The Regional Support Office of the Bali Process (RSO) shared perspectives and successful case studies from the Bali Process region in countering trafficking in persons at a workshop co-organised by the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) over 29-30 July 2024.
Held on World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, the meeting brought together senior government officials from ECO Member States, including Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Pakistan, Türkiye and Uzbekistan, as well as representatives from ECO, IOM and the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR). Iran and Türkiye are Member States of both The Bali Process and ECO.
Throughout the workshop, attendees engaged in discussions about common obstacles and effective strategies to address trafficking in persons and people smuggling at both regional and global levels. The conversation spanned legislative and operational approaches, examined current trends and data, evaluated national responses, and provided a platform for information exchange.
RSO Programme Coordinator, Evan Jones, who presented on behalf of the RSO, outlined the structure and history of the Bali Process, and provided reflections to delegates on positive practices that could be applicable for cross-regional learning. He noted that “as a forum for policy dialogue, information exchange and capacity development, the RSO and the Bali Process themselves are positive examples of multilateral engagement that can derive positive change.” He also noted that “the RSO is responsive to Member States and has shown itself as a leader in addressing regional priorities, most recently the issue of trafficking into cyber-scam centres for the purposes of forced criminality.”
On the second day of the meeting, participants gathered in small working groups to brainstorm and discuss case studies and to formulate recommendations for action. In addition, participants exchanged perspectives and avenues to strengthen national and regional prevention, protection and prosecution activities. Potential initiatives identified included awareness-raising actions, the establishment of a regional law enforcement mechanism, and strengthening avenues for information exchange.
The IOM-ECO event on trafficking in persons and people smuggling—the largest gathering of ECO Member States on this issue so far—provided a foundation for closer engagement between the Bali Process, ECO and IOM. The RSO looks forward to strengthening cross-regional dialogue and action to address these complex issues between and across our respective regions.
