Trafficking in Women and Children and Smuggling of Migrants (From Resource Material Series No. 62, P 125-136, 2004, Simon Cornell, ed. -- See NCJ-206385)

• NCJ Number: 206397
• Author(s): Narcisa H. Guevarra
• Date Published: February 2004
• Length: 12 pages
• Sale Source: United Nations Asia and Far East Institute for the Prevention of Crime and Treatment of Offenders
• Publication Format: Book (Softbound)
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Description; Conference Material
• Language: English
• Country: Japan
• Note: Presented at the 122nd International Training Course, "The Effective Administration of Criminal Justice to Tackle Trafficking in Human Beings and Smuggling of Migrants," September 2 - October 24, 2002, in Tokyo, Japan.

Annotation

This paper presents a Philippine perspective on laws that pertain to women and children, an analytical framework for addressing human trafficking and smuggling, and ways to address these issues effectively.

Abstract

Since gender-based inequality and the vulnerability of children places women and children at high risk for victimization by unscrupulous traffickers who entice or coerce them into illegal migration to other countries for forced labor of various types, Philippine laws that address gender inequality and children's rights are important in preventing such trafficking. Over the years, Philippine law has come a long way in upholding the rights of women and promoting gender equality. Laws have also been enacted to prevent and criminalize the abuse and exploitation of children. Due to the fact that Filipinos prefer to work abroad in an effort to improve the economic security and advancement of their families, the Philippines is primarily a source country for human smuggling and trafficking. In proposing effective ways to address human trafficking and smuggling of migrants, this paper outlines the recommendations of the Philippine-Belgian Pilot Project Against Trafficking in Women as well as those of the Coalition Against Trafficking in Women. Among the recommendations are the adoption of clear policies on women in migration, stringent measures for the operation of recruitment/employment agencies regarding migration for employment abroad, the legal recognition of migrant workers in host countries, bilateral agreements for the protection of migrant women workers, information campaigns, and the aggressive prosecution of traffickers. Other recommendations pertain to legal and policy reforms, the enhanced capability of government to address sex trafficking, and the implementation of viable and sustainable psychosocial and economic programs. Specific recommendations are offered for the Philippine Government in the areas of "gender mainstreaming" in all branches of government, the proper use of limited resources, improved international cooperation, and the promotion of legislative advocacy. Appended outline of the Philippine Anti-Trafficking Act of 2002 (H.B. No. 4432)