What in the World Are Anti-Trafficking NGOs Doing? Findings from a Global Study

Author: Limoncelli, Stephanie

Abstract: While the academic literature on human trafficking has grown enormously in the last 20 years, few studies have been done that empirically examine the organizations taking part in anti-trafficking responses. This article reports some findings of a study of 1,861 nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) worldwide that identify themselves as working on the issue of human trafficking. The findings show that anti-trafficking NGOs have a wide variety of specializations, are most prevalent in Asia and Europe, mainly target children, often focus on both labor and sex trafficking, and engage in awareness and legislative or policy advocacy more often than direct service provision. Methodological, theoretical, and applied implications are discussed.

Keywords: anti-trafficking responses, international nongovernmental organizations, nongovernmental organizations