ASEAN

AAT implements a range of programmes focused on prevention, protection, legal assistance, rehabilitation and advocacy.

Through its integrated and victim-centered approach, Alliance Anti Trafic contributes to strengthening protection systems, enhancing regional cooperation, and reducing risks of exploitation among vulnerable populations.

In Southeast Asia, Amnesty International has been particularly active in documenting and advocating against human rights violations affecting Rohingya refugees and other vulnerable migrant populations. The organization has conducted research on displacement, statelessness, trafficking risks, and protection concerns facing refugees and migrants across the region.

Through evidence-based reporting and advocacy, Amnesty engages governments, international organizations, and civil society to promote accountability, strengthen human rights protections, and advance rights-based responses to migration, trafficking, and humanitarian crises in ASEAN and beyond.

ACWC works to advance the implementation of key international human rights frameworks, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), both of which have been ratified by all ASEAN Member States.

The Commission facilitates regional cooperation through a wide range of activities, including workshops, seminars, training programmes, and consultative meetings. These platforms bring together government officials, civil society organizations, professionals, and other stakeholders to exchange knowledge, share experiences, and build consensus on gender equality and child protection issues.

ACWC also plays an active role in promoting gender-sensitive and victim-centered approaches to addressing trafficking in persons (TIP) and other forms of exploitation. Through its initiatives, the Commission contributes to strengthening policy frameworks, enhancing regional collaboration, and advancing the protection of women’s and children’s rights in Southeast Asia.

ACMW reports to the Senior Labour Officials Meeting (SLOM) and plays a central role in coordinating regional initiatives related to migrant labour governance. Under its Action Plan (2018–2025), ACMW supports the implementation of the Bohol Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Work Plan and collaborates with partners such as the International Labour Organization (ILO), including through programmes like TRIANGLE in ASEAN, to strengthen labour migration systems and prevent exploitation and trafficking.

ACMW also hosts the annual ASEAN Forum on Migrant Labour (AFML), the region’s largest platform for dialogue on migrant worker issues. The forum brings together government representatives from all ten ASEAN Member States, workers’ and employers’ organizations, civil society groups, the ASEAN Secretariat, and international organizations. It serves as a key space for sharing experiences, developing recommendations, and promoting the protection and rights of intra-ASEAN migrant workers.

Through its coordination, policy implementation, and multi-stakeholder engagement functions, ACMW contributes to strengthening regional cooperation, improving labour governance, and reducing vulnerabilities that may lead to trafficking in persons.

DGICM facilitates collaboration through information-sharing, capacity-building programmes, and the exchange of best practices in areas such as border control, migration management, and consular services. These efforts contribute to strengthening national systems and enhancing regional coordination on migration governance.

The Directorate also supports ASEAN’s efforts to address irregular migration and combat transnational crime, including trafficking in persons (TIP). As a stakeholder in the Bohol TIP Work Plan, DGICM contributes to coordinated regional actions aimed at improving border management, strengthening victim identification, and enhancing cooperation among law enforcement and immigration authorities.

Through its coordination role, DGICM helps reinforce regional responses to migration-related challenges while promoting safe, orderly, and secure movement across ASEAN.

AICHR played a key role in developing the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration (AHRD) and the accompanying Phnom Penh Statement on the Adoption of the AHRD, both of which were adopted by ASEAN Member States in 2012. These frameworks provide the foundation for regional human rights norms and cooperation.

The Commission contributes to regional efforts to combat trafficking in persons (TIP), including through a supporting role in the implementation of the Bohol TIP Work Plan, which strengthens ASEAN’s coordinated response to trafficking. AICHR also engages in broader human rights initiatives, including mainstreaming the rights of persons with disabilities and promoting inclusive and rights-based approaches across ASEAN policies and programmes.

Through policy development, dialogue, and cooperation with other ASEAN bodies and partners, AICHR supports the advancement of human rights standards and strengthens regional mechanisms to address exploitation, inequality, and vulnerability.

Under the Bohol Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Work Plan, SOMED supports the delivery of activities related to the Prevention Component, particularly through education and awareness-raising. It is responsible for conducting regional surveys to assess how ASEAN Member States integrate TIP-related topics into school curricula, with the aim of strengthening education systems as a tool for prevention.

SOMED also supports public information and awareness campaigns on victims’ rights, including the use of digital and social media platforms to reach wider audiences. Through these efforts, it promotes greater understanding of trafficking risks, enhances early prevention, and contributes to building informed and resilient communities across ASEAN.

The network supports grassroots women’s organizations and marginalized communities in addressing structural inequalities, discrimination, and human rights violations. Its work focuses on issues including women’s economic rights, migration, labour rights, climate justice, access to justice, and violence against women.

APWLD also engages in regional and international policy advocacy, promoting feminist and rights-based approaches to development and governance. Through research, leadership development, and coalition-building, the network strengthens the capacity of women’s movements to advocate for social, economic, and gender justice across the Asia-Pacific region.

APG’s core functions include conducting mutual evaluations of member compliance with global standards, coordinating technical assistance and training, undertaking research on emerging financial crime trends, contributing to international policy development, and engaging with the private sector to strengthen awareness and compliance.

Through its peer-review mechanisms, capacity-building initiatives, and regional cooperation activities, APG helps members strengthen financial integrity systems and supports efforts to detect and disrupt illicit financial flows linked to organized crime, including trafficking in persons (TIP).

The network works to advance rights-based migration policies, promote social justice, and address issues affecting migrant workers, including labour exploitation, discrimination, trafficking in persons (TIP), and barriers to access to rights and services. APMM also facilitates regional solidarity and cooperation among migrant organizations, enabling collective action and stronger representation of migrant voices in policy and decision-making processes.

Through research, capacity-building, and advocacy at national, regional, and international levels, APMM contributes to improving protections for migrant workers and promoting safe, dignified, and rights-based migration across Asia.

CARAM Asia undertakes research, advocacy, capacity-building, and policy dialogue to address the vulnerabilities faced by migrant workers, including barriers to healthcare, discrimination, unsafe migration practices, and labour exploitation. The organization works with governments, civil society organizations, trade unions, and migrant communities to promote rights-based migration policies and improve access to health and social protection services.

Through its regional network and evidence-based advocacy, CARAM Asia contributes to strengthening migrant worker protections and advancing equitable, inclusive, and rights-based approaches to labour migration across Asia and the Middle East.

ECPAT advocates for policy and legal reforms at national, regional, and international levels, while conducting research to strengthen understanding of emerging trends and risks affecting children. The organization works closely with governments, international organizations, the private sector, and civil society partners to promote child protection and accountability.

Using a rights-based and child-centred approach, ECPAT supports efforts to ensure that child victims and survivors understand their rights, access justice, and receive appropriate medical, psychological, and social support services. Through its global network and regional engagement, ECPAT contributes to strengthening child protection systems and advancing coordinated responses to child sexual exploitation across ASEAN and worldwide.

ETI supports businesses in identifying, preventing, and mitigating labour and human rights risks through practical guidance, capacity-building, research, and multi-stakeholder collaboration. Its work covers issues such as forced labour, child labour, discrimination, freedom of association, and responsible recruitment.

By fostering dialogue and collective action among businesses, workers’ representatives, and civil society, ETI helps strengthen labour standards, improve working conditions, and promote responsible business practices across global supply chains.

Its work includes documenting and exposing trafficking in persons (TIP), forced labour, refugee protection concerns, arbitrary and indefinite detention, and other serious human rights abuses affecting migrants, refugees, and stateless populations in the region. Fortify Rights has been particularly active in addressing issues affecting Rohingya refugees and migrant communities in Southeast Asia.

Through investigations, policy advocacy, litigation support, and collaboration with governments, international organizations, and civil society groups, Fortify Rights contributes to strengthening human rights protections, advancing accountability, and promoting rights-based responses to trafficking, migration, and displacement across ASEAN.

The organization works to identify and document emerging needs, effective practices, and evidence-based approaches across the anti-trafficking sector. Through research, data collection, and information-sharing, Freedom Collaborative helps stakeholders better understand trends, challenges, and opportunities for intervention.

Freedom Collaborative also amplifies the collective expertise and perspectives of civil society by engaging with donors, policymakers, businesses, and other key stakeholders. By promoting coordination, learning, and replication of successful models, the network contributes to stronger, more informed, and more effective responses to trafficking, forced labour, and exploitation at local, regional, and global levels.

In Southeast Asia, the Freedom Fund supports initiatives to reduce the trafficking of Myanmar women and girls into China for forced marriage and childbearing, and to combat exploitation in Thailand’s seafood industry. Its programmes strengthen victim protection, improve access to services, promote safe migration, and address vulnerabilities that contribute to trafficking.

The organization also works with businesses, governments, and civil society to improve supply chain transparency, promote ethical recruitment and labour practices, and strengthen accountability in sectors at risk of forced labour. Through research, advocacy, and strategic investments, the Freedom Fund contributes to regional efforts to reduce modern slavery and trafficking in persons (TIP).

GAATW works to promote policy and legal reforms, conduct research, strengthen advocacy, and build the capacity of civil society organizations. Its work focuses on issues arising from trafficking as defined in the UN Palermo Protocol, including forced labour and exploitation across formal and informal sectors of the economy. The network also advocates for the rights, safety, and dignity of migrants and their families, emphasizing fair migration governance and labour protections.

In Asia and ASEAN, GAATW has been an influential voice in advancing migrant rights, ethical labour migration, and survivor-centred approaches to anti-trafficking policy and practice. Through its regional members and partners, it contributes to research, policy dialogue, and advocacy on trafficking, labour exploitation, and human rights.

Hagar’s work focuses on long-term recovery and reintegration, offering services including safe shelter, trauma-informed counselling, case management, legal assistance, education, vocational skills training, and job placement support. The organization works closely with governments, social service providers, law enforcement agencies, and community organizations to strengthen protection systems and improve access to justice for survivors.

In ASEAN, Hagar has been particularly active in Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar, and regional initiatives addressing trafficking in persons (TIP), gender-based violence, and child protection. Through its integrated approach, Hagar contributes to strengthening survivor recovery, reducing re-trafficking risks, and promoting sustainable reintegration and empowerment.

HRW publishes evidence-based reports and policy recommendations on labour exploitation, trafficking, and modern slavery, working to strengthen accountability among governments, businesses, and other stakeholders. The organization has documented forced labour and trafficking in sectors such as fishing, manufacturing, and global supply chains, and regularly advocates for stronger protections for migrants and vulnerable workers.

Through research, public reporting, and engagement with policymakers, HRW contributes to regional and international efforts to promote human rights, combat exploitation, and strengthen legal and policy responses to trafficking and labour abuses across ASEAN and beyond.

APFC brings together financial institutions, payment service providers, law enforcement agencies, regulatory bodies, technology companies, and civil society organizations to strengthen collaboration and information-sharing. By identifying and disrupting financial transactions linked to online child exploitation, the Coalition supports efforts to detect offenders, reduce profits from exploitation, and enhance protection for children.

Over the years, APFC has become a leading regional platform for collective action against online child sexual exploitation. Through research, awareness-raising, industry engagement, and cross-sector partnerships, it contributes to strengthening regional capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to child sexual exploitation and abuse in the Asia-Pacific region.

IJM supports victim identification, investigations, prosecutions, and legal reform, while also promoting cross-border cooperation against trafficking networks. The organization provides survivor-centred services, including trauma-informed care, counselling, safe accommodation, education, and livelihood support to facilitate recovery and reintegration.

In addition, IJM delivers capacity-building programmes for police, prosecutors, government officials, and community partners to enhance victim protection and accountability. Through its integrated approach, IJM contributes to regional efforts to prevent exploitation and strengthen justice systems across Southeast Asia.

In Asia, Linklaters has supported victims of trafficking and exploitation through research, legal analysis, and policy initiatives. Its offices in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Thailand have collaborated with organizations such as Hagar International, Liberty Shared, MAST, the Thomson Reuters Foundation, and the Visayan Forum Foundation to strengthen understanding of anti-trafficking legislation and improve legal responses to trafficking and modern slavery. Through these partnerships, Linklaters contributes to legal reform, victim protection, and the advancement of business and human rights standards across the region.

MMN advocates for the full recognition, protection, and promotion of the rights of migrants and their families throughout the migration process. The network conducts research, policy advocacy, capacity-building, and information-sharing initiatives to address challenges faced by migrant workers, including labour exploitation, trafficking in persons (TIP), discrimination, and barriers to social protection and access to justice.

Guided by principles of human rights, social justice, and equality, MMN promotes fair and humane migration policies and supports the realization of the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) concept of decent work for all migrants. Through regional collaboration and evidence-based advocacy, MMN contributes to improving working conditions, advancing migrant rights, and strengthening protections for vulnerable migrant populations across the Mekong region.

Guided by a vision of a world founded on respect for human rights, dignity, social justice, and gender equality, MFA advocates for the protection of migrant workers throughout the migration cycle. The network works to strengthen labour rights, improve migration governance, and address issues such as exploitation, trafficking in persons (TIP), forced labour, and discriminatory policies affecting migrants.

MFA engages in policy advocacy, research, capacity-building, and regional collaboration, bringing together civil society organizations and migrant worker groups to influence national, regional, and international policies. Through its advocacy and partnership-building efforts, MFA contributes to advancing safe migration, decent work, and greater protection for migrant workers and their families across Asia.

PILnet works to mobilize legal resources and promote a culture of pro bono service, enabling lawyers to support community-based organizations and vulnerable populations. Its programmes focus on strengthening civil society institutions, improving access to justice, and enhancing the effectiveness of public interest advocacy.

In Asia, PILnet maintains a regional office in Hong Kong and works with legal professionals, law firms, and civil society partners across the region to expand pro bono legal networks and support initiatives addressing human rights, governance, and social development.

RESPECT promotes collaboration and innovation through a number of flagship initiatives. These include the Interactive Map for Business of Anti-Human Trafficking Organisations, which helps companies identify and connect with vetted NGOs and service providers, including organizations operating in Southeast Asia. It also supports Tech Against Trafficking, a coalition of technology companies working together to develop and scale innovative solutions to disrupt trafficking networks and strengthen prevention, detection, and victim protection efforts.

Through its convening, research, and partnership-building functions, the RESPECT Initiative contributes to stronger cross-sector collaboration and more effective global responses to human trafficking and exploitation.

SOMSWD contributes to ASEAN’s efforts to combat trafficking in persons (TIP) through its involvement in implementing the Bohol Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Work Plan. In particular, it supports the delivery of activities under the Prevention and Protection components of the Work Plan, working to strengthen social protection systems and improve support services for victims of trafficking.

Through regional cooperation, policy dialogue, capacity-building initiatives, and the exchange of good practices, SOMSWD helps ASEAN Member States enhance victim protection mechanisms, promote community resilience, and address vulnerabilities that may increase the risk of trafficking and exploitation.

In addition, SOMTC serves as the main counterpart to the ASEAN-ACT, facilitating coordination between ASEAN Member States and external partners. Through this role, SOMTC strengthens regional cooperation, supports effective policy implementation, and promotes collective action to combat trafficking in persons (TIP) and other forms of transnational crime across Southeast Asia.

STOP THE TRAFFIK is an international organization dedicated to preventing trafficking in persons (TIP) and modern slavery through intelligence-led, data-driven approaches. Founded in 2005, it works to build resilient communities by raising awareness, strengthening prevention efforts, and equipping individuals and organizations to identify and respond to exploitation.

A key component of its work is the Traffik Analysis Hub (TA Hub), a collaborative platform that enables governments, law enforcement agencies, businesses, financial institutions, and NGOs to share and analyze trafficking-related data. This helps identify trafficking routes, hotspots, and emerging trends, supporting more effective interventions.

Through prevention programmes, awareness campaigns, and multi-sector partnerships, STOP THE TRAFFIK works to disrupt trafficking networks and strengthen coordinated responses to modern slavery worldwide.

ADFM serves as a leading forum for policy dialogue on refugee protection, asylum, mixed migration flows, trafficking risks, and regional responsibility-sharing. Through research, expert consultations, and multi-stakeholder engagement, it promotes practical and rights-based approaches to addressing forced migration challenges. The dialogue contributes to improved regional cooperation, evidence-based policymaking, and stronger protection frameworks for refugees, asylum seekers, and other vulnerable populations affected by displacement and irregular migration.

The Foundation also implements and supports national-level anti-trafficking initiatives in partnership with a wide range of stakeholders. Through these partnerships, it promotes community awareness, capacity building, access to justice, survivor protection, and evidence-based policy development.

By combining policy support, institutional strengthening, research, and multi-stakeholder engagement, The Asia Foundation contributes to improving prevention, protection, prosecution, and partnership efforts to combat trafficking and exploitation throughout the ASEAN region.

The Mekong Club collaborates with companies across a wide range of sectors, including financial services, hospitality, retail, manufacturing, and technology. Through its business association model, members gain access to specialist expertise, practical tools, research, training, and tailored support to help identify, prevent, and address modern slavery risks in their operations and supply chains.

The organization also facilitates knowledge-sharing and peer learning among member companies, fostering a community of businesses committed to responsible and ethical practices. Through multi-stakeholder engagement, capacity-building, and innovative solutions, The Mekong Club contributes to advancing business and human rights standards and strengthening private sector action against trafficking and forced labour across Asia and beyond.

The organization works with a diverse range of stakeholders, including private sector companies, industry associations, trade bodies, governments, United Nations agencies, international development organizations, and civil society groups. Through research, technical assistance, policy advice, and capacity-building, The Remedy Project supports clients in identifying and addressing human rights risks, improving access to remedy for workers, and strengthening responsible business practices.

By promoting effective grievance mechanisms, ethical labour standards, and human rights due diligence, The Remedy Project contributes to preventing exploitation and enhancing accountability across global supply chains.

Through its Stop Slavery programme, TRF operates one of the world’s leading journalism initiatives dedicated to reporting on modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and labour rights abuses. By producing investigative reporting and raising public awareness, the programme helps bring greater visibility to exploitation and promotes accountability among governments and businesses.

TRF’s Responsible Labour Practices programme works with companies, civil society organizations, and media professionals—particularly in Asia—to strengthen ethical recruitment practices, improve supply chain transparency, and promote responsible business conduct. The Foundation also supports efforts to address labour exploitation through research, capacity-building, and multi-stakeholder engagement.

In addition, TRF’s Human Trafficking Resource Center provides practical tools and guidance for governments, law enforcement agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders to support awareness campaigns, victim identification, and prevention initiatives. Through TrustLaw, the Foundation connects anti-trafficking and migrant rights organizations with pro bono legal assistance to advance research, litigation, policy reform, and access to justice.

TRF also convenes global leaders from government, business, civil society, and the media through its annual Trust Conference, fostering dialogue, collaboration, and collective action on human rights, labour exploitation, and modern slavery.

UNICEF also supports humanitarian and child protection responses for refugee, migrant, and displaced children, including along the Thai–Myanmar border. Through research, policy advocacy, and partnerships with governments, ASEAN bodies, and the private sector, UNICEF works to strengthen child protection systems and promote children’s rights, including through implementation of the Children’s Rights and Business Principles.

UNODC promotes regional cooperation and information-sharing to address emerging trafficking trends, including trafficking linked to online scam operations and forced criminality. It also supports Member States in implementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) and its protocols through technical assistance, specialized training, policy development, and institutional strengthening.

In addition, UNODC engages civil society and private-sector stakeholders through initiatives such as Stakeholder Engagement for UNTOC (SE4U), which fosters collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and coordinated action to improve implementation of UNTOC and strengthen responses to organized crime and trafficking across the region.

Through its anti-trafficking programmes, including the End Trafficking in Persons Programme in the Greater Mekong region, World Vision promotes community-based prevention, child protection, livelihoods support, and awareness-raising initiatives. Activities include life-skills education for children and youth, job training and financial assistance for families, and support for community child protection mechanisms.

World Vision also works with governments and local authorities to strengthen laws, improve victim protection, support prosecutions, and promote regional and global cooperation against trafficking. In addition, the organization assists survivors through recovery and reintegration services designed to support their long-term well-being and resilience.