report traffickers. The involvement of relevant non-governmental organizations in such training should be considered as a means of increasing its relevance and effectiveness. 3. Providing law enforcement authorities with adequate investigative powers and techniques to enable effective investigation and prosecution of suspected traffickers. States should encourage and support the development of proactive investigatory procedures that avoid over-reliance on victim testimony. 4. Establishing specialist anti-trafficking units (comprising both women and men) in order to promote competence and professionalism. 5. Guaranteeing that traffickers are and will remain the focus of antitrafficking strategies and that law enforcement efforts do not place trafficked persons at risk of being punished for offences committed as a consequence of their situation. 6. Implementing measures to ensure that “rescue” operations do not further harm the rights and dignity of trafficked persons. Such operations should only take place once appropriate and adequate procedures for responding to the needs of trafficked persons released in this way have been put in place. 7. Sensitizing police, prosecutors, border, immigration and judicial authorities, and social and public health workers to the problem of trafficking and ensuring the provision of specialized training in identifying trafficking cases, combating trafficking and protecting the rights of victims. 8. Making appropriate efforts to protect individual trafficked persons during the investigation and trial process and any subsequent period when the safety of the trafficked person so requires. Appropriate protection programs may include some or all of the following elements: identification of a safe place in the country of destination; access to independent 1egal counsel; protection of identity during legal proceedings; identification of options for continued stay, resettlement or repatriation. 9. Encouraging law enforcement authorities to work in partnership with non-governmental agencies in order to ensure that trafficked persons receive necessary support and assistance. Guideline 6: Protection and support for trafficked persons The trafficking cycle cannot be broken without attention to the rights and needs of those who have been trafficked. Appropriate protection and support should be extended to all trafficked persons without discrimination. States and, where applicable, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, should consider: 1. Ensuring, in cooperation with non-governmental organizations, that safe and adequate shelter that meets the needs of trafficked persons is made available. The provision of such shelter should not be made contingent on the willingness of the victims to give evidence in criminal proceedings. Trafficked persons should not be held in immigration detention centres, other detention facilities or vagrant houses. 2. Ensuring, in partnership with non-governmental organizations, that trafficked persons are given access to primary health care and counseling. Trafficked persons should not be required to accept any such support and 71