision of protection and assistance and the promotion of sustainable solutions.

Understanding the key differences between trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants is important because these are different crimes that require different responses in law, both with regard to the rights of a persons who has been the object of one of these crimes and to the penalty for perpetrators

Sudan is at the centre of the East African migration route towards North Africa and Europe. Over the past decade, hundreds of irregular migrants, asylum-seekers and refugees have been transiting through Sudan every month, with some choosing to seek asylum in the country. Those on the move are mostly young Eritrean Tigrinya speakers from urban areas, but they also include Ethiopians, Somalis, South Sudanese and Syrians. Exit visa requirements from Eritrea, socio-economic challenges and protection concerns within Sudan, are often cited as reasons for moving on. They are also compelled to rely on smugglers to arrange their travel in order to seek safety in Eastern Sudan refugee camps or to move elsewhere in Sudan and beyond.Persons traveling from other countries usually also rely on smugglers to facilitate their entry into Sudan. Such irregular movements expose these persons to various forms of exploitation, which often end up in human trafficking. Sudanese nationals are exposed to similar risks when seeking opportunities abroad.

It is important to note that the IOM Emergency Manual is designed primarily to provide guidance to IOM staff operating in humanitarian contexts. Some entries, describing internal management and administrative processes are available only to IOM staff. To access this content, IOM staff will have to sign in using their IOM email address. However, most of the Emergency Manual's content is publicly available, making the manual accessible as a tool for humanitarian partners and other interested parties. In addition to IOM processes and procedures, the Emergency Manual also provides guidance on Inter Agency Standing Committee (IASC) frameworks and processes, including, but not limited to, the IASC Cluster System and the Humanitarian Programme Cycle. Note that guidance on inter-agency frameworks and procedures are taken from existing IASC tools and references with additional guidance included by IOM, when relevant, on how the Organization can better contribute to inter-agency frameworks.

The practical guidelines contained in this publication provide guidance on how to determine the need for a response to migrants in situations of vulnerability, and on how to plan for, finance, monitor and evaluating such response, accordingly. This publication should be considered as complementing the IOM Handbook. Protection and Assistance for Migrants Vulnerable to Violence, Exploitation and Abuse.

What makes migrants vulnerable to human trafficking and associated forms of exploitation and abuse? A new study, undertaken by Minderoo Foundation’s Walk Free initiative and IOM, examines the connection between migration and modern slavery, and focuses on which migrants are most vulnerable, and in what circumstances, to modern slavery. The report explores various sites of vulnerability where migrants are particularly susceptible to human trafficking, forced labour and modern slavery. These include private dwellings, border crossings, irregular migration routes and conflict zones. The report illustrates that migrants are most vulnerable to exploitation in situations where the authority of the State and society are unable to protect them. It also analyses the characteristics of victims that are thought to contribute to their vulnerability. In addition, the study explains some characteristics of offenders, including worldviews that allow them to rationalize the exploitation of others. Lastly, the study looks at examples of enabling environments or contexts, such as restrictive immigration policies, that engender or exacerbate vulnerability.

The lack of reliable and comparable data on trafficking in human beings remains one of the main obstacles in effectively preventing and combating trafficking in human beings as well as protecting and assisting victims. IOM and the Austrian Federal Ministry of the Interior have recently published the Guidelines for the Collection of Data on Trafficking in Human Beings (THB), Including Comparable Indicators, developed to create the necessary basis for an improved collection, comparison and sharing of data on THB. The Guidelines seek to enhance the capacity of the national authorities to collect and share data as well as to contribute to EU-wide efforts to enhance data collection and to foster cooperation among EU Member States.

The IOM Glossary on Migration is an accessible and extensive collection of definitions of migration-related terminology. It is designed for a broad range of actors engaging with migration at the international level. It also provides some insights on regional and national practices. The purpose of this Glossary is to develop a common understanding and consistent use of migration and migration-related terms based, whenever possible, on international standards. Creating uniformity in language is an important starting point in migration discussions to ensure an accurate understanding and coherent exchange of information among actors working in the field of migration. This updated version of the Glossary reflects recent developments in the use of migration-related terms, drawing definitions from a wide range of reliable sources or reflecting IOM’s understanding of migration-related concepts.

In 2019, many more people needed humanitarian assistance than we had forecast, largely because of conflicts and extreme climate events. Donors provided a record $16 billion for inter-agency appeals between January and November 2019. Compliance with international law is declining. Armed conflicts are killing and maiming a record number of children, forcing them to flee their homes. They are becoming a lost generation. Women and girls are at higher risk of sexual and gender-based violence. One in five people living in conflict areas has a mental health condition.Highly violent conflicts are causing widespread hunger, displacement, death and destruction around the world. They are taking a heavy toll on civilians, who account for 90 per cent of the casualties when explosive weapons are used in populated areas. There were 791 attacks against health workers and health-care facilities in the first nine months of 2019, resulting in 171 deaths. In 2018, 131 aid workers were killed and 130 were kidnapped in 400 attacks. Attacks against health and aid workers are putting millions of people at risk by denying them care and aid.

This booklet presents the status of knowledge on trafficking in persons in the context of armed conflict. It is based on an extensive review of literature and reports from regional and international organizations combined with primary information collected from areas where armed conflicts have been discussed by the United Nations Security Council. It draws on cases investigated by the international criminal tribunals and interviews with United Nations peacekeeping personnel based in field missions located within or in the proximity of conflict zones. A detailed methodology, interview questions and list of respondents is annexed to this booklet. The first section presents an overview of the main forms of trafficking that have been identified within and in the surroundings of conflict areas. The subsequent section describes commonly identified victim profiles and outlines the main factors impacting their vulnerability to trafficking. The third section identifies main perpetrators and analyses the ways in which trafficking in persons is used as part of their modus operandi. The final section presents examples of trafficking in persons in conflict scenarios on the agenda of the Security Council (where enough information was available).