Leverage Asean chairmanship to boost anti-human trafficking efforts

Anti-human trafficking specialist Mechelle B. Moore said Malaysia could capitalise on Asean mechanisms, such as the Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crime (SOMTC), to lead regional initiatives against trafficking and forced labour. "Malaysia's leadership as Asean chair presents a critical opportunity to bolster anti-trafficking measures, particularly in addressing forced criminality. By strengthening collaboration within Asean frameworks, Malaysia can improve the implementation of anti-trafficking policies and enhance victim protection standards."

Moore, who is also the Asia Global Alms Incorporated chief executive officer, said SOMTC monitors the implementation of the Asean Convention Against Trafficking in Persons. This includes enforcing the "non-punishment principle" which shields trafficking victims from being held criminally or administratively liable for unlawful acts committed under coercion. "Trafficking victims should not face punishment for acts they were forced to commit through manipulation, coercion, or deception. Consent to exploitation becomes irrelevant under such circumstances," she said.

Efforts are underway to finalise Asean's non-punishment guidelines by December. The guidelines, Moore said, were aimed at helping member states identify trafficking victims and ensure they were not treated as criminals during investigations, prosecutions, and adjudications. She added that cross-border collaborations played an important role, citing Malaysia's partnerships with Thailand and the Philippines through SOMTC's Heads of Specialist Units. "These collaborations demonstrate that with effective coordination, traffickers can be brought to justice while victims' rights are safeguarded," she said.

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