S TEP 3: C HOOSE THE MOST EFFECTIVE APPROACH IN EACH CASE

The actors active in the field of tackling human trafficking strive for the same goal which is to prevent and to stop human trafficking (narrative level) (UNODC, 2000). In order to reach that goal, the most effective approach should be chosen by deciding collectively, for which both the appropriate actors and measures should be taken into consideration (doctrinal level). In order to properly solve such a complex problem, actors should keep the broader picture in mind and should not just look at their personal goals (narrative level) (R6). Cooperation often leads to better solutions than when acting upon ourselves (O' Toole, 1997). The idea is to appoint, out of a wide range of actors, the ones that are the most effective to act (R3; R4). In general, all Dutch actors are aware of the fact that the need to cooperate to tackle human trafficking cannot be denied (Nationaal Rapporteur Mensenhandel, 2013). For example, after the report of Committee Lenferink (2015), the Dutch municipalities saw the need of a growing role in the process of tackling human trafficking (organisational level). An active policy on tackling human trafficking is asked from the municipalities (Coalition Agreements: 'Vertrouwen in de Toekomst', 2017). Therefore, a new initiative from the municipality is the operationalization of an integrated approach on human trafficking which should lead to the best decisions and the most appropriate actors to act in order to tackle human trafficking (doctrinal level) (R5). Another example is the joint project between the KMar and the police for more cooperation, which shows that the most efficient actor in terms of capacities is chosen to act upon a case (doctrinal level) (R1). As written before, it is not only important to look at the most appropriate actor, but also at the most appropriate measure for solving the problem. By considering the best punishment, the victim should not be forgotten and seek for the best solution for the victim as well. Does the issue need to be solved by prosecution or can the municipality take administrative measures such as prohibiting licences or providing fiscal penalties to punish the criminal (R4)? Those questions are discussed in the Netherlands during the multi-disciplinary meetings provided by RIEC, where all partners look for the best approach; which actors are the most appropriate and which measures should be taken (doctrinal level). Also, cases of suspicion are discussed and experiences shared to be able to act upon the crime of human trafficking. In the Netherlands, actors acknowledge the need for cooperation and the fact that others sometimes are more capable for solving the issues; the best approach is chosen

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In Brazil, cases are treated only at the moment of an actual complaint of a victim. Once a complaint from a victim arrives at the “desk” of a nucleus at regional level, they will call upon all the actors of the committee to discuss the most effective way to solve the case (doctrinal level) (R8.2). Respondent 7 said that the nucleus can be seen as a company, in which they choose the best actor to provide the most optimal result. The complaint will be transferred to the actor which seems to be most appropriate to solve the issue. In Brazil, there is also a certain awareness of the fact that the actors cannot solve it by themselves, and the most effective actor/measure should be chosen. However, this can only happen after the crime has occurred, whereas in the Netherlands the cooperation is to a large extent focused on the prevention as well; approach of both countries differ to a great extent.

At national level, the countries both consider the most effective approach on tackling human trafficking. Yet, at international level there is no platform on jointly deciding upon the best way to solve trafficking between Brazil and the Netherlands. An idea could be a joint meeting to discuss how the Netherlands could contribute to the prevention in Brazil of people trafficking to the Netherlands and the other way around. For example, the embassies and consulates could take a more active role in the provision of information in their base country for potential migrants/victims to prevent them from ending up in the wrong hands, and to prepare them for the procedures in the new country (R4; Government of the Netherlands, 2016).

Even though there is already quite an established platform in the Netherlands and Brazil in which the most appropriate actor will act, there is still room for improvement. The police have a very important and indispensable role in the process of tackling human trafficking in both countries, but it cannot solve the problem on its own (R3). In the case of human trafficking, many signals are needed to prosecute a case which has its source in different sectors/organizations. Therefore, in order to be able to solve the case, the police also need to cooperate with other partners to find the best solution. Especially in Brazil, this cooperative role for the police is not straightforward, as they are not always willing to contribute. Also, the approach of Brazil is quite different ot the Dutch approach. The Netherlands are focussed on tackling the problem on an earlier stage by sharing information in the forms of signals. This could be an interesting measure and a more appropriate approach for Brazil as well; instead of reacting to the problem trying to approach the issue pro-active. Another important issue concerns governmental policies and budgets; the money is not always spent on the right

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purposes for tackling an issue. For example, the Dutch government currently focuses more on the repression of human trafficking. Yet, it might be more efficient to invest in prevention so that, in the end, less repression is needed anyways. To conclude, actors should be aware that they cannot act by themselves; both the most appropriate measures and actors to solve the problem should be chosen. Actors should acknowledge that they are not always the right one to act and should, therefore, sometimes appoint someone else to act in order to reach a more common goal in order to reach the most optimal results (narrative level).

4.3.4STEP 4:KNOW EACH OTHER’S RESPONSIBILITIES, COMPETENCE