Re/integration refers to the process of recovery involving economic and social inclusion following a trafficking experience. This inclusion is multifaceted and must take place in social, cultural and economic arenas. Given the complexity of the re/integration process, it is particularly important that efforts are made to monitor and evaluate programmes in order to assess whether re/integration has been achieved as well as how to more effectively work toward re/integration of trafficked persons. The dearth of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) information on anti-trafficking assistance in general and re/integration work more specifically constitutes a significant gap in efforts to combat trafficking in persons. Unless re/integration programmes are monitored and evaluated on a regular and on-going basis, service providers, policy makers and donors are without the information needed to design, adjust and implement effective programmes and policies.

This paper explores issues related to the M&E of anti-trafficking re/ integration programmes and, as such, aims to contribute to the body of knowledge on this subject. It is the third in a series of issue-based papers focusing on the re/integration of trafficked persons, developed in the context of the King Baudouin Foundation (KBF) Trafficking Victims Re/ integration Programmes (TVRP) in South-eastern Europe (SEE).

Overall, M&E should enhance the conceptual and practical knowledge of re/integration organisations in ways that improve programmes and service delivery. This paper discusses on the one hand, how monitoring should take place within re/integration programmes, including the identification of indicators and development of systems to collect, analyse and mobilise information in on-going work. On the other hand, the paper explores various aspects of evaluation work, including different types of evaluations and different approaches in undertaking evaluations of re/ integration programmes.

Equally important is the role of programme beneficiaries in planning, monitoring and evaluating re/integration efforts. Beneficiary participation ensures that programmes and policies are created according to their needs, interests and opinions. It also potentially facilitates the empowerment of beneficiaries and forms part of a process of accountability on the part of anti-trafficking organisations and institutions – to beneficiaries, donors, governments and civil society. Systems of intervention and assistance which are designed, implemented and adjusted in a participatory manner are more effective, efficient and appropriate for beneficiary needs and interests.

To read the full report click here.

The NEXUS Institute® is a leader in research, analysis, and evaluation in the field of human rights, specializing in human trafficking and related issues. They are pioneering the application and adaptation of methods for the collection, analysis, and presentation of new knowledge about these issues and society’s responses to them to identify what works, what doesn’t, and why.

 The King Baudouin Foundation United States (KBFUS) has served as a knowledgeable bridge between American donors and nonprofit organizations overseas