South Asian Nations Come Together to Discuss Safe Migration to Combat Human Trafficking

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.