In the wake of
the ongoing safe migration crisis affecting the world, key stakeholders from
nine South Asian countries—representing governments, policymakers, law enforcement
agencies, the United Nations, and civil society organizations—came together for
the ‘South Asia Consultation Promoting Safe Migration to Combat Trafficking’ in
New Delhi. The day-long consultation highlighted the importance of adopting a
comprehensive, rights-based strategy, harmonized migration policies across the
region, and the necessity for legal and policy reforms aligned with both
international and regional standards. It also emphasized that for an organized
crime like trafficking, there is an urgent need for a coordinated global
response and called for bilateral and multilateral agreements that encourage
safe migration and enhance joint investigations into organized crime networks
and illegal recruitment agencies. Also present at the consultation were
migrants and victims of trafficking from different regions who shared their
experiences and struggles, and put forth their suggestions.
Just Rights for
Children, a network of civil society organisations working for child protection
and child rights in 39 countries, was the technical partner of the
consultation, while the Association for Voluntary Action organized the
consultation.
Emphasizing on
the urgent need for a multi-pronged strategy to combat trafficking,
BhuwanRibhu, Founder of Just Rights for Children, said, “Trafficking is an
organised and economic crime that thrives on exploitation, particularly of
children and vulnerable youth. To combat this, we need a multi-pronged
strategy: disrupt the economics of trafficking, prosecute and dismantle
organised crime syndicates, and enhance intelligence coordination at local,
national, and international levels through a global traffickers’ registry.”
Commenting on
the plight of individuals deported to India in shackles, and the fear among
others in similar situations, he said that this grim reality highlights the
urgent need for a global response against the organised crime of trafficking.
“I urge the Indian, the US and other governments to initiate a nationwide
crackdown on these trafficker's syndicates. Dismantling trafficking networks
requires a coordinated effort across India, the US, and other transit
countries. We must analyse the information provided by victims, trace financial
transactions, and dismantle the economic syndicates driving this crime to break
the cycle of exploitation.”
He also
emphasized that migration is a fundamental aspect of human nature, driven by
the pursuit of growth, opportunity, and development. However, it is at the
point where exploitation, coercion, and manipulation take hold that migration
turns into trafficking.
Addressing the
Consultation, PriyankKanoongo, Member of the National Human Rights Commission
and former Chairman of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights
(NCPCR), said, “A critical aspect that needs attention is awareness. Victims
must recognize their own exploitation and stand up for their rights. Too often,
they remain unaware of the injustices they face. Awareness must reach the last
mile of the country, ensuring that the most vulnerable are heard, protected,
and empowered.”
Addressing the
session on ‘the Global Compact, Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration (GCM) and
Colombo Process in South Asia, BijayaKumariShreshtha, Executive Committee
Member, Migrant Forum in Asia (South Asia), AMKAS, urged the Nepalese
government to extend labor destinations from 110 to 160 as her forum has
identified Nepali migrants traveling for labor work to 50 more nations where
they could be vulnerable to exploitation. InsafNizam, Specialist, Fundamental Principles
and Rights at Work, International Labor Organisation DWT for South Asia
stressed that to prevent migration, there is a need to ensure decent work and
human rights. DeepikaNaruka from United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
pointed that as per the Trafficking in Persons 2024 report, while the
trafficking for forced labour is on the rise, the convictions remain limited.
Dilli Bahadur Chaudhary, Ex-Chief Minister of Lumbini, Nepal emphasised that
civil society organisations, government and private institutions should come
together for safe migration. SumithaShaanthinniKishna, Director, Our Journey,
Malaysia, talked about the importance of child-centric policies to combat
trafficking. Dr. M.M.S.S.B Yalegama, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Foreign
Affairs, Sri Lanka and RajendraThapa, Joint Secretary, Human Rights and
International Treaty Agreements Division, Nepal emphasised that there is a need
for strong regional commitments and coordination among various stakeholders to
combat trafficking.
Dhananjay
Tingal, Executive Director of the Association for Voluntary Action, said,
“Children are the most affected by migration. Whether they are left behind as
their parents move to new destinations or taken along, they bear the greatest
burden due to the care-gap that remains. Beyond the hardships of transit,
vulnerable children face an uncertain future. Moreover, it is important to
understand that from source to transit to destination, trafficking networks
operate at all levels. Only through collaboration between law enforcement
agencies, community awareness, and action can we ensure that migration is safe
and by choice.”
The Consultation
primarily focussed on the some of the key objectives of the GCM such as the
vulnerabilities in migration, combating and preventing trafficking in the
international context, provision of basic services for migrants, and empowering
migrants and society for inclusion and social cohesion. The GCM is the first
inter-governmental agreement covering international migration in a holistic and
comprehensive manner.
Some of the
other key recommendations made during the consultation for safe migration in
the South Asia region include: Strong convergence and partnerships among
governments, civil society organizations, and international migration-related
bodies; Education and awareness tools, such as community-based surveillance
systems, integration of these issues into school curricula, and
capacity-building for at-risk migrants; and Employing technology, including
digital tools, artificial intelligence, and digital identity systems.
Other key panellists
who participated in the consultation included O.P. Singh, President, Indian
Police Foundation; RajendraThapa, Joint Secretary, Human Rights and
International Treaty Agreements Division, Nepal; Dr.BileshaWeeraratne, Research
Fellow & Head of Migration and Urbanization Policy Research, Institute of
Policy Studies, Sri Lanka; Onkar Sharma, Advisor, Ministry of Labour and
Employment, Government of India; and AshwatiDorje, Special Inspector General,
Maharashtra Police.
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