Human Trafficking Trends & Responses in Central & Southeast Asia
Mike Nowlin, MSSA, LISW-S | September 21 | 1:30-2:30 PM | Room 2591
Topic: International | Knowledge Level: Intermediate, Advanced
During this session consisting of interactive lecture, video, and Q & A, you will learn about various human trafficking trends impacting Central and Southeast Asia including trafficking of fishermen, Chinese brides, domestic servitude, bacha bazzi (dancing boys), and sex trafficking. Mike will draw from key research findings from US Department of State, ILO, IOM, UN ACT, and speak from his personal experiences serving in Cambodia with the international non-profit, Hagar International, from 2014-2017. The region, regarded as an epicenter for human trafficking, slavery, and significant gender inequality, must play a key role in the abatement of such inhumane practices. Mike will share about the rewards and challenges of serving abroad and leading the Cambodian trauma recovery programs, as well as Hagar’s involvement in counter-trafficking work in the region. You will also learn about their partnership work to improve government and sector understanding on the impact of trauma on survivors, more effective identification of victims, best practice judicial system responses for survivors, engaging corporations in the fight against trafficking, as well as Hagar’s prevention efforts.
Presentation Objectives:
· Describe key types of human trafficking in Central and Southeast Asia and connections back to the USA.
· Explore current strategies in recovery services to survivors and ways to reduce trafficking in the region.
· Communicate barriers to, and possible solutions for, effective trauma recovery program delivery in low-resource settings.
· Discuss the importance of partnership in the fight against human trafficking.