On the potential of Multiple Systems Estimation for estimating the number of victims of human trafficking across the world: Written for the UNODC, where it appeared as Research Brief ‘Multiple Systems Estimation for estimating the number of victims of human trafficking across the world’

Abstract

UNODC has been collecting international statistics on detected victims of trafficking in persons since 2003. At present, there is no sound estimate of the non-detected number of victims of trafficking in persons worldwide. Due to methodological differences and the challenges associated with estimating the sizes of hidden populations such as trafficking victims, this is a task that has so far not been satisfactorily accomplished. However, these efforts are set to gain momentum now that the eradication of trafficking in persons has been adopted as part of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The number of victims of human trafficking has been selected as an indicator to measure progress towards the implementation of SDG target 16.2. In light of current efforts and challenges to collect this type of information, this research brief explores the potential of Multiple Systems Estimation as an alternative, efficient method of estimating the number of non-detected numbers of victims of trafficking in persons in a country.