Bangladesh: UNODC launches University-level educational modules to strengthen academic responses to Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants

Dhaka, Bangladesh/28 March 2023: University academics play a critical role in countering trafficking in persons by conducting research and contributing to the development of effective policies and strategies. Through research, academics provide a deeper understanding of the root causes and consequences of trafficking, as well as identify best practices and gaps in existing approaches. Their findings inform the development of evidence-based policies and interventions, and help to identify the most effective ways to prevent trafficking, protect victims, and prosecute traffickers.

By incorporating trafficking issues into university curricula and training programs, students and future professionals can be effectively taught and made aware about the nature and scope of trafficking, its impact on individuals and communities, and the best practices for prevention and response.

In this context, UNODC—under the aegis of the GLO.ACT-Bangladesh project--organized a national workshop with academics from 19 Universities of Bangladesh, to launch the UNODC University level educational modules and teaching guide on Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants. The workshop also provided an interactive platform for faculty members to use the module in classroom settings.

The workshop was attended by Dr. Kamal Uddin Ahmed, Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission of Bangladesh, Professor Dr. Biswajit Chanda, Member of the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh, and Professor Dr. Shima Zaman, Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Dhaka.

“Classrooms are a viable place to begin with anti-human trafficking curriculum so that the students will benefit from the increased knowledge and enriched understanding of human trafficking. Inclusion of the human trafficking and migrant smuggling in the law curriculum will provide the necessary theoretical background whilst also making available practical exercises to future law practitioners,” said Dr. Chanda.

Participants also shared their insights on the modules and teaching guide, including ways to institutionalize the modules at the universities in Bangladesh. The suggestions included developing audio-visual materials on the modules for use as a learning tool, as well as providing resource materials to universities.

A session on the 2022 Global Report on Trafficking in Persons and the first National Study on Trafficking in Persons in Bangladesh was also organized to share recent trends, patterns, and policy recommendations on human trafficking.

The workshop concluded with an agreement to develop an academic network on TIP and SOM in Bangladesh. As the next step, UNODC, in collaboration with the participants, will draft and finalize the terms of reference of the GLO.ACT-Bangladesh academic network.

With the modules, students can gain a deeper understanding of the issue and become advocates for change in their communities. The academic network created as a result of the workshop will also ensure that the exchange of knowledge and ideas will continue, leading to further progress in countering TIP and SOM in Bangladesh.

This activity contributed to SDG 4, SDG 5, SDG 8 and SDG 16: https://sdg-tracker.org/

(Supported by the European Union)