Over 21-23 February 2024, more than 20 participants from Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Viet Nam engaged in the training, with sessions led by KEMLU, A21, the International Organization for Migration Thailand, International Justice Mission Thailand, and the RSO.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Caka Alverdi Awal, Director for International Security and Disarmament at KEMLU, underscored the critical importance of the training, stating, “We are all aware that countries in Southeast Asia are facing complex and emerging challenges relating to trafficking in persons, driven by a rapid rise in irregular migration and the proliferation of various criminal modus operandi. This equation is further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has introduced new ways for traffickers to exploit victims, particularly through digital platforms.”

The agenda touched upon various aspects of victim identification, with a specific focus on trafficking in persons for forced criminality, including online scams. It also covered national and international legal frameworks and provided practical guidance on interviewing techniques. A concluding session invited delegates to reflect on ways to safeguard the mental health and well-being of consular officials who often work with challenging cases.

“This training results from a pledge made by the Indonesian government during the Bali Process Working Group on Trafficking in Persons annual meeting in 2021,” explained Ms Salma Husna, Diplomat (Attaché), KEMLU and recent RSO secondee. As a secondee to the RSO, Ms Husna worked closely across the RSO, KEMLU and the Indonesian Embassy in Bangkok to deliver the training, capitalising on the expertise and reach of the three co-organisers. “Leading the delivery of this training alongside RSO and KEMLU colleagues has been a fulfilling experience that I will look back on as one of the highlights of my time as a Secondee at the RSO.”

The RSO hosted Ms Husna from October 2023 to February 2024 as part of its Secondment Programme, where she worked on a diverse range of activities, contributing to Indonesia, RSO and Bali Process objectives. Secondees are drawn from law enforcement officers, border and immigration officials, policymakers, and judicial personnel across Bali Process Member States.

Closing the session, Mr. David Scott, RSO Co-Manager, reiterated the RSO’s unwavering support to collaborate with Bali Process Member States in enhancing institutional capacity to counter trafficking in persons. The RSO looks forward to continued close engagement with Indonesia and Bali Process Member States, including through close working with Bali Process Working Groups and across ongoing bilateral efforts.