The pandemic and its socio-economic implications have made many individuals vulnerable to human trafficking. During such period of heightened vulnerability, it is crucial that the most affected sectors can rely on the government for protection from abuses and exploitation. It is notable that the Philippines maintained its Tier 1 status in combating trafficking amid the compounding challenges due to the pandemic.
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) welcomes the recognition by the US Department of State, which affirms the importance of holistic and convergent government approach in combatting trafficking. This also manifests the genuine demonstration of the government’s commitment to protect the rights and dignity of vulnerable sectors.
According to the 2022 Trafficking in Persons Report of the United States (US) Department of State, the Philippines meets the minimum standards to eliminate trafficking. The report also recognized the government’s serious and sustained anti-trafficking efforts, which include identifying more trafficking victims than in 2020, establishing a standard procedure for the identification and monitoring of corruption cases related to trafficking, and charging almost all traffickers to significant prison terms.
The report also cited the development of prevention and protection models informed by the inputs of survivors. Another noteworthy practice cited in the report are advances in the use of financial and digital evidence that helps in fast-tracking trial and in reducing reliance on the testimony of survivors, which significantly lowers the possibility of re-traumatizing victims, particularly children.
CHR congratulates the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) for its innovative and inclusive efforts in fighting trafficking. The interagency collaboration and the partnership with non-government organizations help in crafting effective mechanisms. The IACAT is chaired by the Department of Justice and co-chaired by the Department of Social Welfare and Development. It is composed of 12 members, namely: Department of Foreign Affairs, Philippine National Police, Department of Labor and Employment, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, Bureau of Immigration, Philippine Commission on Women, Commission on Filipinos Overseas, Philippine Center for Transnational Crimes, Coalition Against Trafficking In Women – Asia Pacific, Blas F. Ople Policy Center and Training Institute, and the International Justice Mission.
CHR also notes the anti-trafficking aspects that require stronger actions particularly the need to prosecute and convict more traffickers and holding to account officials allegedly complicit to trafficking crimes. We concur with the recommendations of the US government on the areas of ensuring accountability, providing robust assistance and services for victims and witnesses, and efforts to quell labor trafficking. For our part, the Commission shall continue to work with government agencies to ensure appropriate referral and responses to human trafficking.
Human trafficking denigrates the dignity of individuals and tramples on the most basic human right to life, liberty, and security. It is vital that we continually work to address all forms of exploitation and abuse that prey on the most vulnerable members of our society. Considering the fast-changing times and new technologies, trafficking crimes continue to emerge and evolve. We are hopeful that the government will continue to take proactive measures while addressing the gaps in anti-trafficking efforts.