Principle 7: Co-operation and monitoring Co-operation, whether domestic or international, is an integral element of all the principles included in this document. It is particularly important in ensuring the safe return and access to effective remedies of trafficked persons, as well as in seeking durable solutions that do not expose victims to further harm. However, practice has shown that co-operation between those involved in the return of trafficked persons is often ad hoc and, thus, heavily dependent on organizational or personal contacts.365 In particular, the absence of agreed standards, protocols and models for both domestic and international co-operation is a significant weakness. A lack of communication about the available services prevents authorities in destination countries from fulfilling their obligations to ensure the safe return and access to adequate remedies of trafficked persons, as well as to endeavour to identify durable solutions.366 In the context of return, co-operation between state authorities in origin and destination countries appears to be largely limited to consular assistance in identifying and providing travel documents to trafficked persons. Such co-operation is typically strengthened through the implementation of formal assisted voluntary return programmes.367 The assisted voluntary return of migrants is frequently undertaken by implementing partners – usually the IOM, another international organization or an NGO.368 A lack of correct and adequate documentation and weak or non-existent co-operation between countries of origin and destination in resolving documentation problems represent major barriers for trafficked persons in exercising their right to leave and return. Failures in bilateral co-operation often lead to a situation in which documentation permitting return is delayed or not issued at all. It has been reported that, on occasion, some countries of origin have refused to admit their own citizens owing to uncertainty concerning the person’s identity.369 365  Cuzuioc-Weiss and Lacroix, Study on Post-Trafficking, p. 122. 366 Surtees, Listening to Victims, op. cit., note 77, p. 44. 367  “Programmes and Strategies in the EU Member States”, European Migration Network, op. cit., note 13, p. 78. 368  Ibid., p. 7. In some countries, agreements or memoranda of understanding are signed between the government and the IOM that outline the respective roles and responsibilities of government agencies and the IOM in the implementation of the return policy (ibid. p. 53). In addition, the IOM is also responsible for arranging reception and reintegration assistance upon arrival in the country of origin, and for making specific arrangements, such as transit and reception assistance or escorts, to ensure a safe and dignified return (Information from IOM representative, 8 December 2011). One study has indicated that, where return has been conducted by the IOM, other non-governmental agencies and international organizations are frequently involved in providing specific aspects of assistance (Jobe, The Causes and Consequences of Re-Trafficking, op. cit., note 39, p. 50). 369  “Programmes and Strategies in the EU Member States”, European Migration Network, op. cit., note 13, p. 58. Part 2: Explanatory Report to the Principles 91