Human Trafficking in the Mekong region
A Talk by Virginia Comolli , Thi Hoang , Lindsey Kennedy , Nget Thy and Kaoru Yamagiwa
About this Talk
The COVID-19 pandemic, and related travel restrictions, have had a significant impact on trafficking activities, including of human beings. With the reopening of borders, and in the midst of the post-pandemic economic downturn, trafficking networks operating across Mekong countries are diversifying their methods to exploit victims for the purpose of, primarily, forced labour and modern slavery, sexual exploitation and forced marriage.
The GI-TOC has recently produced a number of studies highlighting changing patterns in these criminal practices, especially centred around casinos and Special Economic Zones in countries such as Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. Here, the convergence of multiple crime types, from human trafficking to the illicit trade in environmental commodities, from money laundering to drug trafficking, points to the criminogenic nature of these places and to the challenges to both disrupt criminal networks and rescue and support survivors.
In this webinar, the speakers will explore regional trends and case studies based on recent field research. They will also discuss the work done by civil society actors to support and reintegrate survivors of trafficking.
About The Speakers
Head of Pacific Programme, GI-TOC
Virginia is responsible for GI-TOC’s new portfolio in the Pacific (Oceania) which consists of research and analytical outputs (including as part of the Global Organized Crime Index), as well as on-the-ground engagement with local and international stakeholders.
Analyst and JIED managing editor, GI-TOC
Analyst, Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime; Managing Editor, Journal of Illicit Economies and Development (JIED)
Executive Director, Cambodian Centre for Protection of Children's Rights (CCPCR)
Executive Director, Cambodian Centre for Protection of Children's Rights (CCPCR)