WORLD DAY AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING
2022 Theme : “Use and abuse of technology”

In conjunction with World Day Against Trafficking, the Ministry of Women, Family & Community Development (MWFCD) and Ministry of Home Affairs (MOHA) jointly
celebrated the survivors of trafficking currently in residence in shelters across the
country.

Several activities were lined up including an information and awareness booth, set up by Global Shepherds, and fellow NGOs SUKA Society, OUR (Operation Underground Railroad) and SHUT (Stop Human Trafficking).
In line with this year’s theme “Use and Abuse of Technology”, the aim of the ‘walkthrough’ booth was primarily to show the difference between the commonly used term – personal grooming – against the not-so common and rather clandestine term – online grooming.

Guests were given a quick grooming session comprising hair styling, make-up and manicure as part of physical grooming.

On the other end, an information board was set up, complete with e-flyer that was accessible via a QR code, which contained FAQs, quick facts and tips on how to avoid being scammed online, how to recognise online grooming; and safety tips when using social media, among others.

A selection of videos were screened, lending a more dramatic representation of human trafficking in this age of technology.

The ultimate outcome was to enhance understanding of online grooming, awareness of safety tips when using digital and social media platforms, as well as knowing where and how to seek help.

The event was well attended by Ministry staff, government enforcement agencies, GOs, foreign embassy representatives; and TIP survivors themselves, namely those who have attained F.O.M. (freedom of movement). The survivors, especially, were thrilled to be able to enjoy this ‘day out’, and the chance to get some pampering. They were also encouraged to dress in their own traditional outfit.

The highlight of the day was the announcement of the Creative Message
competition winner, held amongst the government declared shelters for victims of human trafficking. Medium of delivery was on any social media platform, based on the theme Use and Abuse of Technology. The aim of the competition was to create awareness on human trafficking and to give a voice to the survivors and to encourage them to become champions in combatting human trafficking.

Right: 14 short videos were submitted and 3 winners announced. And we won first prize!

We are very proud of our staff and survivors of Global Shepherds Women’s Shelter, especially staff Ivy, Liyana Nisha, Teresa Yong, who conceptualised, directed and edited; and the women who bravely came forward to tell their stories.

Watch the video here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eKtxVSlLnU&t=18s

Left: GSB behind the scenes crew

Right: Obligatory photo with the YB Ministers and participating NGOs
• Minister of Home Affairs, YB Dato’ Seri Hamzah Zainuddin
• Minister of Women, Family & Community Development, YB Dato’ Seri Rina Harun

Trafficking in Persons Public Awareness Workshop

A recent workshop has provided the platform to talk about human trafficking with trainee teachers from the Institute Pendidikan Guru Kampus Bahasa Malaysia (Teacher Training Institute, Malay Language Campus). They came to realise that children are increasingly becoming more vulnerable to online sexual exploitation, including child sex trafficking, especially in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic when more time was spent online.

The half-day workshop , organised by Engender, was aimed at raising awareness and strengthening capacity of  teachers who play a pivotal role in the prevention of trafficking and child protection.

Issues raised and discussed at the plenary session included online grooming, indicators and signs of abuse, and the risks and vulnerabilities faced by children.

Participants were also given an insight into a real-life case of human trafficking and abuse through a powerful monologue theatre performance.

They then went into break-out groups where they devised an awareness/education campaign for the protection of children. Most, if not all groups, based their program on the use and abuse of technology stressing on online safety, which is rightfully so, in these days of rampant internet and social media use.

The participants shared that they had learnt a lot from the workshop and they would now be more mindful of the vulnerability of a child. They proudly affirmed their role not only as educators, but also as protectors.

Global Shepherds was one of the facilitators for the break-out sessions; They also set up a booth selling key-chains hand-made by survivors of a government shelter.

The event was graced by the presence of Mr. Michael Newbill, Deputy Chief of Mission, US Embassy and YBhg. Datuk Mohamad Fauzi, Deputy Sec-Gen, Ministry of Home Affairs, who officially launched the event.

#endhumantrafficking

Michele Rozells, Monitoring & Evaluation-cum-Communications Officer

Global Shepherds Berhad, 

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia