IOM and Fundasaun Alola Host First Counter-Trafficking Seminar in Timor-Leste

On March 13th and 14th the Government of Timor-Leste and Timorese civil society participated in a two-day seminar on human trafficking. Organized by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in partnership with Fundasaun Alola, and in close cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the workshop marked the first such event aimed at mobilizing local groups to combat human trafficking.

“IOM, Alola, the Government of Timor-Leste, and civil society groups are forming a dynamic partnership to tackle the low-level of awareness of human trafficking among the population and to strengthen the legal and social mechanisms to successfully combat the phenomenon,” said IOM Chief of Mission Luiz Vieira.

Timor-Leste has been identified as an international destination country for female victims of sex trafficking from other Asian countries, and as a potential origin country. There is also evidence of domestic trafficking in women and children for sexual exploitation and domestic servitude. Even in the midst of the challenges created by the crisis, Timor-Leste has started to address trafficking issues.

This workshop provided an overview of human trafficking issues in Timor-Leste and the region, aiming to map current victim support services, develop a framework and operational agreements to combat human trafficking and provided training in responding to trafficking.

Following this workshop, IOM and Fundasaun Alola will continue to support ongoing Government efforts to combat human trafficking through a new public information campaign, and further training for journalists, consular and embassy staff, service providers, and law enforcement.

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The program is funded by US Embassy through IOM Timor Leste and supported by the U.S. State Department’s Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (G/TiP).