10th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
DAWN CONFERENCE - MIGRATION AND TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS

RECOGNIZING THE DIGNITY AND RIGHTS OF WOMEN

10 FEBRUARY, 2006

COMBATING TRAFFICKING –
A HOLISTIC APPROACH

BRUCE REED
REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE
INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR MIGRATION

I take this opportunity to congratulate DAWN, and its Executive Director, Ms. Carmelita Nuqui, on its tenth anniversary today. Over the past decade, DAWN has been an important voice for civil society to address and pursue the welfare and rights of Filipino migrants at home and abroad. DAWN has been a consistent advocate of best practices and a partner in numerous migration initiatives. Most recently, we were pleased to host DAWN's Executive Director as a speaker at the Dag Hammarskjold Centenary seminar, “Migration and Development: Opportunities and Obstacles”, along with other prominent experts in the field of migration. We plan to continue to partner with DAWN on issues of importance in the expanding field of international migration in the future.

Let me also say a few words about trafficking, the subject of today's conference. The issue of trafficking dominates global headlines, particularly in East Asia . International attention has increased due to the growing numbers of migrants, heightened security concerns, and greater awareness of migrants' rights. The increased attention has generated numerous efforts at the local, national and regional levels to combat trafficking. Projects have been undertaken to address assistance to victims, prosecution of traffickers, and institutional capacity building. My own organization, the International Organization for Migration, is implementing several counter-trafficking projects within the region.

Further progress can be made in combating trafficking by viewing the issue holistically. Migrants who travel irregularly between countries need to be viewed sympathetically, as victims of a process rather than as criminals. There need to be better ways to recognize and identify victims and give them the support systems they need. If the victims are properly supported, then they will have a better chance to improve their lives and re-integrate into society. Also, a properly treated victim is more likely to cooperate with authorities in identifying and prosecuting traffickers. Prosecution of traffickers is not a simple matter. Often traffickers are well-funded, politically-connected and concealed behind a respected exterior. It takes time and money to prosecute these groups, but it also requires the cooperation of the victims who must testify against them. Too often, victims are fearful to come forward due to social stigmas, intimidation tactics, and security concerns. A holistic approach focused on raising awareness to the issue of trafficking at all levels of society will gradually change people's perceptions, improve the status of victims and undermine the image of the traffickers. Such an approach requires supportive government policies and well-planned projects.

In conclusion, I welcome the increased attention to the issue of trafficking and hope this trend continues. Going forward, it will be vital to design coherent and holistic policies and programs which, while providing concrete near-term benefits, also promote a long-term change in attitudes toward the victims and the traffickers. As perceptions change, combating trafficking will become progressively easier.