Global survey to shape inform research priorities on forced labour and human trafficking

GENEVA (ILO News) - The International Labour Organization (ILO) and Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) have launched a global survey aimed at identifying the most pressing research priorities related to programme interventions to combat forced labour and human trafficking. This initiative represents a key step in developing joint Global Research Priorities, which will guide the design and implementation of evidence-based, high-impact responses worldwide.

The survey targets researchers, practitioners, donors, ILO’s tripartite constituents, and individuals with lived experience. It invites input on the most critical knowledge gaps and research questions concerning “what works” - and what does not - in programme interventions to prevent and respond to forced labour and human trafficking. These insights will directly shape the future of research and policy grounded in practical outcomes.

As of 2021, an estimated 27.6 million people were in situations of forced labour worldwide, according to figures from the ILO, Walk Free, and the International Organization for Migration. Global commitments call for urgent and coordinated action to eliminate these abuses.

The Global Research Priorities, jointly developed by the ILO and IPA, build on their respective research initiatives. The ILO’s Research to Action project has established a Global Research Agenda on child labour, forced labour, and human trafficking, guided by an International Advisory Board and focused on translating research into actionable policies and programmes. Meanwhile, IPA’s Human Trafficking Research Initiative (HTRI) has developed a Research and Learning Agenda centred on producing rigorous impact evaluations and generating high-quality evidence to inform effective interventions.

Despite growing attention to the issues, there remains limited evidence on which interventions are most effective, under what conditions, and for whom. This initiative aims to fill those knowledge gaps by prioritizing research that directly informs programme decisions and drives meaningful, sustainable change. The goal is to ensure that future investments focus on approaches with the highest potential to strengthen programme effectiveness and sustainability.

The Global Research Priorities aim to go beyond outcome metrics to explore the mechanisms, contexts, and enabling factors behind successful interventions. They will also support discussion around the types of research designs and methodologies best suited to demonstrate what works most robustly, with an emphasis on practical application. Insights from the survey will inform the development of a long-term research programme dedicated to supporting effective programme design and policy innovation.

These priorities will be updated regularly to reflect emerging findings, shifting contexts, and new challenges. Respondents may also opt to be acknowledged in the final publication. The deadline for participating in the survey is 15 September 2025.

Through this initiative, the ILO and IPA seek to ensure that global efforts to end forced labour and human trafficking are backed by rigorous, inclusive, and actionable research - driving interventions that truly make a difference.

To participate in the survey, please click here.

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This publication was made possible through support provided by the United States Department of State’s Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (TIP Office) through the International Labour Organization and Innovations for Poverty Action, under the terms of Awards No. SJTIP22CA0028 and SSJTIP20CA0026. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Department of State.