Topic: 2024-Human Trafficking
Country: Thailand
Delegate Name: Harriet Ogilvie
SOCHUM
Human Trafficking
Thailand
Harriet Ogilvie, Forest Hills Northern High School Throughout the world, human trafficking has been an especially pressing issue. Many women, children, and those living in poverty are vulnerable to exploitation from traffickers. The United Nations continues to take steps to eradicate human trafficking. Progress has been made with the “Protocol to Prevent, Suppress, and Punish Trafficking in Persons,” defining human trafficking, enacting criminalization, ensuring the protection of victims, and implementing preventative measures. Still with these provisions to combat trafficking in persons, there are steps the United Nations can take to assist this issue further.
The Kingdom of Thailand has been both a source and destination for human trafficking. Thailand is often full of migration and economic activity from the surrounding countries. The economic difficulties and conflicts of the neighboring countries have driven vulnerable populations into Thailand. Therefore, creating a center for trafficking. Thailand has discovered industries such as fishing, agriculture, and construction are often heavily linked to human trafficking with forced labor.
To take strides to stamp out human trafficking, Thailand has brought into effect legislation including the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act (ATIPA) in 2008. Additional amendments in 2015, and 2017 regarding increased penalties for traffickers, provided greater protections for victims, improved enforcement, and additional support for trafficking survivors. Furthermore, Thailand has established specialized Anti-Trafficking Units in police forces, increased border security, and implemented Public awareness campaigns. In alignment with the United Nations Thailand is committed to further addressing this issue. Having signed the 2000 UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime.
Even with the many policies put in place to eradicate human trafficking, there continues to be a variety of challenges, widespread poverty, and possible corruption, leaving many vulnerable and traffickers unchecked. Additionally, the secretive business of trafficking, along with victim fear makes it difficult to identify and rescue victims. To overcome these challenges enhancing enforcement with each country is essential. Moreover, making an effort to reduce poverty, conflict, and inequality helps lessen the population of people who will be susceptible to exploitative situations. Finally, traffickers are continuing to exploit digital platforms to recruit and exploit victims. As a United Nations, we need to increase our efforts to use technology to limit trafficking and strengthen international regulation of online platforms.
