Information in the following countries is available:
Caritas PakistanOn 11-13 March 2009 Caritas Pakistan organized advocacy workshop on human trafficking that was attended by 30 animators and coordinators from different regions of the country. The main objectives of the workshop were to increase understanding of human trafficking and advocacy work in the area of combating human trafficking, learn about situation of human trafficking in different regions/dioceses of Pakistan, and strengthen their networking as home back application.The Day one proceedings commenced with a formal inaugural session presided by His Excellency bishop Andrew Francis (Bishop of Multan). The other dignitaries of the inaugural session were Ms. Yasmine Jospeh (Diocesan Executive Secretary-Caritas Pakistan Faisalabad), Mr. Samuel Clement (Diocesan Executive Secretary-Caritas Pakistan Multan), and Fr.Nadeem Patras. His Excellency Bishop Andrew Francis stressed on the involvement of youth, other NGOs and Muslim leaders in combating human trafficking. The candles were also lit as a mark of unending commitment of the religious and passion for this cause.The presentation on human trafficking covered the definition of human trafficking, difference between human trafficking and smuggling, purposes of human trafficking and real life stories of sex workers of Lahore red light area and Iqbal Masih (child rights activist). Also the documentary named "SOLD" presented by Lara Dutta was played, which gave more information and clarity on situation of human trafficking in South Asian region. Another documentary on human trafficking "Lest the hope dies", presented by the Interactive Resource Center (IRC-Lahore), showed the possible routes of trafficking within country, and emphasized the role of FIA (Federal Investigation Agency) and NGOs in combating human trafficking.The key learnings of the participants were the ways traffickers trap the persons, effects of human trafficking, a concept of advocacy, and situation of human trafficking in different dioceses.For more information, please contact Amir Irfan at caritaspakistan_red@yahoo.com.
On 3rd March 2009 in the European Parliament, Brussels, the Dutch Foundation of Religious against trafficking in women (SRTV), jointly with Jubilee Campaign Nederland, organized a conference "Local NGOs on the frontline: Necessary but neglected tools in the fight against human trafficking". The goal of the conference was to inform Parliamentarians about various anti-trafficking activities undertaken by local NGOs and mobilize the European Union for supporting the efforts of local NGOs on the frontline. Representatives from Albania, Romania, Greece and the Netherlands shared with over 70 participants attending the conference their experience of successes and struggles as they put into action the policy and plans of the European Union.A document with clear proposals detailing how those fighting on the frontlines can be equipped by the EU was introduced in the framework of the conference. Advocating for facilitation of fundraising, Jubilee Campaign Nederland and the Dutch Foundation of Religious against trafficking in women proposed that the European Union create a mechanism through which local NGOs can access EU funds through a simplified procedure.Organizers of the event have also prepared an art exposition entitled "Elena - a reflection on human trafficking" which was displayed during the conference.COATNET partners can find the proposal on the extranet. For more information, please contact Ivonne van de Kar at srtv@srtv.info.
COATNET Annual report 2008
