Results indicate that, due to a lack of priority attention, the extent of trafficking in human organs and tissues remains unclear, as does the role and involvement of organized criminal groups in these activities. What is evident is that human organs and tissue have become a commodity and are being traded in an unfair and inequitable manner throughout the world. Individuals in developing countries are being exploited for this purpose to alleviate conditions of extreme poverty. A multifaceted response to this problem is called for due to the hidden nature of the problem and the complex combination of different actors involved in the activities. Interventions and countermeasures for combating trafficking in human organs and tissue are stymied by the lack of internationally agreed definitions and legal standards that could provide a framework for cooperation. Member States are encouraged to implement comprehensive national policies providing for severe penalties for organ trafficking. The development of international agreements to regulate organ procurement and broker activities should also be considered. Awareness-raising campaigns about the risks and health consequences of organ donation should be considered to decrease the demand side of organ trafficking. The report was based on replies from 40 member states to a questionnaire regarding national statistics on the transplantation of human organs and tissues. It was observed that kidneys, followed by livers, were the organs in greatest demand. The report presents some basic facts about organ and tissue transplantation, provides an overview of the legal framework and the work of relevant organizations, and examines cases involving organ and tissue trafficking. Good practices in terms of the legal framework for combating organ trafficking are enumerated and include police training and the establishment of financial controls. Notes