Calling for the establishment of protection measures against trafficking that violates women's right

TNI

July 2005

Calling for the establishment of protection measures against trafficking
that violates women's right
[Women's Group Session 2 Statement]

As the new millennium begins, we deplore the fact that women's rights are still being violated in the Asia Europe regions. The process of neo-liberal globalization has created a situation whereby women become the very first victims of lay-offs; are demoted to contractual status; and are concentrated in temporary employment. Decreasing social welfare budgets are also aggravating this situation. Society has thrust women into absolute poverty. Women are forced to go to desperate lengths to attain income sources to support their families. As a consequence, more and more impoverished women are having to leave their home countries to seek employment.

However, the reality that these migrant women face is very different from what they had hoped. They face violence, sexual harassment, and forced prostitution under unfair contracts. Many women are being exploited and deceived by international brokers and traffickers. Human rights are being completely disregarded in the name of money. Unfortunately, numerous countries are tolerating or even legalizing such exploitation and human rights violations in the guise of promoting tourism.

Women are increasingly trapped in a deathtrap by a triangular chain of factors: globalization, neo-liberalism, domestic and international networks of shady deals and capital flows, and governmental promotion of the sex industry.

We have acknowledged the cries of victims that are being physically and psychologically exploited. Justice necessitates that we eliminate any further human rights violations against women.

In claiming that violations of women's rights and trafficking should be curbed, we propose the following measures:

First, governments should strengthen anti-trafficking laws and regulations and establish education programs aimed at controlling traffickers and brokers, imposing stringent punishment on violators, and preventing any further violations.
Second, cooperation among local, regional and international governments should be institutionalized to combat international crime networks.
Third, governments should initiate programs to rehabilitate victims into society. To facilitate this program, legal, medical and social support will be crucial.
Fourth, we should strive to raise societal awareness regarding women's problems and human rights violations through campaigns and publications to induce nation-wide recognition and cooperation for a more desirable society that promotes human rights and gender sensitivity.

We, the Women of Asia and Europe declare that we will continue with our struggle for women's liberation and will break the bondage of violence against women.

October. 18. 2000
ASEM People's forum Women's Group

Asia Monitor Resource Center, Coalition Against Trfficking in Women-Asia Pacific, Committee for Asia Women, The National Federation of Labor, All China Women's Federation, HUMANIKA, , ANWA, CICRTEGU, CWWD-Gefont, Dabindu Collective, DWAN, Flower Aceh, FOW, ICFTU-APRO, Karmojibi Nari, Metropolitan, PSWS, UCM, Union Research Group, Women's Center, WWO, YASANTI, ALSO-Club, Home NET, Kinitwear, Footwear and Apparel Trades, National Group on Homeworking, Terre Des Femmes, Women Workin Worldwide, Fat, Labor activist from former East Germany, OPIC, RMALC, SUD-Telecommunication, Union activist, Women&Change, Women's Association

Korea Women's Associations United, Feminist Artist Network, Korea Church Women United, Korean Catholic Womens Community for a New World, Korean Differently Abled Women United, Korean National Council of Women, Korea Sexual Violence Relief Center, Korea Women's Hot Line, Korea Women Wokers' Associations United, Suwon Women's Association, The Alternative Culture, The Korean Council for the Women Drafted for Military Sexual Slavery by Japan, United Voice (Han-So-Ri) for the Eradication of Prostitution in Korea, Women Link, Women Making Peace