The Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO) in collaboration with Sindh Human Rights Commission (SHRC) and US Embassy organized an interactive session with TIP experts here on Friday. TIP survivor from New York Ansa and Joseph from law enforcement of Georgia participated as an expert in the session. The representatives of the Sindh Government, different academia, media, parliamentarians and civil society were also attended the session.
Pakistan’s strategic location fosters Trafficking in Persons (TIP) and Smuggling of Migrants (SOM), compounded by refugee influx. Despite being on Tier II Watchlist, Pakistan improved to Tier II in 2022 and 2023 due to government actions like curbing trafficking and prohibiting child soldier recruitment. Civil society, notably SSDO, aided capacity building. Sustainable Social Development Organizations (SSDO) Executive Director Syed Kausar Abbas emphasized the importance of implementation and awareness at the district level, identifying government departments responsible for enforcing TIP regulations. SSDO has developed TIP standards and holds quarterly meetings to address the issue. Abbas highlighted specific cases handled by SSDO, stressing the polices obligation to act against TIP and SSDOs role in facilitating this process as an NGO.
Plans for an MOU between SHRC and SSDO regarding TIP were mentioned, along with expanding human rights topics in the judiciary. Capacity-building efforts, supported by the international community.
