The Montrasec demo. A bench-mark for member state and EUautomated data collection and reporting on trafficking in human beings and sexual exploitation of children (IRCP-Series, vol. 36)

Recent European Union policy discussions have again highlighted the urgent need
for consistent recording and analysis of data relating to trafficking in human beings.
Without such a framework, the Union’s ability to assess the scale and nature of the
problem and, consequently, to formulate effective policy responses is severely impaired.
MONTRASEC – a model for monitoring trafficking in human beings, sexually exploited
and missing children – demonstrates that real progress can be made in addressing these
long standing difficulties.

Building on the work undertaken in the previous SIAMSECT research, a practical IT-tool
has been developed by which the three phenomena can be described, interpreted and
analysed in an integrated and multidisciplinary fashion. The IT tool also provides National
Rapporteurs or similar mechanisms with enhanced and uniform reporting capacity.
Recognising the European Union’s emerging policy line, the MONTRASEC IT tool provides
a building block by which the European Commission or a future European Monitoring
Centre on THB can make horizontal comparison between the reports of the member
states.

This book describes how a workable IT tool with contents based on international legal
instruments and definitions concerning the three phenomena, has been designed and
tested by a range of operational agencies in two separate EU member states. Critical
questions relating to compliance with both member state and European data protection
and privacy legislation are addressed alongside the need to ensure the highest possible
levels of security for sensitive personal data relating to both victims and authors.
Furthermore, a CD is attached to this book, containing a live demonstration of all the
features and functions of the MONTRASEC IT tool.

“The MONTRASEC demo” shows that it is actually possible to move beyond theoretical
discussions concerning data collection to a point where agencies operating in the field
are prepared to work within a unified and consistent data collection regime, inputting
“live” data which can thereafter be analysed at member state and European Union level.

This book is essential reading for EU policy makers, judicial and law enforcement
authorities and organisations working in the fields of trafficking in human beings,
sexually exploited and missing children both in the European Union and in a broader
international context. It will also appeal to the research community and anyone with an
interest in justice and home affairs or criminal policy initiatives in the European Union.