European Union Anti-trafficking actions and HRBA in South Asia: links with Europe
24 Feb 2009 |
Brussels, Belgium 24-25 February: Strong civil and institutional participation during the international seminar on Anti-trafficking actions and Human Rights based approach in South Asia, outcomes and links with Europe" hosted by Member of European Parliament, Marusya Ivanova Lyubcheva. Around 60 participants – representing European Parliament and Commission, governments, students and academics, NGOs’ actors from Asia and Europe, law enforcement and judicial police – attended the international seminar organized by Terre Des Hommes International Federation( TDHIF). Speakers from India, Nepal and Bangladesh shared experiences and lessons learnt from a three-year anti-trafficking project co-funded by the European Commission.
The project’s activities aimed at mainstreaming a human rights based approach in anti-trafficking initiatives in South Asia. A comparative analysis of the three countries anti-trafficking legislation was undertaken by the project, accompanied by advocacy aiming at the harmonisation and improvement of this legal framework. Harmonisation and human rights approaches were also sought in the activities of awareness raising and protection of the victims in the region. Local NGOs from South Asia welcomed the project for enabling such a platform for exchanges and actions. They also appreciated the support expressed during the meeting by Members of European Parliament and Commission. Trafficking in human beings continues on large scale in South Asia and manifest not only through sexual exploitation but also exploitation forced labour, inter-country illegal adoptions. Local NGOs in the region remain committed to address human trafficking through a right based approach. They call upon their respective governments to put the fight against human trafficking high on the political agenda and invest adequate resources on it. Ongoing support by international NGOs such as TDHIF and the political sustain of the international community, including the EU, was considered necessary by the participants from South Asia.
Against the background presented by the South Asian speakers, European NGOs and institutions also discussed the situation of child trafficking in Europe, efforts undertaken so far and existing gaps. Despite the existence of political will in Europe to address the phenomenon, governments need to increase their concrete efforts in implementation. Throughout the EU Member States, the EU anti-trafficking Action Plan remains poorly implemented with low figures on victims’ assistance and number of trafficking cases prosecuted. Among some conclusions exposed by the European Commission the judicial approach remains inefficient as far as this is not supported by a real policy on victim’s protection. The European Union might develop EU legislation on victim’s protection.
Another weak point common to both regions regards the protection of children on the move. At the hand of the recent TDHIF publication by Mike Dottridge: “Kids abroad: ignore them, abuse them or protect them?*”participants shared their understanding of child mobility versus child trafficking, what could be done in both contexts and the limitation civil society and governments face*. More could and should be done to prevent child migration being unsafe. As the author of the publication reminded, organisations including governments and NGOs should give precedence to the best interest of the child upon other interests. [VT]
1. Developing a Rights-based Approach for Anti-trafficking Actions in South Asia: Introduction on the project by Massimo Lanciotti
2. The airport, a safe haven for minors travelling alone? Explorative research on the risk of victimization at Brussels Airport – Belgium by Tony Verachtert – Head of Federal judicial police, airport division, Valesca Lippens – researcher Free University of Brussels and Dr Ilse Derluyn – Ghent University
3. Child trafficking in SEE -Tdh Strategy of Intervention by Mirela Shuteriqi, Resource Person on exploitation and trafficking of children, Tdh Lausanne
4. Human Trafficking: A global problem in search of a global solution
by Marusya Lyubcheva, member of the European Parliament
5. KIDS ABROAD: A Terre des Hommes study on ways of making migration less unsafe for children
by Mike Dottridge, independent consultant
6. Strengthening the Local Administrative Institutions and Law Enforcement Agencies to Develop a Rights Based Approach for Anti-Trafficking Action.
by Mr. N.B.K. Tripura, ndc Additional Inspector General – Bangladesh Police & National Project Director Police Reform Program
7. Legal framework and rights-based approach in law schools – Harmonization of anti-trafficking legal frameworks with international standards and RBA in law schools curricula in South Asia
by Ms. Muna Basnyat AT Program Coordinator, Tdh-Lausanne (photo at the top, right side)
8. Advocacy, lobbying and networking are increased at regional and national level to promote harmonization of human rights-based domestic legal framework, policies and strategies
by By: Deepanita Biswas, Programme Coordinator, Tdh-Germany
9. Capacity building of local institutions: strengthening of local administrative institutions and law enforcement agencies for a rights-based approach in anti-trafficking actions< br /> by Ms. Patrizia Gattoni, Regional Project Manager, Tdh-Italy
10. Awareness raising Campaign and services to the survivors The role of HRDC (Human Rights Defenders’ Committees) In preventing Human Trafficking and protecting Survivors at local level
by Ashish Ghosh – National Coordinator – India Terre des Hommes Suisse
Read the narrative report here
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