Silent Battlegrounds: Understanding and Combating Human Trafficking of Women and Girls in Southeast Asia 2/2

12.01.2024

Rosário Frada

The first article of this dossier has analysed Southeast Asian’s legal obligations at international, regional and subregional, and proceeded to understand the complexity behind evolving challenges to the combat against human trafficking of women and girls. This one will delve into the various mechanisms used to obstruct female survivors’ access to justice and the manners in which their rights must be upheld.

Significantly, as already highlighted in the previous paper, Southeast Asia faces particular challenges in protecting women and girls from human trafficking. Despite its international obligations, the number of women and girls trafficked in the region is increasing, demonstrating a gap in protection that must be addressed if human rights are to be upheld.

Consequently, this article aims to understand the ways in which women victims are disciplined through the myopic focus on prosecution rather than prevention and victim support in the legal system and the several forms of stigma and patriarchal structures permeating the Southeast Asian region, hindering them from accessing reparation and redress. Afterwards, it seeks to propose several suggestions not only to provide effective assistance to female victims, but to create a gender-sensitive and human-centric justice system that also focuses on the prevention of the trafficking of women and girls. 

Ignoring Women’s Right to Prevention and Protection

While the Palermo Protocol boasts 191 state parties, a critical examination reveals significant gaps in addressing the complexities of human trafficking, particularly concerning the rights and well-being of women and girls. Until 2009, nearly one third of UN member states had not ratified the protocol, highlighting a global challenge in garnering widespread commitment^[1]Shoaps, L. (n.d.). Room for improvement: Palermo protocol and the trafficking victims protection act. Lewis & Clark Law Review, 17(3). 931-972. … Continue reading. Disturbingly, east Asian countries, notably Sri Lanka and Thailand, stood out for taking longer to ratify the protocol, casting a shadow over the effectiveness of regional efforts^[2]Shoaps, L. (n.d.). Room for improvement: Palermo protocol and the trafficking victims protection act. Lewis & Clark Law Review, 17(3). 931-972. … Continue reading. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) 2012 Report, “Trafficking originating from East Asia also remains the most conspicuous globally^[3]United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. (2012). Global Report on Trafficking in Persons. https://www.unodc.org/documents/data-and-analysis/glotip/Trafficking_in_Persons_2012_web.pdf”, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive measures towards women and girls.

When the Palermo Protocol was first presented to the General Assembly, it was praised for paying “equal attention to the repression of illegal conduct and the protection of the victims, fil[ing] in many gaps in international law and provid[ing] an effective instrument for international cooperation^[4]United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. (2012). Global Report on Trafficking in Persons. https://www.unodc.org/documents/data-and-analysis/glotip/Trafficking_in_Persons_2012_web.pdf”. However, it has since faced scrutiny for its unbalanced treatment of these aspects. While the protocol commits to “combat^[5]United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. (2012). Global Report on Trafficking in Persons. https://www.unodc.org/documents/data-and-analysis/glotip/Trafficking_in_Persons_2012_web.pdf” trafficking and “criminalis[e] the traffickers^[6]United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. (2012). Global Report on Trafficking in Persons. https://www.unodc.org/documents/data-and-analysis/glotip/Trafficking_in_Persons_2012_web.pdf”, the emphasis on prosecution is evident in Article 5, establishing “[e]ach State Party shall adopt such legislative and other measures as may be necessary to establish as criminal offences the conduct set forth in article 3^[7]UN Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner. (2000, November 15). Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons Especially Women and Children, supplementing the United Nations … Continue reading”, which provides the definition of trafficking. Contrastingly, the protection of victims, especially women and girls, is marred by qualifiers and discretionary language, as provisions for victim protection are not mandatory but rather left to the discretion of states. The language, such as “consider”, “take into account”, and “endeavour to provide” in relation to victim protection weakens the protocol’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of women and girls in the trafficking context.

This imbalance has drawn criticism from individuals and organisations, accusing the protocol of failing to treat trafficking as a matter of individuals’ rights rather than solely as a law enforcement issue^[8]Pomeroy, M. (2010). Left out in the cold: trafficking victims, gender, and misinterpretation of the refugee convention’s “nexus” requirement, Michigan Journal of Gender & Law, 16(2), … Continue reading. The protocol’s omission of explicit references to the responsibility of states in creating conditions that foster trafficking also raises concerns about its effectiveness. Moreover, it falls short in recognising the imperative to reform legal systems to ensure victims’ right to protection^[9]Shoaps, L. (n.d.). Room for improvement: Palermo protocol and the trafficking victims protection act. Lewis & Clark Law Review, 17(3). 931-972. … Continue reading. Crucially, the protocol lacks a mandate for states to regularise the immigration status of trafficking victims who are transported into their borders, only obliging states to consider measures that would allow victims to remain within their borders “in appropriate cases^[10]UN Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner. (2000, November 15). Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons Especially Women and Children, supplementing the United Nations … Continue reading”. This oversight underscores a critical gap in protecting the rights of trafficked women and girls, particularly concerning their legal status and right to protection.

Opposing a Human Rights-based Approach to Human Trafficking

One could contend that while the Protocol pays lip service to human rights, a true commitment to the human rights approach is lacking^[11]Hunter, C. (2017). Khawar and Migration Legislation Amendment Bill (No 6) 2001: Why narrowing the definition of a refugee discriminates against gender-related claims. Australian Journal of Human … Continue reading. The predominant law enforcement focus on prosecution eclipses the imperative to protect victims and address the root causes of trafficking, especially relevant in the context of women and girls in Southeast Asia^[12]Pomeroy, M. (2010). Left out in the cold: trafficking victims, gender, and misinterpretation of the refugee convention’s “nexus” requirement, Michigan Journal of Gender & Law, 16(2), … Continue reading. By treating human trafficking as a criminal rather than human rights violation, victims are turned into defendants, making positive remediation a matter of winning court cases rather than scrutinising the systemic issues that contribute to the perpetuation of human trafficking, including social inequality, poverty, racism, sexism and other forms of discrimination, that perpetuate human trafficking.

Compounding this issue is the reluctance of lawyers to engage in human trafficking cases, given the difficulty in procuring evidence amid the stark power imbalance between the victim-defendant and the entities perpetuating these harmful practices^[13]Zinser, S. & Thinyane, H. (2021, October 04). A Step Forward for Palermo’s Trafficking Protocol, This Time Integrating Frontier Technology. UNU. … Continue reading. Even when cases do make it to legal attention, the probability of securing positive individual remediation remains notably low, accentuating the barriers to justice faced by women and girls who have endured trafficking^[14]Zinser, S. & Thinyane, H. (2021, October 04). A Step Forward for Palermo’s Trafficking Protocol, This Time Integrating Frontier Technology. UNU. … Continue reading. 

Arguably, prosecution and prevention are connected, and if legislation is in place to prosecute the traffickers then in turn it facilitates prevention. However, the rise in global trafficking figures contradicts this notion, indicating that prosecution alone is not an effective means to prevent trafficking. Despite the overwhelming focus on prosecution, of the 132 countries the UNODC studied for the 2012 Report, 16% did not report a single trafficking conviction between 2007 and 2010, questioning the effectiveness of a strategy overly fixated on prosecution^[15]United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. (2012). Global Report on Trafficking in Persons. https://www.unodc.org/documents/data-and-analysis/glotip/Trafficking_in_Persons_2012_web.pdf. Moreover, less than half of the nations legally bound to the Palermo Protocol have managed to convict anyone of human trafficking charges^[16]Shoaps, L. (n.d.). Room for improvement: Palermo protocol and the trafficking victims protection act. Lewis & Clark Law Review, 17(3). 931-972. … Continue reading. The issue is further exacerbated by the fact that charges against traffickers are frequently brought under laws designed for non-trafficking offences, undermining the intended comprehensive approach of the Palermo Protocol^[17]US State Department. (2005). Trafficking in Persons Report June 2005. US State Department. https://2009-2017.state.gov/documents/organization/47255.pdf. Recent data also highlights a concerning trend, where the percentage of countries without legislation specifically criminalising human trafficking halved between 2008 and 2012, signalling a persistent gap in legal frameworks^[18]Shoaps, L. (n.d.). Room for improvement: Palermo protocol and the trafficking victims protection act. Lewis & Clark Law Review, 17(3). 931-972. … Continue reading. This demonstrates the need for a reevaluation of the Palermo Protocol’s efficacy in addressing the intricate challenges faced by women and girls in Southeast Asia within the broader context of human trafficking.

Societal Stigma as a Barrier to Women’s Justice

Barriers to justice within the context of GBV and trafficking in Southeast Asia are not solely institutional; they are deeply entwined with pervasive social stigmas, amplifying the challenges faced by women seeking justice. In countries such as the Philippines, where trafficking rates are alarmingly high, many victims remain undocumented due to the profound shame associated with being a survivor of trafficking^[19]Calma, J. (2017 May 02). Climate change has created a new generation of sex-trafficking victims. Quartz. https://qz.com/970394/climate-change-has-created-a-new-generation-of-sex-trafficking-victims. This shame, fostered by deeply ingrained societal values that categorise female victims as “immoral^[20]World Organisation Against Torture. (2021). Women Break the Silence Gender-Based Torture in Asia. World Organisation Against Torture. … Continue reading” and potentially damage familial reputation, creates social and economic barriers, discouraging female victims and their families from coming forward. In Cambodia for instance, society places high value on women’s sexual modesty, preventing victims from speaking out due to fear of ruining their reputation and future^[21]World Organisation Against Torture. (2021). Women Break the Silence Gender-Based Torture in Asia. World Organisation Against Torture. … Continue reading. This way, GBV is not only a taboo subject in Southeast Asia, but victims are the ones to blame for “shaming” their families and ancestors. 

Cultures entrenched in patriarchal hierarchies or religious value systems, emphasising family honour and/or sexual purity before marriage, contribute to stigmatising conditions for women survivors of sex trafficking. Within the greater Mekong Subregion, the International Organisation for Migration reveals that 75% of female survivors who endure sexual violence while in a trafficking situation express concerns about their treatment upon returning home, making clear that what makes stigma particularly dangerous is that it threatens victims’ closest personal relationships and core life values, becoming a fundamental determinant of social inequality for many female survivors going through reintegration^[22]Zimmerman, C., Kiss, L., Pocock, N., Naisanguansri, V., Soksreymom, S., Pongrungsee, N., Sirisup, K., Koehler, J., Dung, D., Nguyen, A., Dickson, B., Dhavan, P. Rathod, S. & Borland, R. (2014). … Continue reading.

Coerced into prostitution, women often grapple with the dual burden of financial necessity and the stigma attached to sex work, hindering their pursuit of legal justice^[23]Calma, J. (2017 May 02). Climate change has created a new generation of sex-trafficking victims. Quartz. https://qz.com/970394/climate-change-has-created-a-new-generation-of-sex-trafficking-victims. The need to support their families financially, coupled with the societal stigma surrounding the sex industry, becomes a strong deterrent for women to seek justice. This stigma does not necessarily dissipate when women return to their hometowns after such traumatic experiences. Instead, it influences the choices of survivors who may, in desperation, recruit relatives to join them in the sex trade due to societal rejection, financial struggles and a lack of viable alternatives to secure their livelihoods, perpetuating a cycle of female exploitation within families^[24]Calma, J. (2017 May 02). Climate change has created a new generation of sex-trafficking victims. Quartz. https://qz.com/970394/climate-change-has-created-a-new-generation-of-sex-trafficking-victims. Moreover, perpetrators may threaten family members if women decide to file a complaint, and influential members of the local community may try to influence the judicial process when seeking to protect the perpetrators^[25]World Organisation Against Torture. (2021). Women Break the Silence Gender-Based Torture in Asia. World Organisation Against Torture. … Continue reading. Thus, the intricate relationship between societal stigma and power dynamics within local communities deepens the gender-specific challenges women face in their quest for justice. 

Patriarchal Dominance and Self-stigmatisation: Challenges in Reintegration

While Southeast Asia encompasses distinct political, economic, social, geographical and cultural contexts, the patterns of GBV remain remarkably consistent across borders. States in the region often deny or ignore GBV, justifying abuse as culturally or socially acceptable behaviour^[26]World Organisation Against Torture. (2021). Women Break the Silence Gender-Based Torture in Asia. World Organisation Against Torture. … Continue reading. These norms perpetuate patriarchal structures and contribute to the oppression of women, positioning GBV and torture against women as rooted in entrenched cultural and societal beliefs. The normalisation of such violence hampers efforts to combat GBV effectively, creating a climate where systemic abuse persists unchecked. 

In this gendered process, survivors often face a complex web of emotional and psychological challenges in the aftermath of trafficking experiences, developing feelings of shame, low self-esteem, self-blame, self-rejection, loneliness, and feelings of worthlessness^[27]Morrison, T., Vanntheary, L. Channtha,N., Havey, J., & Miles, G. (2021). “You Have to be Strong and Struggle”: Stigmas as a Determinants of Inequality for Female Survivors of Sex Trafficking … Continue reading. The subconscious realisation of stigma can and does trigger powerful self-discriminating thoughts, including expectations of rejection and shame. The normalisation of violence against women, when coupled with societal stigma, creates a climate where systemic abuse can thrive without adequate scrutiny, emphasising the need for comprehensive approaches that address both structural inequalities and the stigmatisation that perpetuates GBV, acknowledging and dismantling the interconnected factors that contribute to the perpetuation of abuse. 

Cambodian cultural gender norms propound the idea that the stigma surrounding sex work can “never^[28]Amratisha, K. (2007). Women, sexuality and politics in modern Cambodian literature: The case of Soth Polin’s short story. Journal of Humanities, 10/4), 76-91. … Continue reading” be removed from a woman, posing significant challenges for trafficked women who are forced into sex work. This implies that there is almost uselessness in trying to rehabilitate a woman who has experienced trafficking for sexual exploitation and transform her into a socially accepted figure; as the traditional Khmer saying establishes, “don’t bend the sroleuw tree, don’t advise a bad woman^[29]Morrison, T., Vanntheary, L. Channtha,N., Havey, J., & Miles, G. (2021). “You Have to be Strong and Struggle”: Stigmas as a Determinants of Inequality for Female Survivors of Sex Trafficking … Continue reading”. Professor Klairung Amratisha further illustrates this point by reflecting on the binary nature and significance of maintaining proper sexual behaviour stating that this “is part of being a Khmer woman. If she is not sexually proper, then she ceases not only to be a proper woman but can be seen as less than a full human being^[30]Amratisha, K. (2007). Women, sexuality and politics in modern Cambodian literature: The case of Soth Polin’s short story. Journal of Humanities, 10/4), 76-91. … Continue reading”. This way, the intersection of gender norms, cultural expectations, and enduring stigma creates a challenging environment for survivors of human trafficking to break free from societal judgments and rebuild their lives, as the cultural narrative suggests that once tainted by sexual exploitation, a woman may be forever marked as socially unacceptable. This prevailing mindset hampers efforts to support and reintegrate survivors, highlighting the critical need for interventions that challenge and transform these deeply entrenched cultural perspectives. 

Furthermore, patriarchal gender roles entrenched in Southeast Asian societies significantly elevate the risk of human trafficking for women. In the Philippines, the patriarchal nature of families contributes to an 8-13% decade in women’s employment rates, a critical factor as poverty remains a primary driver of trafficking and sexual exploitation^[31]World Organisation Against Torture. (2021). Women Break the Silence Gender-Based Torture in Asia. World Organisation Against Torture. … Continue reading. In Cambodia, the reinforcement of male power over females and the perception of women as objects lead to a distorted belief that men are entitled to demand sexual favours in exchange for job opportunities or promotions^[32]World Organisation Against Torture. (2021). Women Break the Silence Gender-Based Torture in Asia. World Organisation Against Torture. … Continue reading. Additionally, Cambodian society places a disproportionate value on women’s sexual modesty, equating the loss of virginity, even though rape, with diminished marriage prospects, intensifying the vulnerability of girls and perpetuating a culture of victim-blaming^[33]Cambodian League for the Promotion and Defense of Human Rights: Getting Away with it: The Treatment of Rape in Cambodia’s Justice System. (2015). Licadho. … Continue reading. The deeply ingrained patriarchal structures thus form a compounding factor in the prevalence of human trafficking and GBV against women in the region. 

According to Researcher Anette Brunovskis and Rebecca Surtees efforts to avoid stigma and rejection often left survivors with little option but to conceal their experiences of trafficking in order to maintain their sense of safety, leaving families and significant others of survivors without sufficient information to understand and assist the survivor^[34]Brunovskis, A., & Surtees, R. (2013). Coming home: Challenges in family reintegration for trafficked women. Qualitative Social Work, 12(4), 454.472. https://doi.org/10.1177/1473325011435257. The resulting lack of communication and strained relationships further isolates survivors, hindering their ability to seek understanding and support. This way, the self-stigmatisation adopted as a protective mechanism inadvertently limits survivors’ access to vital sources of support, creating a complex cycle of emotional and relational challenges. Thus, as the UNODC stresses, the need to help victims overcome the stigma associated with trafficking is crucial^[35]Caballero-Anthony, (2018). A Hidden Scourge. International Monetary Fund.

https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/fandd/issues/2018/09/human-trafficking-in-southeast-asia-caballero. Only this way may criminals also be prosecuted and the crime of human trafficking prevented.

The Need for Reform: A Gender-sensitive Justice System and Political  Agenda

Effectively combating the human trafficking of women and girls necessitates a holistic and nuanced approach that transcends universal causes, acknowledging the nuanced impact of gender biases and stereotypes in placing women and girls at heightened risk. This is especially significant in Southeast Asia, where prevailing stereotypes render certain forms of trafficking and its devastating impact less visible. Bridging this gap in knowledge and methodologies is pivotal for robust prevention and detection efforts, highlighting the imperative of adopting a survivor-led and gender-sensitive approach^[36]Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe. (2021). Applying gender-sensitive approaches in combating trafficking in human beings. Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.  … Continue reading. Central to this paradigm shift is the reinforcement of training programs for law enforcement and judicial professionals across Southeast Asia, equipping them with the tools to navigate the intricacies of gender-specific human trafficking. Concurrently, initiatives promoting female career development within criminal justice systems and social services are instrumental, fostering improved interactions with female victims and ensuring legal proceedings uphold victims’ rights, dignity and psychological well-being^[37]Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe. (2021). Applying gender-sensitive approaches in combating trafficking in human beings. Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.  … Continue reading. This integrated strategy will also help overcome the gender-specific trauma and stigma associated with trafficking, as recommended by UNODC^[38]Caballero-Anthony, (2018). A Hidden Scourge. International Monetary Fund.

https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/fandd/issues/2018/09/human-trafficking-in-southeast-asia-caballero.

The battle against the trafficking of women requires a comprehensive transformation of national criminal justice systems, propelling them to effectively enforce anti-trafficking laws. However, this cannot operate in isolation; it demands integration into a broader, multitrack approach that engages with the socioeconomic and political dynamics underpinning trafficking. The complexity of the challenge means it cannot be tackled by any one actor, such as the state, or by focusing only on one aspect of the issue. A comprehensive, more human-centred approach compels states to delve deeper into the other drivers of human trafficking, including political repression, corruption and climate change. For instance, investing in women emerges as a pivotal avenue for building resilient communities in the context of disaster-relief efforts; in the Philippines, response has focused on providing food, shelter and medical care, but no action has been taken for long-term solutions that can help mitigate trafficking risks^[39]Calma, J. (2017 May 02). Climate change has created a new generation of sex-trafficking victims. Quartz. https://qz.com/970394/climate-change-has-created-a-new-generation-of-sex-trafficking-victims. Active collaboration and partnerships are crucial, fostering cooperation between government entities, civil society groups, the private sector, and international foundations. The engagement of ASEAN member states in bilateral discussions, similar to economic cooperation, holds promise as a collaborative platform to address the multifaceted challenges posed by human trafficking^[40]Kelly, A. (2013, August 01). Human trafficking and south-east Asian women: it’s not all about sex work. The Guardian … Continue reading.

Establishing Effective Support Systems for Trafficked Women 

Establishing comprehensive support networks stands as a fundamental necessity for the effective rehabilitation and support of victims of trafficking, with a holistic approach that requires collaboration among governmental agencies, NGOs, healthcare providers and law enforcement entities. This collective and unified effort is crucial to ensuring that victims receive multidimensional assistance that addresses their complex needs and helps them restore their agency and well-being.

In the realm of victim support, the provision of safe accommodation is key. Safe spaces shield survivors from potential threats and enable them to rebuild their lives free from the fear of retaliation. Legal aid is also critical, offering victims the necessary resources and guidance to navigate legal complexities, seek justice, and safeguard their rights. Additionally, counselling services play a pivotal role in addressing the psychological toll of trafficking experiences, offering survivors a supportive environment to process trauma, cope with emotional challenges, and chart a path toward healing. 

Rehabilitation programs should extend beyond immediate needs, focusing on sustained physical and psychological care. Access to education becomes a powerful tool for empowerment, enabling survivors to acquire new skills and knowledge, fostering independence, and opening avenues for future opportunities. Employment assistance or support in engaging in income-generating activities is crucial for survivors to attain financial independence and stability.

Prevention Strategies in Southeast Asia

The multifaceted challenge of preventing human trafficking demands a nuanced approach rooted in education and heightened awareness^[41]Human Trafficking: A Global Call For Action. (2023, November 30). Gray Group International. https://www.graygroupintl.com/blog/human-trafficking. Robust educational programs, particularly targeting the younger demographic, should extend beyond mere acknowledgement of trafficking dangers, delving into recognising potential threats and equipping individuals with the knowledge to safeguard themselves and others, including in the digital space. A collective commitment to prevention is also indispensable, involving communities in comprehensive efforts to empower women and foster supporting environments. Collaborative initiatives, including neighbourhood watch programs and partnerships with local law enforcement, may be effective tools to deter potential traffickers and provide a safety net to vulnerable individuals through vigilant monitoring  and timely reporting of emerging concerns.

Crucially, the gender-specific dimension of trafficking prevention underscores the importance of moving beyond restricting women’s travel – the cornerstone of much anti-trafficking work focusing on women and children to date^[42]Kelly, A. (2013, August 01). Human trafficking and south-east Asian women: it’s not all about sex work. The Guardian … Continue reading. Instead, true prevention necessitates empowering women through skill development, pre-departure training and robust support mechanisms to navigate migration without being trafficked, and secure legal contracts and decent wages in destination countries^[43]Kelly, A. (2013, August 01). Human trafficking and south-east Asian women: it’s not all about sex work. The Guardian … Continue reading. Understanding the nuanced reasons prompting women to leave, comprehending the pressures they encounter during migration decisions, and identifying key vulnerabilities along the migration journey are vital components in crafting effective prevention strategies. 

The media also serves as a powerful ally in raising public awareness and shaping opinion on human trafficking. Responsible reporting by journalists can illuminate the harsh realities of trafficking, unmask perpetrators, and foster meaningful public discourse. It is imperative for media outlets to prioritise accurate and ethical reporting, creating a sense of urgency and garnering support for actionable measures. Simultaneously, social campaigns wield considerable influence in mobilising communities, fostering public support, and instilling a sense of collective responsibility. Leveraging diverse platforms, including social media, traditional channels, and community events, is crucial for disseminating messages of solidarity, educating the public about human trafficking, and catalysing participation in prevention endeavours.

Leveraging the Power of Technology to Combat Human Trafficking

While the internet and digital platforms have become instrumental tools for traffickers to recruit, exploit and advertise victims, organise their transport and accommodation, and hide criminal proceeds with anonymity and speed, there is also significant potential for leveraging technology to “protect people from criminal abuse^[44]Using the Power of Technology to Help victims of Human Trafficking. (n.d.). United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. … Continue reading”, as officially stated by Ghada Way, Executive Director of the UNODC. Through the application of artificial intelligence, data mining and other tools aimed at detecting and investigating trafficking networks, technology can play a supportive role for law enforcement authorities.

An exemplary instance of harnessing technology to counter human trafficking comes fro Love Justice International, a civil society organisation dedicated to identifying potential victims in the midst of trafficking processes^[45]Love Justice International. (n.d.). https://www.lovejustice.ngo/. By integrating its data previous potential victims with road network graphs from OpenStreetMap, the organisation has developed heat maps illustrating road segments most likely to be heavily used for human trafficking in certain areas^[46]Using the Power of Technology to Help victims of Human Trafficking. (n.d.). United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. … Continue reading. Critically, they also employ predictive models that extend the use of route heat mapping to locations where victim route data is not yet available, enabling a cost-effective impact which enables them to direct funds to other forms of support^[47]Love Justice International. (n.d.). 500,000 interceptions – and counting! https://www.lovejustice.ngo/our-work. To date, Love Justice has successfully intercepted 50,000 people, preventing them from falling victim to trafficking across 64 monitoring stations in 28 countries^[48]Love Justice International. (n.d.). 500,000 interceptions – and counting! https://www.lovejustice.ngo/our-work. 

Furthermore, the internet can serve as a crucial means of provisioning support to victims across vast distances, while awareness-raising activities on the safe use of social media could help reduce the risk of people from falling victim to trafficking online^[49]Using the Power of Technology to Help Victims of Human Trafficking. (n.d.). United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. … Continue reading. Espacios de Mujer, another civil society organisation, offers psychosocial support to trafficked women in Colombia. When the Covid-19 pandemic struck, necessitating a shift in strategy to deliver critical, life-affirming services to victims, the organisation transitioned its psychosocial support online. A testament ot the impact of this shift, a female trafficking victim shared: “During the pandemic, I got the virus, but i never felt alone because Kathering and Jenifer [respectively, a social worker and psychologist at Espacios de Muker] called me a lot ad helped me address my needs from home^[50]Using the Power of Technology to Help Victims of Human Trafficking. (n.d.). United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. … Continue reading”.

Unveiling the Complex Realities of Human Trafficking and Gender Challenges in Southeast Asia

The initial piece in this dossier has undertaken a thorough examination of various factors within the Southeast Asian region that contribute to the gender-specific dynamics of human trafficking, exposing women and girls to particular vulnerabilities. These factors encompass the impacts of climate change, the ramifications of the Covid-19 pandemic, conflicts, development initiatives, and the pervasive corruption deeply ingrained in the region, manifesting in multifaceted ways. These issues give rise to substantial apprehensions regarding the protection of women and girls. 

The second article examines international law and the underlying gaps that exist in addressing the intricate dynamics of trafficking, especially concerning the rights and well-being of women and girls. The imbalance in emphasis on law enforcement, coupled with discretionary language in victim protection provisions, points to limitations in the law’s effectiveness. Societal stigmas and cultural norms, coupled with self-stigmatisation, further complicate the situation, creating multiple barriers to justice within the context of GBV and trafficking and underscoring the urgent need for adequate interventions that challenge entrenched cultural perspectives and that encompass entire communities in the prevention of trafficking.

Clearly, the effective prevention and combat of trafficking of women and girls demands a multilayered strategy rooted in education, awareness and the strategic use of technology. Collaboration among stakeholders, training programs, and initiatives promoting women’s career development within criminal justice systems are integral components of this approach, as well as Comprehensive support systems, including safe accommodation, legal aid, counselling services, education and employment assistance. Fundamentally, for these efforts to be efficient, a holistic understanding and collaborative, gender-sensitive efforts to dismantle entrenched cultural norms, societal stigmas and structural inequalities are required.

To quote this article : Rosário Frada. (2024). Silent Battlegrounds: Understanding and Combating Human Trafficking of Women and Girls in Southeast Asia 2/2. https://igg-geo.org/?p=17627&lang=en

To read the first article : Rosário Frada. (2024). Silent Battlegrounds: Understanding and Combating Human Trafficking of Women and Girls in Southeast Asia 1/2, https://igg-geo.org/?p=17598&lang=en

The statements in this article are the sole responsibility of the author.