Asean to strengthen fight against human trafficking…will dry up land of smiles « KHAMERLOGUE

ASEAN trade and economic ministers at 18th Summit photo:AP

AFP—JAKARTA – Southeast Asian leaders will take steps to strengthen the fight against human trafficking in the region, according to a draft of a joint statement expected to be released after a summit this weekend. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) leaders will say there is an ‘urgent need’ for a comprehensive approach to the transnational crime, according to the draft communique which was seen by AFP on Friday.

The leaders will acknowledge ‘the urgent need for a comprehensive regional approach and a legal instrument’ that will enable Asean’s 10 member states to help victims, especially women and children, it said.
The trafficking of people including women and children for forced or low-paid labour such as prostitution is a major problem in South-east Asia, but governments have often been accused of doing little to fight the smugglers.

This could change at the weekend when Asean leaders vow to ‘strengthen regional and international cooperation’ and improve the region’s ability to investigate smuggling syndicates, according to the draft document.

Measures will be put in place to ensure that victims are ‘treated humanely and provided with such essential medical and other forms of assistance’, including prompt repatriation to their countries of origin, it says.

Asean to strengthen fight against human trafficking…will dry up land of smiles « KHAMERLOGUE
Source:  KHAMERLOGUE