Bangladesh: UNODC mission assesses trends to strengthen multi-stakeholder responses to counter Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants

Jashore and Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh/20 February 2024: The extensive and porous borders of Bangladesh have unfortunately become pathways for the trafficking of vulnerable individuals, as highlighted by the findings of the First National Study on Trafficking in Persons.

This troubling reality, highlighted by the findings of the First National Study on Trafficking in Persons, underscores the urgent need for action. Coupled with a lack of awareness regarding migration laws and prohibitive travel costs, individuals of all genders and ages, particularly women, are at heightened risk of falling prey to cross-border trafficking.

In response to these grave challenges, UNODC has taken a decisive step under the Global Action against Trafficking in Persons and the Smuggling of Migrants-Bangladesh (GLO.ACT-Bangladesh) project. The focus is on providing vital technical support to the Ministry of Home Affairs to develop a comprehensive Brief Assessment on Responding to Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants in Bangladesh's Border and Sea regions.

This month, UNODC experts engaged with 17 representatives from civil administration, the Refugee, Relief and Repatriation Commissioner, District and Immigration police, Border Guard Bangladesh, and civil society organizations during a mission to Jashore and Cox’s Bazar.

Mr. AKM Mukhlesur Rahman, National Consultant of UNODC, played a pivotal role in conducting key informant interviews (KIIs) and focused group discussions (FGDs) during this field mission. These discussions were comprehensive, focusing on the organizational scope and initiatives, prevalent trends and routes of TIP and SOM, and the profiles of victims and perpetrators. Additionally, copies of the First National Study on Trafficking in Persons were shared with field-level officials, enriching the dialogue with valuable data and insights.

The crucial next step in this process involves the validation of the inputs gathered from the field. Data from the headquarters of the respective agencies will be meticulously analyzed to prepare the Brief Assessment on Responding to Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants in Bangladesh.

The assessment will be instrumental in providing evidence-based recommendations to strengthen responses to these crimes and empowering communities to combat trafficking and smuggling effectively.

As Bangladesh works towards fortifying its borders against exploitation, collaboration remains key. Through partnerships with government agencies, civil society, and the international community, the fight against trafficking and smuggling continues with renewed vigor.

This activity contributes to SDG 5, SDG 8, SDG 13, SDG 16 and SDG 17: https://sdg-tracker.org/

(Supported by the European Union)