Dhaka, Bangladesh - On 20 August 2022 under the framework of the Global Action against Trafficking in Persons and the Smuggling of Migrants-Bangladesh (GLO.ACT-Bangladesh) the first meeting with the Advisory Committee for preparing the Bench Book on human trafficking for the judiciary took place virtually. The preparation of the bench book is being jointly supported by UNODC and IOM implemented “Comprehensive Counter Trafficking Program to Address Human Trafficking in Bangladesh” with the funding from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), under the leadership of the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs (MOLJPA).
Available information suggests that there is a need to look at new approaches, in particular, the streamlining and institutionalization activities supported by appropriate procedures and guidelines, and most importantly, ensuring the victim-centered approach and victim’s access to justice. Such focus aims to improve the quality of investigations and prosecutions, thereby contributing to the effective protection of victim’s rights and prosecution of those who are responsible for organized crime and illicit profit.
The proposed Bench Book for the Judiciary on Effective Criminal Justice Response to Human Trafficking Cases is expected to be a comprehensive guideline and practical tool for judges and Special Public Prosecutors of the Anti-human Trafficking Offence Tribunals established under the Prevention and Suppression of Human Trafficking Act, 2012. The Advisory Committee includes representatives from the MOLJPA, Solicitor Wing, Judicial Administrative Training Institute and Law Commission. In the first meeting the modus operandi for preparing the bench book, table of content and timeline of the bench book draft and roll-out activities were discussed.
The Global Action against Trafficking in Persons and the Smuggling of Migrants - Bangladesh (GLO.ACT - Bangladesh) is a joint initiative by the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) being implemented in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM). GLO.ACT-Bangladesh builds on a global community of practice set in motion in GLO.ACT 2015-2019 in 13 partner countries across Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe and Latin America.
Through targeted, innovative and demand-driven interventions, the GLO.ACT aims to support the Government of Bangladesh and civil society organizations to more effectively fight the crimes of human trafficking and migrant smuggling across the country. The project works on developing evidence-based information on trafficking and smuggling patterns and trends, legislative review and harmonization, capability development of criminal justice actors, and international cooperation. The project also provides direct assistance to victims of human trafficking and migrants in vulnerable situations through the strengthening of identification, referral, and protection mechanisms. The project is fully committed to mainstreaming Human Rights and Gender Equality considerations across all of its activities.
The project is funded by the European Union.
For more information, please contact:
Mahdy Hassan, National Programme Coordinator
unodc-glo.act@un.org
GLO.ACT Bangladesh
X: @glo_act
