Support needed for a rights-based approach to combat human trafficking

Two platforms on migration and counter-trafficking have called upon the government, civil society actors, and private sector partners to collectively support a rights-based approach to combat human trafficking.

Bangladesh United Nations Network on Migration (BDUNNM) and members of the Counter-Trafficking in Persons Technical Working Group (CTIP TWG) today made the call in a statement issued on the occasion of the World Day against Trafficking in Persons.

About 40 million people globally are victims of modern slavery or trafficking. Over 70 percent are women and girls, many of whom are trapped in sexual exploitation, the platforms said.  

The UN estimated that thousands become victims of trafficking every year in Bangladesh, while the US state department's Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report 2020 ranked Bangladesh on Tier 2, the statement read.

"This year, on this day, I reiterate the global UN campaign against human trafficking which focuses on the first responders. In these exceptional times, we must commend the work of the first responders to human trafficking -- people who identify, support, provide counselling and seek justice for survivors of trafficking, simultaneously challenging the impunity of the traffickers," said UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Mia Seppo.

"During the Covid-19 crisis, the essential role of first responders has become even more important as survivors of trafficking are increasingly at risk during the pandemic. Without   first responders, access to services and support would be minimal," she added.

Recently published reports from ILO, UNICEF and UNODC present evidence on how the Covid-19 pandemic may have a detrimental effect on the trafficking situation in general, while the TIP report came with a set of recommendations for Bangladesh, according to the statement.

In line with these recommendations, BDUNNM advocated for establishing a speedy and victim-friendly justice system.

The activation of the newly established anti-trafficking tribunals is key to strengthen the capacity of and coordination among law enforcement agencies, border security actors, immigration authority, social welfare services and the judiciary, it said.

For better community engagement, the network further calls for activation of counter-trafficking committees (CTCs) in collaboration with NGOs and organisations supporting survivors of trafficking.

Abu Bakr Siddique, additional secretary to the home ministry, said to further address the TIP report recommendations, the government will continue working to follow up on the National Plan of Action for Prevention and Suppression of Human Trafficking 2018-2022, in a bid to strengthen institutional capacity to protect trafficking survivors, prevent human trafficking and prosecute traffickers.

BDUNNM will host a public webinar tomorrow on the World Day against Trafficking in Persons, where key stakeholders from government, UN, and civil society will provide an overview of the situation in Bangladesh and report on the impact of counter-trafficking efforts.