UNODC shows efforts to eradicate human trafficking

Colombo, Aug 21 (UNI) United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime's (UNODC) efforts to stop human trafficking, one of the fastest growing transnational organised crimes in the world, is paying dividends in a great way.

Recent research starting to demonstrate conclusively that forcing trafficking victims into unprotected sexual acts with multiple partners is a significant factor in the spread of HIV. However, HIV/AIDS till date received little attention to address the menace.

During a symposium on HIV/AIDS and Human trafficking, at the eighth International Congress in Asia and the Pacific, organised by UNODC, speakers were of the view that responses addressing the epidemic have little impact on trafficked victims due to the clandestine nature of human trafficking. Also, because victims are not easily reached by services, more focused actions are needed and they have to be developed and implemented.

One of the objective was to present results of a recent body of UNODC research on gender relations and HIV/AIDS knowledge, attitudes and practices. It was conducted among foreign sex workers in Thailand and Japan during 2006-07 and will serve as the basis upon which UNODC will identify effective AIDS service. The symposium also looked generally at the nature and extent of cross border trafficking for the purpose of commercial sexual exploitation and what should be the HIV/AIDS services provision in such situations.

The symposium was chaired by Mr Paul Williams, UNODC Global Focal Point in Vienna.

UNI