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'Revisiting the Migration and Trafficking Nexus:
The South Asian Scenario'
April 4 - 6, 2005
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With globalization and increasing urbanization, the mobility of individuals - women in particular- across national and international borders has increased considerably in South Asia. While migration can empower women with greater independence and lead to social and economic development, it can also increase their vulnerabilities. Evidence from major government and NGO sources indicates that the incidence of trafficking of women and girls in South Asia over the past decade has escalated considerably. For women in particular the decision to migrate is often made under conditions of distress and disparity, which heightens their vulnerability to various forms of exploitation, including trafficking. Additionally, the lack of information and opportunities for safe migration expose many women and girls crossing borders to trafficking and abuse.
Given the need to explore and address inherent linkages between migration and trafficking issues, SARI/Equity, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) jointly organized a regional conference on 'Revisiting the Migration and Trafficking Nexus' on April 4-6, 2005 at Hotel Asia Pacific Blossom, Dhaka, Bangladesh
The participants consisted of representatives from government, non-government organizations and academic institutions from India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Pakistan
| • | Understand the magnitude, dimensions, causes and consequences of trafficking and migration within South Asia. |
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Explore the ambiguities in the migration-trafficking nexus. |
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Identify the gaps and components of strategies/practices/interventions in the migration and counter-trafficking fields in South Asia. |
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Create a model for integrating a gender-sensitive and human rights approach in all trafficking and migration issues and develop an action plan for implementation. |
Papers were presented and panel discussions were held on the following themes:
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Dynamics of Migration in South Asia Download  |
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The Problem of Trafficking in Persons in South Asia
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Dynamics and Strategies for Addressing Trafficking in Persons: A New Paradigm Link
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Ambiguities and Confusions in the Migration and Trafficking Nexus: A Challenge
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Gender-Sensitive and Rights Based National and Regional Policies on Safe Migration
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The Role of Livelihood Options within the Migration/Trafficking Paradigm
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Three working groups developed the following action plans:
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Adult Regional Safe Migration and Trafficking Framework
Download |
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Adult National Safe Migration and Trafficking Framework
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A National and Regional Safe Migration and Trafficking Framework for Children
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These action plans were presented in plenary and finalized after incorporating suggestions and recommendations of the participants in the conference.
At the concluding session, a statement was shared with and drafted by the participants based on the preceding discussions and recommendations.
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Background
