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DILG backs ASEAN's push for non-punishment of human trafficking victims

Philippines | National

DILG backs ASEAN's push for non-punishment of human trafficking victims

By Chito Chavez

(MB FILE PHOTO)

(MB FILE PHOTO)

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has expressed support to goal of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) of implementing the "Non-Punishment Principle’’ for human trafficking victims.

In a statement, the DILG said the ASEAN guideline is logical as it pointed out that victims of human trafficking should not be blamed or punished since they were forced to do because of their situation.

“If they broke the law because they were trafficked, they shouldn't face criminal or administrative charges,’’ the DILG said.

DILG Undersecretary Nestor Sanares emphasized the need for a human rights-based approach in addressing human trafficking.

“Victims of trafficking often endure severe exploitation and it is our duty to ensure that they receive protection rather than prosecution,” Sanares averred.

The DILG lamented that emerging forms of trafficking continue to evolve, with trends such as Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC), forced criminality in scam hubs, cross-border trafficking, and surrogacy-related exploitation posing new challenges.

As the Philippines prepares to host the upcoming ASEAN SOMTC consultations, the government, through the DILG, reiterated its commitment to fostering a responsive and compassionate ASEAN region in the fight against trafficking in persons.

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