The Role of Data in Strengthening the Response to Trafficking in Persons: Opportunities for Replicating and Scaling in West Africa

How can emerging data-driven technologies improve the global response to human trafficking? What role can innovative information technologies play in combating trafficking in persons in West Africa?

In a new policy brief, “The Role of Data in Strengthening the Response to Trafficking in Persons: Opportunities for Replicating and Scaling in West Africa,” (PDF) CenHTRO highlights the opportunities and challenges surrounding the use of data-driven methods and technology to enhance the response to human trafficking, particularly in the context of West Africa. 

Drawing from an expert panel convened in Sierra Leone, at the Regional Conference of ECOWAS States on Ending Human Trafficking 2023, the brief addresses key issues related to data collection, standardization, and utilization in combating human trafficking. The brief, prepared by Adam Burns, a policy officer with CenHTRO’s African Programming & Research Initiative to End Slavery (APRIES) initiative,  underscores the importance of international collaboration, artificial intelligence, machine learning, statistical analysis, and their ethical considerations. 

The brief recommends fostering cooperation among governments, NGOs, and communities, promoting standardized data collection methodologies, enhancing statistical analysis capabilities, supporting research and evaluation, and investing in responsible technology innovation. By adopting these measures, policymakers can effectively utilize data and technology to combat human trafficking, protect victims, and dismantle criminal networks.