[Research] Trafficking in Malaysia, Indonesia and Philippines

The Asia Pacific Mission for Migrants releases the research study on Trafficking in Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines, which focused on the experiences of trafficked victims in Southeast Asia highlighting the flourishment of human trafficking in impoverished communities, the legal and backdoor transferal of trafficked victims, and the dehumanizing working conditions of trafficked victims.

This research focused on trafficked women victims in regions such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Migrante International of the Philippines and KABAR BUMI of Indonesia were the partner organisations of the APMM in conducting this research.

Concerning trafficked victims’ treatment in trafficked countries, the research revealed that their employers normally denied them communication access to their families at home. Not to mention, they were duped into performing tasks for a different job than they were previously promised and suffer inhumane working conditions.

In response to these reports, the government entities in Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines have had programs for the assistance of these victims and families, along with policies and laws. However, the extent of the services and measures have yet to be measured based on responsiveness and strength.

The research put forward recommendations both to governments and civil society organisations, particularly migrant-serving institutions, in addressing the issue of trafficking in the said countries.

You can download the research here.