Trafficking in Women and Children: Violence Against Women and Humanity

• NCJ Number: 220774
• Author(s): Catherine P. Maceda
• Date Published: 2000
• Length: 4 pages
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Conference Material

Annotation

This presentation by Catherine P. Maceda, Deputy Executive Director, Commission on Filipinos Overseas, was presented at a workshop on “Women as Victim and Survivors," focusing on the nature and scope of the problem and the response to trafficking of Filipino women and children.

Abstract

A collective approach, both at the national and international level, is both an essential and an indispensable component of the campaign to address trafficking in women and children, as well as all forms of violence against women. Service providers, community leaders, judicial, law enforcement, and medical authorities both from government and the civil society, will have to work together to address the multi-dimensional and complex problems resulting from violent acts against women and children. The four core areas of prevention, protection, prosecution, and reintegration will have to be simultaneously addressed by existing and future efforts. In addition, technical cooperation should be pursued, particularly in investigating the extent and forms of trafficking, as well as in the development of skills in the area of investigation. Policies that encourage civil participation and cooperation from trafficking victims in the prosecution of traffickers will have to be developed. Trafficking in human beings is modern-day slavery at work. It is a manifestation of violence against women. The concern over this issue is anchored on the fact that at least 7 million Filipinos or 10 percent of this population is currently residing or working overseas. This presentation given at the Women as Victim and Survivors workshop focuses mainly on trafficking of women and children as a global issue striking at the core of humanity, gender equality, and human rights.