Taking steps to combat human trafficking

This is a guest blog by Deputy British High Commissioner to Brunei Sunny Ahmed about “The Promotion of Access to Justice for Female Victims of Violence in Trafficking Cases” workshop held from 3 to 5 February that resulted in the production of gender sensitive guidelines on comprehensive support for women who are trafficked.

Last week I was privileged to join over 50 highly motivated professionals from across ASEAN member countries to contemplate the best way to combat human trafficking.  The workshop was the result of months of planning by Datin Paduka Intan chair of the ASEAN Commission on the Promotion of and Protection of the Rights of Women and Children (ACWC).  Human trafficking is a growing problem across ASEAN. The British High Commission was pleased to be able to support this initiative with sponsorship for the British Government’s ASEAN programme fund.

Our High Commissioner, HE David Campbell opened the 3 day workshop on the Promotion of Access to Justice for female victims of violence in trafficking cases. With poignant remarks about the effects of trafficking (millions of individuals), whilst paying tribute to the UN and ASEAN member countries for the work they are undertaking to help combat trafficking in persons.

The three day workshop consisted of a mixture of presentations on best practice from around the region.

And a number of breakout sessions exploring the key requites required for the production of gender sensitive guidelines for handling and supporting female victims of of trafficking in person.

I was impressed by the motivation and constructive engagement of all participants

As mentioned in my closing remarks we owe it to the victims to do our utmost to bring an end to this appalling crime. It is therefore reassuring to have seen the sheer number, level and expertise of participants at the workshop.

Guidelines drafted at the workshop will be circulated to all ACWC members in the hope that they can be signed off at the next meeting due to take place on 17 February in Jakarta.  Once agreed by ACWC members, the guidelines will be circulated amongst ASEAN sectoral bodies and possibly civil society organisations for comment.  The next stage will be to seek approval from senior officials before the Guidelines are submitted to ASEAN Ministers of Welfare Services for approval and adoption by all ASEAN countries.