ASEAN Commission on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women and Children
Worldwide millions of children are living in migration or displacement, placing them in situations of risk. International and domestic migration and displacement are not new phenomena. They affect every country in the ASEAN region. According to UNICEF, based on international migrant stock, more international migrants move beyond the ASEAN region than within ASEAN countries.
The promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, strengthening democracy, enhancing good governance and adherence to the rule of law are among ASEAN’s key principles and purposes1. Reaffirming these principles, the ASEAN Leaders adopted the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration2 (AHRD) in 2012. Along with the Phnom Penh Statement on the Adoption of the AHRD, these two documents embody the commitment of the Governments of ASEAN to safeguard human rights and fundamental freedoms of all peoples of ASEAN, including persons with disabilities.
The ASEAN Commission on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women and Children (ACWC) has consistently and affirmatively supported the interpretation and implementation of the ASEAN Convention Against Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children (ACTIP) since its inception. It has developed several publications in support of victim protection such as the Gender Sensitive Guideline for Handling Women Victims of Trafficking in Persons and the Regional Guidelines and Procedures to Address the Needs of Victims of Trafficking in Persons.
The eLearning introductory training course on gender sensitive and victim-centred approaches is a prerequisite for participating in this advanced training course. This training focuses on deepening frontline responders’ knowledge, skills, and practical application of gender sensitive, and victim centred approaches.
Frontline responders play a key role in combating and supporting victims of human trafficking. They are often the first contact point for victims of trafficking during the identification process. They also support the acute and long-term protection, health, shelter, recovery and rehabilitation needs of the victims. Frontline responders and support persons play an important role in upholding the rights of victims of trafficking.
Children are amongst the most vulnerable group to be trafficked, and the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated their exposure to severe exploitation due to school closures and increased economic hardship. Children who come into contact with the justice system or support service agencies, either as victims, witnesses, suspected offenders, on arrest, during trial, or in detention, are often in a vulnerable position, unaware of their rights or unable to enforce them.
ACWC has developed this Guidebook to provide ACWC, AMS, organisations, entities and other key CTIP stakeholders with tools to support self-assessment and reporting about their progressive adoption of the recommendations of the three guidelines above and delivery of its stated goal. Engagement with this Guidebook document is encouraged but not mandated.
This report is the result of the collaborative efforts and partnership of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), ASEAN Committee on Women (ACW), ASEAN Secretariat, and the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women).
Undocumented women and children are often vulnerable to being left behind. ASEAN Member States (AMS) are making significant progress in promoting the inclusion of vulnerable groups for the attainment and maintenance of sustainable development
The ASEAN Guidelines for Harmonised and Comprehensive National Legislation Against All Forms of Online Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse are an important milestone towards increasing the prosperity, connectivity, resilience, and security of children of ASEAN Member States.