Assessment of Vulnerabilities of Crimes Related to Organ, Tissue, and Fluid Donation and Transplant in Central America

This projects aims to study the existing vulnerabilities for crimes related to trafficking of human organs, especially illicit trafficking from living donors. Special attention will be given to the medical/clinical regulations currently in existence as well as criminal and other related regulations, and how vulnerabilities and gaps can lead to the trafficking in persons.

The expected outputs of this project are that through this sudy, the Governments of Central America will have a better understanding of the general context (including demand and supply, approaches and practices related to donation, extraction and transplant of organs, existing legislation, regulations and procedures, etc.) that as a whole could render each specific country vulnerable to the type of crimes related to this activity, specifically trafficking in persons. At the same time, the process will provide a multi-sectorial platform for the discussion of possible amendments to legislation and medical/administrative procedures related to the donation and transplant of human organs, tissues and fluids and other anatomical components.

As a result of these discussions and improved awareness, the expected outcomes are that the relevant stakeholders and governments will be encouraged to make it a priority to take actions to involve the health sector and improve knowledge of organ trafficking in the region, ultimately reducing this phenomenon in Central America, especially as it is linked to trafficking in persons.