Southeast Asian countries declare war on human trafficking

November 29, 2004

Vietiane - Southeast Asian countries agreed Monday to jointly wage war against human trafficking, especially of women and children, an often-overlooked problem that has been fostered by widespread poverty and weak law enforcement in the region.

Leaders of the 10-country Association of Southeast Asian Nations, assembled in Laos for a summit, called for stronger border controls, cooperation in breaking up syndicates and better assistance for the victims.

Their declaration also sought stronger legislation and judicial action on trafficking.
Human trafficking has become a lucrative business in Southeast Asian countries like Cambodia, Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines where poverty and armed conflicts have forced tens of thousands to flee their homes and in some cases seek refuge abroad.

Some end up being forced into prostitution or sweatshops, accepting work under inhuman conditions out of desperation.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said earlier this month that authorities in his country have rescued more than 8,000 victims of cross-border trafficking and passed a law to fight the practice.

Last week, Japanese authorities said they would tighten visa requirements for foreign entertainers -- aimed at thwarting sex industry brokers who bring women to Japan under the pretense that they will be working as "entertainers.''

The move is expected to affect thousands of women from the Philippines.

Japan's crime syndicates are believed to be involved in bringing thousands of women and children from Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe to work in Japan's sex industry, or as forced laborers.

ASEAN comprises Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

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