ASEANAPOL Secretariat Representative Participates in “International People Smuggling Strategic Dialogue” at (JCLEC) in Semarang, Indonesia

The dialogue, jointly funded by Canada and New Zealand, was delivered through a trilateral partnership involving the Royal Can adian Mounted Police, the Australian Federal Police, and the New Zealand Police. The program’s primary objective was to strengthen engagement between policing agencies affected by migrant smuggling and to enhance law enforcement capabilities in operational engagement and information sharing. The dialogue featured contributions from subject matter experts, facilitated group discussions on key issues, and provided opportunities for police officers from ASEANAPOL Secretariat, Malaysia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor Leste, and Vietnam to share experiences and insights.

The event offered a crucial platform for police and security forces to exchange best practices, identify gaps, and address challenges related to trafficking in persons (TIP). Key discussion points included understanding TIP, examining international and regional instruments on trafficking, reviewing policing situations, employing gender-sensitive approaches to policing and criminal justice, and protecting people from smuggling. This multi-faceted approach reflects the growing recognition of the need to address TIP’s complexities and intersections with other forms of trafficking and exploitation.

The three-day event, held at the Hotel Aruss in Semarang, Indonesia, brought together experts and key stakeholders from ASEANAPOL member countries and other regional law enforcement agencies. Participants engaged in interactive sessions aimed at enhancing regional cooperation and promoting cross-border collaboration.

One of the key themes highlighted during the dialogue was the growing complexity of trafficking typologies. Emerging forms of trafficking, such as trafficking for forced labor or exploitation for criminal activities, present significant classification challenges for law enforcement and counter-trafficking stakeholders. In many cases, traffickers coerce victims to work extended hours for little or no pay or force them to commit scams, leading to financial fraud. While not explicitly mentioned in the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress, and Punish Trafficking in Persons (the Trafficking in Persons Protocol), many countries have incorporated the concept of exploitation in criminal activities into their domestic trafficking legislation.

ASEAN Member Countries (AMCs) have made significant progress in combating TIP by establishing legal frameworks and fostering international cooperation, including through the ASEAN Convention Against TIP. However, there remains a pressing need to enhance coordination and collaboration among AMCs. Given the transnational nature of TIP, traffickers often operate across borders, making it essential for AMCs to work together to share information, align strategies, and coordinate efforts. Enhanced coordination can include exchanging best practices, providing mutual legal assistance, and sharing information on TIP cases. By strengthening cooperation, AMCs can improve their ability to detect and prevent TIP, prosecute traffickers, and protect victims.

During the dialogue, ACP Dr. Bakri Bin Zainal Abidin emphasized ASEANAPOL’s role in addressing people smuggling and trafficking in persons in the ASEAN region. He highlighted the importance of a collaborative approach and proposed, “You cannot protect people unless you empower people, inform them, and help them understand that these crimes (TIP) must be stopped.” This statement encapsulated the call to action for greater engagement and empowerment of communities to combat TIP.

In line with this approach, ASEANAPOL adopts a comprehensive strategy to counter transnational crime. The organization underscores the significance of support and expertise from developed nations, relevant international organizations, intergovernmental bodies, and non-governmental organizations. By fostering this collabora tive approach, ASEANAPOL aims to address the multifaceted challenges posed by transnational crimes in the ASEAN region.

ASEANAPOL’s active participation in the “International People Smuggling Strategic Dialogue” highlights its central role as a regional coordinator for police services. Working alongside JCLEC, ASEAN, and other international partners, ASEANAPOL continues to promote regional cooperation in policing to address TIP and other evolving security challenges, ultimately contributing to regional stability and security.

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