STOP. ENEWS
We aim to bring to light the existence of trafficking in our city. Too many believe that trafficking happens in the poorer countries around Hong Kong and not in the city itself. We want to help the public, non-governmental organizations, corporations and government bodies to better understand how trafficking happens here in Hong Kong.
Our team sends out eNews every four weeks – we put together published news relating to trafficking around the world, with a heavy emphasis on Hong Kong-related news.
30 March 2018
/in News /by Danielle ChanHighlight of the Month
Training at the U.S. Consulate General
Thanks for the invitation from the Consular Section of the U.S. Consulate General to conduct a victim identification training for their staff on 1st of March. We interacted with 40+ staff and shared with them our encounters on the front-lines. It was a collaborative, informative session that all appreciated greatly.
CNN #MyFreedomDay March 14th
We had the delightful opportunity to work with CNN and German Swiss International School this year for their #MyFreedomDay initiative, a student-driven event to raise awareness of modern-day slavery. As part of the CNN Freedom Project, our very own Programme Manager Tina Chan led a forum to talk about our latest Cards Against Trafficking campaign. Stay tuned for the interview CNN Freedom Project did with us!
Hong Kong
Philippines recalls Hong Kong labour attaché, known for his strong anti-human trafficking views, sparking outrage
Date: 26 March 2018
Source: South China Morning Post
Philippines has recalled Jalilo Dela Torre, labour attaché of its consulate in Hong Kong a year before he completes his term. Dela Torre is an outspoken voice against human trafficking. “Whatever the outcome is, I will continue to fight human traffickers and rogue agencies wherever I am,” he said.
Click here to read the full article.
Hong Kong launches action plan on human trafficking but critics say more must be done
Date: 21 March 2018
Source: South China Morning Post
The government has launched an action plan to step up the fight against human trafficking and protection for foreign domestic helpers. Advocates and workers welcomed the plan but said the move still fell short of fully addressing the problem and that introducing anti-human trafficking laws must be the priority.
Click here to read the full article.
‘Hong Kong slow to act on suspected money-laundering scheme that duped Filipino maids, legal experts say
Date: 4 March 2018
Source: South China Morning Post
Legal experts warned Hong Kong was fast becoming a “hotbed” for scams preying on migrant workers either to extract money or as portals for human trafficking. Jurisdictions like Hong Kong are woefully unprepared to deal with such issues.
Click here to read the full article.
Asia
Female slavery survivors unite to back India anti-trafficking law
Date: 8 March 2018
Source: Reuters
Female survivors of modern slavery are joining forces in India’s capital to urge lawmakers to urgently pass a tough new anti-trafficking law that aims to help victims rebuild their lives.
Click here to read the full article.
‘Progress and persistent abuses’ in Thailand’s fishing industry, says U.N
Date: 7 March 2018
Source: Reuters
Fishermen in Thailand remain at risk of forced labor, and the identity documents and wages of some continue to be withheld, despite pressure from major retailers to clean up the industry, the International Labor Organization said on Wednesday.
Click here to read the full article.
Global
‘Sisters’ help women trafficked from China for sex industry flee US massage parlours
Date: 12 March 2018
Source: South China Morning Post
Members of concern groups befriend women trafficked from China for sex industry in the US and provide them with counselling and lawyers. “A lot of time, they will call their counsellors as my jie jie (sister),” said the director.
Click here to read the full article.
One in four female modern slavery survivors pregnant when they escape from captors, finds report
Date: 8 March 2018
Source: The Independent
One in four female modern slavery survivors in the UK are pregnant when they escape from their captors and with two thirds not receiving antenatal care until they are over seven months pregnant, prompting urgent calls for the Government to better protect vulnerable victims in the aftermath of their ordeal.
Click here to read the full article.
Resources
REPORT: Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking: National Referral Mechanism Statistics Annual Report 2017
Date: 26 March 2018
Source: National Crime Agency
The report shows that 5,145 potential victims of trafficking and modern slavery were referred into the National Referral Mechanism in Britain in 2017, an increase of more than a third from 3,804 in 2016.
Access the report here.
OPINION: Hong Kong’s new human trafficking action plan – a rhetorical manoeuvre or reason for hope?
Date: 22 March 2018
Source: Hong Kong Free Press
On 21 March, the Hong Kong Government launched the “Action plan to tackle trafficking in persons and enhance protection of foreign domestic helpers.” The proposed measures are limited to mere administrative and policy levels with little change in the way of legal recognition of the offence of human trafficking or legislation.
Access the article here.
FEATURE: Survivors of human trafficking, in their own words
Date: 12 March 2018
Source: The Atlantic
As part of The Atlantic’s special report about forced work, “The Unfree,” and with assistance from the nonprofit National Domestic Workers Alliance, the orgainzation is presenting three essays written by women who have survived human trafficking.
Access the essays here.