The success of prosecutions in trafficking in persons cases, particularly cases involving two or more countries, depends on effective cross-border cooperation.
For prosecutors, the ability to use mutual legal assistance to obtain evidence, witness testimonies and official records is key to punishing traffickers and achieving justice for victims.
To strengthen prosecutorial cooperation, ASEAN-ACT is supporting prosecutors and policymakers across ASEAN Member States to come together with a dedicated focus on trafficking in persons.
The inaugural regional prosecutors dialogue was held in May 2023, with representatives from 9 ASEAN Member States agreeing to work towards the establishment of a permanent ASEAN entity to discuss trafficking in persons cases.
Close to 20 prosecutors from across the region convened again in Bangkok, Thailand this month (6 March 2024) to agree a terms of reference for a mechanism for prosecutorial cooperation in trafficking cases in the ASEAN region.
More about the launch of the regional prosecutors dialogue in May 2023, explained in this video: