Human Trafficking in Asia: ending impunity

Imagine being promised a job but ending up in a slave-like situation. Experts say that human trafficking remains an issue in Asia and the lack of cooperation among countries is to be blamed for the vicious circle of exploitation. Robert Bociaga reports. 

The salty ocean spray stings on his face as the boy huddled with hundreds of others on the rickety boat. Surrounded by the desperate and scared, all hoping for a better life.

But the promises of a new home were shattered when they were packed like sardines onto this vessel. Having seen men and women beaten, he is at sea for weeks, with little food and water. All he has left is hope to survive.

Despite efforts to combat human trafficking in Asia, the problem continues to persist in various forms across the region.

According to a recent report by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, maritime people smuggling and its intersection with human trafficking is a particularly significant problem in South and Southeast Asia. This report sheds light on the complexities of the issue, highlighting the experiences of those involved and the challenges faced in addressing the problem.

Maritime People Smuggling and Its Intersection With Human Trafficking in South and South East Asia GI TOC M... on Scribd

The stories of individuals who have been directly impacted by human trafficking in the region are diverse but have one thing in common.

One survivor of trafficking shared her experience of being forced into sex work in Singapore after being promised a job as a domestic worker. She recounted how she was treated poorly by her employers, eventually being sold to a brothel where she was forced to work long hours and endure physical abuse.

Another survivor, a young boy from Myanmar, was sold by his parents to a fishing boat captain in Thailand. He was forced to work on the boat for several years without pay, enduring physical abuse and poor living conditions.

These stories are not unique, as millions of people in Asia are affected by human trafficking. According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), over 24 million people globally are victims of forced labour, with Asia accounting for two-thirds of these victims. Human trafficking takes various forms, including forced labour, sexual exploitation, and forced marriage. It affects individuals of all ages, genders, and backgrounds, making it a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach.

Importantly, the maritime industry is particularly susceptible to human trafficking. The industry employs millions of individuals across the region, providing an opportunity for traffickers to exploit vulnerable individuals seeking employment. Many of these individuals are forced to work long hours in unsafe conditions, with little or no pay. They may also face physical and verbal abuse from their employers. This is a significant issue, as the maritime industry plays a crucial role in the region’s economy, accounting for a significant portion of the trade and commerce that takes place across borders.

LACK OF COOPERATION

One of the challenges of addressing human trafficking in Asia is the lack of awareness and understanding of the issue. As the report notes, many individuals who are trafficked do not even realize that they are being exploited. This is particularly true in cases of forced labour, where individuals may be misled into believing that they are entering into legitimate employment.

Dr. Brian McCartan, a Senior Analyst at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore, notes that “many victims are misled or coerced into believing that the job offers they receive are legitimate, but once they arrive at their destination, they find themselves in a very different situation.”

Another challenge is the lack of cooperation among countries in the region. Human trafficking is a transnational issue, with victims and traffickers moving across borders. However, cooperation among countries in the region is often limited, making it difficult to track and prosecute traffickers. Dr. McCartan notes that “many countries in the region have weak legal frameworks and enforcement mechanisms, which make it difficult to investigate and prosecute traffickers.” This lack of cooperation and enforcement creates an environment where traffickers can operate with impunity.

A shore in the Bay of Bengal. The Bay of Bengal is often an area maritime smugglers traffic people through. Image: Wikimedia Commons

To address these challenges, experts suggest that a coordinated and collaborative approach is required. “This includes strengthening legal frameworks and enforcement mechanisms, increasing awareness and understanding of the issue, and improving cooperation among countries in the region,” Dr. McCartan notes. “There needs to be a coordinated effort among countries in the region to tackle the issue. This includes sharing information and intelligence, improving border control, and strengthening legal frameworks to ensure that traffickers are held accountable for their actions.”

Other experts emphasize the importance of addressing the root causes of human trafficking, including poverty and inequality. As Lucia Bird, one of the authors of the report, notes, “poverty and inequality create a fertile ground for traffickers to operate, as individuals are willing to take risks to improve their lives.”

Therefore, addressing these underlying issues requires a long-term approach that focuses on economic development and social welfare.

NO COUNTRY CAN GO ALONE

Another important aspect of addressing human trafficking is the need to provide support and services to survivors. Many survivors face significant physical and emotional trauma, and may require assistance in rebuilding their lives. This includes access to medical care, counselling, and legal support.

As Bird notes, “survivors need support and assistance to ensure that they are able to rebuild their lives and move forward.” Finally, the private sector plays a significant role in the maritime industry, and has a responsibility to ensure that their operations do not contribute to human trafficking. This includes implementing robust labour standards and supply chain due diligence processes, and ensuring that workers are treated fairly and equitably.

That is why it is important to work through a coordinated and collaborative approach that addresses the root causes of human trafficking, strengthens legal frameworks and enforcement mechanisms, provides support to survivors, and engages with the private sector.

“While the challenge is significant,” McCartan says” there is hope that by working together, people in the region can make progress in combating human trafficking”.

- Asia Media Centre