[JURIST] A UN-backed report [text, PDF] released Monday warned that victims of human trafficking [JURIST news archive] in South-East Asia are not given adequate help for reintegration into their communities. Reintegration of human trafficking victims involves many steps following an individual’s exit from trafficking, but begins with identifying the trafficked person and providing services to support social and economic reintegration into the community. The study, prepared by the NEXUS Institute [official website] found that many victims were not provided support and assistance central in recovering after trafficking due to flaws in the implementation of the reintegration process. The report revealed that, among other things, victims have limited access to counseling, limited job options and no available vocational training. “Tackling issues like the lack of information, weak referral systems, administrative barriers and a lack of resources, will be important steps towards addressing these challenges and issues.”

Last month, the UN urged [JURIST report] the government of Italy to increase efforts to disrupt and eliminate human trafficking. In June Ezeilo urged [JURIST report] Morocco to adopt a victim-centered approach to combat human trafficking in the country. Also in June the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) [official website] and the government of Japan came to an agreement [JURIST report] to increase efforts to combat drug and human trafficking in Africa and Southeast Asia. In February the UN International Labor Organization (ILO) [official website] released a report [JURIST report] urging greater efforts to end forced labor. The ILO estimates that 21 million people are subject to forced labor, which often includes human trafficking for labor exploitation. The report stressed the need for more stringent action to prevent abuses, identify victims and prosecute perpetrators.