BY RUJI AUETHAVORNPIPAT
ASEAN’s new convention against human trafficking is noteworthy progress on an issue that plagues Southeast Asia. But without a focus on prevention, trafficking won’t stop, writes Ruji Auethavornpipat.
Taken from www.asean.org
On 6 February, the Philippines became the sixth member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to ratify the ASEAN Convention Against Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children (ACTIP). The ACTIP will now come into force in 30 days.
This is monumental for ASEAN as the ACTIP is the first legally-binding regional instrument to tackle human trafficking. However, three fundamental issues will impede the successful eradication of human trafficking in the ASEAN region. Read more