本月焦點
外籍家務工資訊卡
為咗令易受剝削嘅群體更加了解自己嘅權益，STOP製作咗外籍家務工資訊卡。呢張細細嘅資訊卡提供權益資訊，仲列明求助方法，所以無論你係打工定係老闆，我哋都鼓勵你分享俾身邊認識嘅外傭。如果你都想要實體版，歡迎DM我哋。 外籍家務工資訊卡現時有英語同菲律賓他加祿語，嚟緊會有更多其他語言嘅翻譯嫁！仲唔快啲下載電子版，透過通訊程式或社交媒體分享俾你啲朋友！
香港
Erwiana前僱主獲頒令破產 大狀：兩印傭索償難
日期：2021年12月7日 ｜來源：明報
虐打印傭Erwiana的女僱主羅允彤，2015年在區域法院被判囚6年，2018年刑滿出獄。法庭曾頒令她須向Erwiana及另一名被虐印傭賠償，共逾90萬元，羅允彤今年6月入稟高等法院申請破產，昨被頒令正式破產。就兩名印傭能否取得賠償，大律師陸偉雄表示，破產意味該人無償還能力，追回賠償屬「微乎其微」。
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亞洲
經濟危機下的童婚問題：阿富汗9歲女童被迫童婚，12月3日獲釋
日期：2021年12月3日 ｜來源：關鍵評論
隨著塔利班佔領阿富汗，各國不再援助阿富汗，導致阿富汗經濟狀況每況愈下，更使得童婚問題日益嚴重。阿富汗女性權益倡導人士塞拉吉（Mahbouba Seraj ） 表示，各個家庭為求溫飽，將女孩當作商品賣出，來換取伙食費。
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「上海小紅樓」富商圈養性奴 微博文章全刪光引怒火
日期：2021年12月7日 ｜來源：世界新聞網
被稱為「上海小紅樓案」的「趙富強案」是指發生在2000年至2019年間，上海商人趙富強，囚禁並性剝削求職女性，以及以女色行賄當地官員、國企人員的案件。上海小紅樓案於去年宣判，主嫌涉性剝削、行賄，被判死緩。事件近日再於中國社群平台引發討論，聚焦刑責太輕、公權力貪腐。閱讀量6億的話題卻被微博刪除，點燃網友不滿情緒。
+ 延伸閱讀：上海商界老闆強姦威迫女子當性奴 性賄賂官員20年賺10億終判死緩
河北狠父8年間賣5個親生子女獲利18萬 拐賣兒童罪成獲刑10年
日期：2021年12月15日 ｜來源：香港01
來自河北張家口市蔚縣的楊全山，在8年間與妻子生育5名兒女，卻將孩子以2萬至8萬元的價格售予他人，共獲利約18萬人民幣。中國檢察網近日公布起訴書，經審理，河北省蔚縣人民法院判定楊全山犯拐賣兒童罪成，判囚10年。
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專家告誡馬來西亞政府與企業須解決虐待外勞的指控，否則其依賴出口成長的模式將面臨風險
日期：2021年12月27日 ｜來源：經貿透視
過去幾十年來，馬來西亞一直依靠外勞為主要製造業和農業提供勞動力。隨著對外國勞動力依賴的增加，外勞的工作和生活條件惡劣的投訴也越來越多。根據外電報導，接受採訪的11位分析師、評級機構、研究人員、企業顧問和活動人士等專家表示，作為東南亞第三大經濟體的馬國，須改革其勞動法並加強執法，而企業應進行投資以確保提供更好的工作條件。專家告誡馬國政府與企業須解決虐待外勞的指控，否則其依賴出口的成長模式將面臨風險。
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國際
美國喬治亞州奴隸農場 至少2名移工在工作中喪生 1人遭多次強姦
日期：2021年12月8日 ｜來源：Newtalk 新聞
據美國《亞特蘭大憲法報》（The Atlanta Journal-Constitution）報導，美國執法部門破獲一個位在喬治亞州的人口販賣集團，該集團以 H-2A 簽證為誘餌，吸引墨西哥、瓜地馬拉和宏都拉斯等國的移民進入美國務農。靠著長年經營奴隸農場，非法獲利高達 2 億美元。
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CNN製作人誘姦未成年遭逮
日期：2021年12月14日 ｜來源：ETtoday國際新聞
現年44歲的CNN資深製作人格里芬（John Griffin）10日因涉嫌誘姦未成年少女遭逮捕。他在2020年涉嫌引誘至少4名年齡分別為16歲、14歲、13歲和9歲的未成年少女及女童，到他位於佛蒙特州的滑雪別墅進行性愛培訓。 離譜的是，格里芬是透過一個性虐調教網站找到允許他對未成年女兒進行調教訓練的父母，並曾向其中一位母親表示「如果處理得當，無論年齡大小，女人就都是女人」。
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研究發現荷蘭犯罪分子利用脆弱的年輕人
日期：2021年12月25日 ｜來源：健康家園網
荷蘭正在對一種被稱為「犯罪剝削」的新興人口販賣形式進行全國性調查。鹿特丹反人口販賣中心CKM的研究稱，脆弱的年輕人被犯罪分子利用的風險比當局意識到的要大得多，這主要是因為官方統計數據是不現實的，而且掩蓋了而不是揭示了日益嚴重的問題的規模，「犯罪剝削是一種相對較新的人口販賣形式，受害者被迫實施刑事犯罪，因此被錯誤地描繪成罪犯——而真正的罪犯卻不受影響」。
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評論及資源
[觀點] 只是買一件T恤 ，為什麼和印度童工有關？德國《供應鏈法》背後的思考
日期：2021年11月29日 ｜來源：獨立評論
人權議題離我們並不遠，或許眼不可及，但可能就存在於那件我們正準備購入的，一件廉價衣服的織線間。德國聯邦議院7月通過管制德國企業的《供應鏈法》，主要目的是以法條強迫德國企業改善全球供應鏈中的兩個情況，一是人權保護，例如禁止童工和強迫勞動；二是直面「成本」不只價錢，還有無形的環境與社會成本。 這樣的訴求，會不會真的對現存問題帶來改善？在給予期待的同時，或許我們也可以先給自己一個機會，了解為什麼這個議題與你我有關。
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[專題調查] 澳洲移民剝削調查：隱藏在身邊的陰暗秘密
日期：2021年12月18日 ｜來源：ABC中文
拖欠工資、剝削和現代奴役在新聞報導中往往是互無關聯的醜聞，但對澳大利亞的許多新移民來說，它們是不可避免的慘痛經歷。記者在過去三年就本報導進行調查的過程中，ABC定期訪問和接觸了超過100名臨時簽證持有者，他們在工作場所受到不同程度的剝削，其經歷隨著跟踪訪問的進行亦逐漸展開。
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[攝影]「無面者——賣淫女」揭示德國貧困至娼現象
日期：2021年12月19日 ｜來源：德國之聲
在德國，儘管2002年的一項法律取消了賣淫行為的「不道德」標簽、2017年出台了旨在改善性工作者處境的《妓女保護法》，性工作者的法律和社會地位並無明顯改善，從業者仍是剝削和犯罪結構的受害者。曼海姆性工作者咨詢中心創辦人韋格（ Julia Wege ）在接受德國之聲採訪時表示，雖然賣淫已經合法化，但當事婦女卻因污名化而遭受極大痛苦， 「女性常常被迫過著雙重生活」。她指出，性工作者還遠未能從事「像其他任何工作一樣的工作」。
讓性工作者發聲，擯棄陳詞濫調：德國曼海姆市的《無面者——賣淫女》攝影展精細入微地揭示了一個禁忌話題…
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STOP. 中文電子報每月出版，旨在向本港打擊販運人口的社區提供最新的新聞和資源。如你有反人口販運的資訊想透過本報發放，請聯絡 NEWS@STOPHK.ORG。本電子報內容並不反映 STOP. 的立場，謝謝您對本組織的支持。STOP. 是 希望枝子有限公司 (BRANCHES OF HOPE) 其中一個項目，旨在對抗人口販運。本組織與其他名稱類同的反人口販運組織並無關連。
THIS MONTHLY NEWSLETTER IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY STOP TRAFFICKING OF PEOPLE (STOP), PROVIDING YOU WITH THE MOST UP-TO-DATE NEWS, EVENTS AND RESOURCES RELATED TO HUMAN TRAFFICKING. FOR DAILY UPDATES, VISIT OUR FACEBOOK PAGE.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE MONTH
Support Radiant Bloom On Her New Life
Since 2015, STOP has walked alongside survivors of human trafficking as they took brave steps to work through trauma and pursuing justice.
After survived from forced labor situation in 2019, Radiant Bloom, one of STOP’s clients, overcame challenges in recovery physically and mentally, pursuing justice in legal system, and planning for her new life with her family. We are always impressed by her perseverance and passion in life. STOP invites you to support her new journey returning home by donating to her fundraising campaign on Simply Giving. Radiant Bloom’s dream is to start a small grocery store in her hometown to support her family and sell her own design. Ascribed to your generous contribution, Radiant would like to send a pair of earrings handmade by herself as an expression of gratitude.
+ Support her journey
Latest Happenings
Getting to meet a new crowd every week, our November has been a month of mutual inspiration. Thank you HKUMed, CEDAR Fund and Discovery College for inviting STOP to share about our experience in the field of anti-human trafficking and modern slavery.
We are dedicated to raising public awareness through public education activities and regular school talks. If you hope to mobilise your community with knowledge on anti-human trafficking, please email us via info@stophk.org or direct message! Workshop topics can be tailored to your interests, including but not limited to:
- Human Trafficking in Hong Kong
- Trafficking Within the Global Supply Chain
- Sex Industry and Human Trafficking
- Prevention of Cyber Sex Trafficking
- Conscious Consumerism
December Preview
Wanting more active participation in the fight against modern slavery and human trafficking? On the first Saturday of each month, STOP hosts a meeting for ardent supporters of the anti-human trafficking movement to come together to discuss and coordinate collective impact initiatives. Our next one is happening soon on 4 December. See you there!
December Anti-Trafficking Community Meeting
Date: 4 December, 2021 (Saturday)
Time: 11:00am-12:30pm
Place: Function Room 3, 1/F, Vine Centre, 29 Burrows Street, Wan Chai
Save the date! At 11:00am on the first Saturday each month, STOP hosts an Anti-Trafficking Community Meeting. It is a great platform to discuss the issue of Human Trafficking and connect with others. The next two meetings are on 6 November and 4 December. Anybody is welcome!
+ Click here to register
HONG KONG
Hong Kong should take a leaf from Singapore’s alternative to live-in rule for domestic workers
Date: 19 November 2021 | Source: South China Morning Post
In Singapore, some foreign domestic workers have the option of being employed by companies instead of households, where they would have to live with their bosses. Women previously interviewed by This Week in Asia said the scheme meant better pay, more regular working hours, enhanced labour rights, and increased freedom. Hong Kong should look into this example and take it further.
Access the article here.
ASIA
Singapore court stays execution of man with learning disabilities
Date: 8 November 2021 | Source: Guardian
Nagaenthran K Dharmalingam, a Malaysian national, was arrested in April 2009, for attempting to smuggle 43 grams of heroin into Singapore. The drugs had been strapped to his thigh. He was sentenced to death the following year and, having spent more than 12 years on death row, was told he would face execution on 10 November. Dharmalingam has an IQ of 69, a level recognised as indicating a learning disability, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. His supporters say there is evidence that Dharmalingam was forced to courier drugs as a victim of human trafficking.
Access the article here.
Canada pauses imports from Malaysia glove maker Supermax over forced labour concerns
Date: 14 November 2021 | Source: Reuters
Malaysian factories making everything from medical gloves to palm oil have increasingly come under scrutiny over allegations they abuse foreign workers, who form a significant part of the manufacturing workforce. Canada has paused imports from Malaysian glove maker Supermax Corp as it awaits the results of an audit, weeks after the United States barred the firm over allegations the company uses forced labour.
Access the article here.
GLOBAL
Working children claim their rights in Cameroon
Date: 27 October 2021 | Source: Open Democracy
My name is Wilfried Essomba Onguene. At a certain point in my childhood, my parents experienced many problems. My father was no longer regularly at home and it became difficult for my mother to care for us. I decided to take charge and support the household by providing for food. This is how I started to work as a child.
Access the article here.
Migrant Oregon weed workers face threats amid illegal boom
Date: 5 November 2021 | Source: AP News
Thousands of immigrants working on southern Oregon illegal marijuana farms that authorities say are run by foreign cartels are living in squalid conditions and are sometimes being cheated and threatened by their gangland bosses. Some managers of the illegal operations are refusing to pay workers and have threatened them with violence if they go to the authorities or try to quit, according to law enforcement officials and a group that advocates for the migrant and farm worker rights.
Access the article here.
Climate refugees are increasingly victims of exploitation
Date: 11 November 2021 | Source: Helvetas
Millions of climate-displaced people are victims of modern slavery. They end up in forced labor or debt bondage, have to prostitute themselves or are forcibly married. Their fate has so far been largely ignored by international politics. This must change.
Access the article here.
Suit accusing Hindu group of forced labour widens to 5 US states
Date: 11 November 2021 | Source: Aljazeera
A federal lawsuit accusing a prominent Hindu organisation in the United States of trafficking workers from India and forcing them into labour at Hindu temples has widened to five states. The initial lawsuit, filed in May on behalf of 200 Indian workers, accused the religious group, known as the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), of luring their targets from India, coercing them to sign employment agreements, and forcing them to work more than 12 hours a day with only five days off in a year, doing construction and maintaining the sprawling grounds of a Hindu temple in New Jersey.
Access the article here.
RESOURCES
[Movie] 7 Prisoners
Date: 7 November 2021 | Source: Netflix
Brazilian director Alexandre Moratto’s follow-up to his award-winning debut Socrates, 7 Prisoners delves into the subject of modern slavery through the eyes of 18-year-old Mateus.
Watch the trailer here.
Read more: 7 Prisoners review – a powerful tale of slavery in modern-day São Paulo
[Resource] Modern slavery & small and medium-sized enterprises
Date: 10 November 2021 | Source: Mekong Club
The Mekong Club recommends that SMEs voluntarily develop a frequently asked question (FAQ) document to respond to routine queries related to their efforts associated with modern slavery. This document provides sample questions covering topics required.
Access here.
[Report] Ending online sexual exploitation and abuse of women and girls: A call for international standards
Date: 15 November 2021 | Source: Equality Now
Predators are increasingly using social media and online gaming platforms to target potential victims because these platforms offer anonymity and operate under very limited regulation. Consequently, Online sexual exploitation and abuse (OSEA) is growing and the full breadth of the problem is largely unknown because of the large number of unreported cases.
This report, which utilizes a survivor-centric approach to illustrate the impact of OSEA and highlight the challenges faced in keeping people safe in a rapidly changing digital landscape, examines the law surrounding OSEA at the international and regional level, with a focus on Europe.
Access the article here.
Read more: Traffickers abusing online technology, UN crime prevention agency warns
STOP ENEWS, PUBLISHED EVERY MONTH, AIMS TO PROVIDE CURRENT NEWS, EVENTS, AND RESOURCES TO THE ANTI-HUMAN TRAFFICKING COMMUNITY IN HONG KONG. IF YOU HAVE ANTI-TRAFFICKING RELATED ACTIVITIES OR RESOURCES YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE THROUGH OUR ENEWS NETWORK, SEND YOUR SUGGESTIONS TO NEWS@STOPHK.ORG. INCLUSION OF CONTENT IN NO WAY REFLECTS THE VIEWS OF OUR ORGANISATION. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT.STOP IS AN INITIATIVE OF BRANCHES OF HOPE BASED IN HONG KONG. IT IS NOT ASSOCIATED WITH ANY OTHER ANTI-TRAFFICKING ORGANISATION OF THE SAME OR SIMILAR NAME.
本月焦點
支持Radiant Bloom的新生活
自2015年，STOP一直支援人口販運受害人走過倖存之路，陪伴他們在克服創傷與爭取公義的路上踏出勇敢的每一步。 Radiant Bloom在2019年脫離強逼勞動的狀況後，在STOP的見證下，跨過重重障礙，無論是身心復康，在法制下尋求公義，以及為她的家庭計劃未來，她在生命的毅力和熱情總是令我們深深感動。STOP邀請你，以捐款支持她歸家的新里程。Radiant的夢想是在家鄉開一家小雜貨店，既可賺錢養家，也售賣她的手作設計。為了感謝你的慷慨捐助，Radiant希望能為捐款者送上一雙親手製作的耳環。
十一月回顧
感謝HKUMed、施達基金會以及智新書院邀請我哋分享反人口販運嘅議題。有機會每週接觸不同受眾，一齊討論點樣可以喺日常生活謝絕血汗生產、打擊人口販運，我哋嘅十一月過得十分充實。
STOP 致力將反人口販運意識帶到香港地，透過公眾教育活動，定期到學校、私人組織進行講座活動，令更多人參與反人口販運行列。如果你都想將反剝削訊息帶到自己嘅社區，歡迎電郵至 info@stophk.org 查詢，或DM同我哋嘅同事傾一傾！講座主題包括但不限於：
- 人口販運在香港
- 全球生產鏈中的人口販運
- 性產業與人口販運
- 預防網絡性販運須知
- 良心消費
活動預告
想更積極參與解決人口販運問題？心動不如行動！每個月第一個星期六，STOP 都會主持反人口販運社區會議。呢個平台俾大家討論人口販運議題，互相交流同認識。已經報咗名嘅朋友，我哋今個禮拜六見！
12月反人口販運社區會議
日期：2021年12月4日（星期六）
時間：11:00am-12:30pm
地點：灣仔巴路士街29號葡萄藤教會1樓3室
*會議以英文進行。
香港
16歲「兼職女友」不適拒賣淫遭勒索3萬 3女認罪其中兩懷孕被告准保釋候判
日期：2021年11月18日 ｜來源：明報
3名年輕女子安排一名任「兼職女友」的16歲少女賣淫，高峰期間兩天接客8次，少女因身體不適拒絕接客，卻被勒索逾3萬元，最終報警求助。涉案3女18日於區域法院（案件在荃灣裁判法院處理）承認控罪，其中兩名懷有身孕的被告獲准保釋候判，另一人還押。
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退休男警涉 11 次強姦家傭 遭控 13 罪 事主因宗教關係已誕嬰
日期：2021年11月19日 ｜來源：立場新聞
69 歲退休男警被指 2019 年間 11 次強姦家傭，及曾發訊息予她要求停止檢控等，遭控 11 項強姦、1 項妨礙司法公正，及 1 項非禮罪。今（19 日）於沙田裁判法院提堂，在控方不反對下獲准保釋。庭上透露，事主因宗教關係已誕下嬰兒，並已離港，但願意回港作供。
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亞洲
馬來西亞智能不足者於新加坡運毒案，因確診COVID-19而暫緩死刑
日期：2021年11月9日 ｜來源：關鍵評論
現年33歲，有智能障礙的馬來西亞籍男子納加德蘭，是在2009年4月22日因走私海洛因進新加坡而被捕。經過多年的訴訟，新加坡政府原訂在今年11月10日執行絞刑，但納加德蘭被測出確診COVID-19，審訊再度展延。《中央社》報導，多數反對判納加德蘭死刑的人士主張，納加德蘭智能不足，這意味他無法做出理性決定，更有證據表明他是人口販賣的受害者，但新加坡內政部堅稱納加德蘭在犯案時「知道自己在做什麼」。
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黎巴嫩危機加劇了移民家務工的苦難
日期：2021年11月15日 ｜來源：聯合國新聞網
在黎巴嫩，不同國籍的移民女工面臨許多挑戰。生存因素是這些挑戰中最突出的，尤其是在她們因該國最近的經濟危機而失業後，繼續受制於海灣國家普遍使用的「卡法拉制度」或擔保制度，這使她們可憐地處於雇主的控制之下，容易受到各種形式的剝削和虐待。
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國際
以工作威脅受害者就範 剛果女性遭WHO人員「性剝削」毒販用奴工在俄勒岡大規模非法種植大麻
日期：2021年11月2日 ｜來源：大紀元
販毒集團利用美國俄勒岡州的大麻合法化政策，使用奴工大規模種植非法大麻被曝光。約瑟芬縣警長戴夫·丹尼爾在接受《大紀元時報》採訪時說：「我們出示了一張搜查令，結果發現了近300名農民工。」他們被鎖在穀倉裡，「每天只餵兩次食物，而且沒有自來水或其它設施。他們害怕卡特爾組織會殺死他們或他們的家人，所以他們不會站出來說話。」
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新州印度寺廟涉人口販運 訴訟擴及5州
日期：2021年11月13日 ｜來源：世界新聞網
新澤西州羅賓斯維爾一間印度教組織「Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha」(簡稱BAPS)，5月時遭一群來自印度的建築工人以人口販運的罪名向聯邦法院興訟；原告日前修正訴訟參與人，除新州外，還加入了來自加州、德州、伊利諾州及喬治亞州等四個地區的其他工人。 根據法院文件，新澤西州的原告指控BAPS以高薪資引誘他們來美參與新州印度教寺廟興建工程，但事實上等他們抵達美國後，不僅日薪只有港幣9.40元，還被迫簽署雇傭契約，規定12年內不得離職，且有保安隨時密切監控他們。
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加拿大扣押首批「強迫勞動」中國服裝 議員籲采更強硬措施杜絕
日期：2021年11月18日 ｜來源：法國國際廣播電台
加拿大邊境服務局早前以「強迫勞動」為由，扣押一批由中國進口的服裝，是自該國去年初實施禁止進口「強迫勞動」商品以來第一批以此床由扣押的中國貨物。加國傳媒報道，執政自由黨和反對黨的國會議員均促請杜魯多政府做更多工作來應對中國鎮壓維吾爾等弱勢社群的問題。
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評論及資源
[調查報告] 塞爾維亞越南勞工罷工 抗議中國資方剝削
日期：2021年11月20日 ｜來源：德國之聲
中國玲瓏輪胎在塞爾維亞工廠的越南工人集體罷工，抗議生活及工作條件惡劣。該起事件登上當地新聞頭條，也引起人權團體及歐盟議員關注。人權組織A11和Astra發表了聯合報告，提到「大量既定事實表明，勞工有可能成為以勞動剝削為目的的人口販賣受害者」，要求塞爾維亞當局採取緊急行動。
+ 全文
+ 閱讀報告（英）
[專題調查] 海洋觀察員之死：他們登船監察捕魚活動，卻不斷在海上消失
日期：2021年11月23日 ｜來源：端傳媒
漁業觀察員被政府或地方漁業管理組織聘用，被分配到漁船上收集有關商業漁業的科學數據，也負責確保船員不會從事非法、無管制或不上報的捕撈活動（IUU）。 IUU漁業是一個販賣人口，以及走私非法藥物、野生動物和武器的途徑，與組織犯罪有一定的關係。漁業觀察員的工作聽起來非常簡單，但他們卻不斷在海上失蹤或死亡。從2010至2020年，有最少14個漁業觀察員在出海時死亡，當中有11宗還未有調查結果。
+ 全文
STOP. 中文電子報每月出版，旨在向本港打擊販運人口的社區提供最新的新聞和資源。如你有反人口販運的資訊想透過本報發放，請聯絡 NEWS@STOPHK.ORG。本電子報內容並不反映 STOP. 的立場，謝謝您對本組織的支持。STOP. 是 希望枝子有限公司 (BRANCHES OF HOPE) 其中一個項目，旨在對抗人口販運。本組織與其他名稱類同的反人口販運組織並無關連。Branches of Hope eNews November 2021
THIS MONTHLY NEWSLETTER IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY STOP TRAFFICKING OF PEOPLE (STOP), PROVIDING YOU WITH THE MOST UP-TO-DATE NEWS, EVENTS AND RESOURCES RELATED TO HUMAN TRAFFICKING. FOR DAILY UPDATES, VISIT OUR FACEBOOK PAGE.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE MONTH
Latest Happenings
This month, we organized a series of four Legal Workshops for Migrant Domestic Workers. How can workers file a labour claim? How does anti-discrimination law apply to migrant domestic workers? These were some of the questions addressed in the workshop. 10 workers completed the series and earned certificates. With their newly gained knowledge, they hope to reach out to more workers together with STOP.
November Preview
Save the date! At 11:00am on the first Saturday each month, STOP hosts an Anti-Trafficking Community Meeting. It is a great platform to discuss the issue of Human Trafficking and connect with others. The next two meetings are on 6 November and 4 December. Anybody is welcome!
Anti-Trafficking Community Meeting in November
Date: 6 November, 2021 (Saturday)
Time: 11:00am-12:30pm
Place: Function Room 3, 1/F, Vine Centre, 29 Burrows Street, Wan Chai
Click here for details and RSVP.
+ Click here for details and RSVP
HONG KONG
The Hiring Challenge: A game changer for safe and fair recruitment of domestic workers
Date: 11 October 2021 | Source: International Labour Organization (ILO)
The Hiring Challenge, a new ILO’s online game, is designed to improve understanding of what’s needed for fair and safe recruitment of migrant domestic workers in Hong Kong. It casts the user in the role of a soon-to-be parent trying to hire a migrant domestic worker in Hong Kong using an employment agency. The player’s task is to navigate a series of real-life choices in order to find an agency that provides a professional service, whilst at the same time not exploiting the worker they will eventually hire.
Visit the official website here.
Watch the teaser here.
Domestic worker takes Hong Kong employer to court over accusations of repeated abuse
Date: 12 October 2021 | Source: South China Morning Post
Secondary school teacher Mak Pui-shan stands accused of mistreating Eden Gumba Pales at a Tsuen Wan high-rise flat on five occasions between October 2020 and May 29 of this year. The Philippine national and mother of one says she was beaten, threatened and forced to eat porridge spiked with detergent. A lawyer for the defendant says she intends to challenge the plaintiff’s credibility in a future hearing, but requests a lengthy adjournment.
Access the article here.
ASIA
Bangladesh: Gang violence in Rohingya refugee camps prompts fear
Date: 26 October 2021 | Source: DW
Violence has been on the rise in the country’s sprawling cluster of refugee settlements, with armed gangs vying for power and kidnapping opponents. At least six people were killed and 20 wounded in an attack at a Rohingya camp in Cox’s Bazar this week. Nur Khan, a human rights activist who has been monitoring the security situation in Cox’s Bazar, says the main forms of criminal activity taking place in the camps include drug trafficking, human trafficking and abduction.
Access the article here.
GLOBAL
R. Kelly was convicted. Are we finally listening to Black women?
Date: 29 September 2021 | Source: Vox
For the dozens of survivors who came forward, the R. Kelly verdict was three decades in the making: After a six-week trial, the R&B singer was found guilty on nine counts of sex trafficking and racketeering. The verdict, many say, is evidence that a cultural tide has turned after years of activism. It is yet to be seen whether this trial and verdict will encourage society to listen to and believe Black women and girls going forward.
Access the article here.
Italy using anti-mafia laws to scapegoat migrant boat drivers, report finds
Date: 15 October 2021 | Source: The Guardian
Italian police have arrested more than 2,500 migrants for smuggling or aiding illegal immigration since 2013, often using anti-mafia laws to bring charges, according to the first comprehensive analysis of official data on the criminalisation of refugees and asylum seekers in Italy.
Access the article here.
Facebook has known it has a human trafficking problem for years. It still hasn’t fully fixed it
Date: 25 October 2021 | Source: CNN
Facebook has for years struggled to crack down on content related to domestic servitude, and has long has known about human traffickers using its platforms in this way since at least 2018, according to internal Facebook documents reviewed by CNN. The stakes are significant: Facebook documents describe women trafficked in this way being subjected to physical and sexual abuse, being deprived of food and pay, and having their travel documents confiscated so they can’t escape.
Access the article here.
Read more: Slave markets found on Instagram and other apps
RESOURCES
[Report] North and West Africa: INTERPOL report highlights human trafficking for organ removal
Date: 30 September 2021 | Source: INTERPOL
A new report from INTERPOL assesses the problem of trafficking in human beings for organ removal (THBOR), which is driven largely by the global shortage in organs for ethical transplant. While organ trafficking exists in all regions of the world, it is of particular concern in North and West Africa where impoverished communities and displaced populations are at greater risk of exploitation.
Read the full report here.
[Report] Thousands of children affected by modern slavery are being failed by system
Date: 5 October 2021 | Source: Hestia
This research report conducted by Hestia is based on the testimony of 20 women (and indirectly their 43 children) who had been victims of modern slavery. Their research found that for the women and their children who manage to escape modern slavery, the journey to recovery is a long and difficult one. For children, a mother’s trauma from the experience of trafficking can have a deep and lasting impact on their lives.
Access the article here.
Read the full report here.
[Podcast] Anti-Slavery Day, listening to people with lived experience
Date: 18 October 2021 | Source: Modern Slavery PEC
Developing new evidence that draws directly from lived experience of survivors is key to improving the policies designed to address modern slavery. But what does it mean to listen to survivors of modern slavery? What does it mean to meaningfully include them in research and policy? This podcast explores mental wellbeing of adult survivors.
Access the article here.
STOP ENEWS, PUBLISHED EVERY MONTH, AIMS TO PROVIDE CURRENT NEWS, EVENTS, AND RESOURCES TO THE ANTI-HUMAN TRAFFICKING COMMUNITY IN HONG KONG. IF YOU HAVE ANTI-TRAFFICKING RELATED ACTIVITIES OR RESOURCES YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE THROUGH OUR ENEWS NETWORK, SEND YOUR SUGGESTIONS TO NEWS@STOPHK.ORG. INCLUSION OF CONTENT IN NO WAY REFLECTS THE VIEWS OF OUR ORGANISATION. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT.STOP IS AN INITIATIVE OF BRANCHES OF HOPE BASED IN HONG KONG. IT IS NOT ASSOCIATED WITH ANY OTHER ANTI-TRAFFICKING ORGANISATION OF THE SAME OR SIMILAR NAME.
本月焦點
十月回顧
今個月，我哋完成左四次嘅外籍家務工法律工作坊。遇到勞資問題嘅時候，要點樣入稟申索？反歧視法例點樣適用於外籍家務工？呢啲都係工作坊入面探討嘅問題。10個家務工完成咗呢一系列工作坊，獲頒發證書。有咗相關嘅法律知識，佢哋希望同 STOP 一齊進行外展，接觸更多家務工。
活動預告
記低日子喇！每個月第一個星期六，早上 11 點，STOP 都會主持反人口販運社區會議。呢個平台俾大家討論人口販運議題，互相交流同認識。下兩次會議日期係11月6日同12月4日。歡迎對反人口販運議題有熱誠人士參加！
11月反人口販運社區會議
日期：2021年11月6日（星期六）
時間：11:00am-12:30pm
地點：灣仔巴路士街29號葡萄藤教會1樓3室
*會議以英文進行。
香港
教師涉虐菲傭案 事主稱被告揚言「可以殺你」
日期：2021年10月13日 ｜來源：明報
一名中學教師涉多次打菲傭的頭部、以鑊鏟打大腿，強迫菲傭喝下含洗潔精白粥，菲傭最終報警。從事主報案時拍攝的相片顯示身上有多處傷痕，其中背部有18處抓痕。案件12日在西九龍裁判法院續審。事主抽泣表示，被告掌摑她面頰和拳打其胸口後，揚言會扣她一個月人工，又威脅稱「我可以殺掉你……我有好多錢，好容易聘請新的傭工」。
+ 全文
亞洲
塔利班掌權後援助紛紛斷炊 阿富汗人賣嬰求溫飽
日期：2021年10月26日 ｜來源：台視新聞
阿富汗在8月塔利班掌權後，國際援助紛紛斷炊，聯合國25日警告，阿富汗有將近2300萬人現正面臨嚴重的糧食危機，呼籲各國盡快恢復援助。外媒報導阿富汗有的父母甚至不得不以港幣1955元的低價，出售自己的小孩，換來幾個月的溫飽。
+ 全文
虔誠國度的人肉市場：《我的母親賣了我》爭議，與東南亞的雛妓剝削問題
日期：2021年10月26日 ｜來源：換日線
透過文字的力量，泰國性剝削的問題得以被媒體和影視產業披露，政府的政策，漠視或默許都能受到外界檢視。至於在被寒蟬效應籠罩、官方堅決否認一切的柬埔寨，我們要透過什麼管道知道，黑暗角落裡究竟還上演著哪些令人難以想像的交易？
+ 全文
國際
以工作威脅受害者就範 剛果女性遭WHO人員「性剝削」
日期：2021年9月29日 ｜來源：聯合新聞網
世衛組織（WHO）上月28日公布了獨立調查委員會的最終報告。報告涉及2018年到2020年間該組織的援助人員在剛果民主共和國爆發伊波拉疫情期間受到的性侵指控。調查人員記錄了超過80起性侵個案，受指控的包括20名世衛組織工作人員。報告指出，大部分被控者是臨時受雇於世衛組織的剛果當地工作人員。他們利用自己的職權脅迫女性進行性交易，有9名女性稱受到性侵，29人非自願懷孕。
+ 全文
移民農工被嚴重剝削 有人時薪低至港幣17元FB 淪販賣外傭平台 內部文件揭公司一直知情 惟打擊不力無杜絕問題
日期：2021年10月13日 ｜來源：SBS中文
澳洲政府早前宣佈推出一個專門的農業簽證，以説明填補疫情引起的農業工作力短缺，但參議會一場聽證會上，卻揭發移民工人在澳洲農業被嚴重剝削。有關注情況的大學研究員指，在2013 年至 2018 年期間，亞洲和歐洲的背包客遭到高度剝削的案例屢見不鮮，有些人的時薪低至港幣17元。
+ 全文
FB 淪販賣外傭平台 內部文件揭公司一直知情 惟打擊不力無杜絕問題
日期：2021年10月26日 ｜來源：立場新聞
Facebook 前員工 Frances Haugen 近期接連爆料，指控 FB 漠視仇恨言論、危害少年、縱容假資訊等。最新的外洩文件揭發，蘋果公司早在 2 年前已關注在中東地區有人用 FB 及 Instagram 平台販賣女傭，並一度警告要將兩個平台從 App Store 下架。FB 曾在內部文件中承認打擊不力，但至今仍未有杜絕相關問題。
+ 全文
評論及資源
[網絡體驗] 徵聘挑戰
日期：2021年10月6日 ｜來源：國際勞工組織 (ILO)
長久以來，不良及違法作業手段肆虐本港職業介紹所業界，受盡本港及國際批評。 「徵聘挑戰」是一個身歷其境的網絡體驗，讓用家代入準父母的角色，透過職業介紹所在港聘請家務移工。他們要作出一系列實況選擇，以覓得一間專業的職業介紹所，同時不會剝削最終聘用的家務移工。這個任務殊不簡單。 你夠「徵」明去挑戰 #thehiringchallenge嗎？
+ 觀看預告
+ 按此體驗
[專題調查] 追薪之路（上）── 足球員血汗求生記
日期：2021年10月20日 ｜來源：立場新聞
過去三年，香港有至少五隊球隊欠薪，涉及百幾人。有欠薪球會原來獲政府資助，又有球會舊債未清便成立新球隊參賽，足總並無罰則。有汗出無糧出背後隱藏甚麼問題？《立場新聞》一連兩集，跟球員踏上追薪之路，而你可能發現，一切也是香港的縮影。第一集是一名運輸工人的足球故事。
+ 觀看影片
+ 觀看下集：追薪之路（下）— 足球員愛與怒
STOP. 中文電子報每月出版，旨在向本港打擊販運人口的社區提供最新的新聞和資源。如你有反人口販運的資訊想透過本報發放，請聯絡 NEWS@STOPHK.ORG。本電子報內容並不反映 STOP. 的立場，謝謝您對本組織的支持。STOP. 是 希望枝子有限公司 (BRANCHES OF HOPE) 其中一個項目，旨在對抗人口販運。本組織與其他名稱類同的反人口販運組織並無關連。
THIS MONTHLY NEWSLETTER IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY STOP TRAFFICKING OF PEOPLE (STOP), PROVIDING YOU WITH THE MOST UP-TO-DATE NEWS, EVENTS AND RESOURCES RELATED TO HUMAN TRAFFICKING. FOR DAILY UPDATES, VISIT OUR FACEBOOK PAGE.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE MONTH
Latest Happenings
September went by in a blink of an eye. We have had yet another incredible month meeting passionate volunteers at our Info Session and eager students of Island School to share about our anti-human trafficking work in Hong Kong and the concerning global trend of cybersex trafficking.
STOP also had the honor of hosting our first ever Charity Bazaar Booth on 18 September, selling earrings and hair accessories hand-made by survivors, as well as our signature Cards Against Trafficking flashcards. 100% of donations go to our Social Assistance Programme. We want to thank every one of you who swung by to support and encourage us on the day.
We closed out the month with a lovely Sri Lankan lunch gathering with our clients. Nothing beats an afternoon packed full of flavour, laughter and companionship.
October Preview
We have so many great things coming soon.
STOP is hosting a Legal Workshop series on 10, 17, 24, 31 October (Sun) for migrant domestic workers in Hong Kong. Participants who attend all four sessions will receive a certificate. Please see the poster for more details and spread the word to those who might be interested. We look forward to seeing you there!
+ Register here – Legal Workshop for MDW
If you wish to volunteer with STOP, please join our October trainings for Outreach and/or Sex-Ed Ambassador. Click on the links below for more details and to sign up!
+ Register here – STOP Outreach Training
+ Register here – STOP Sex Ed Ambassador Training
HONG KONG
Google handed user data to Hong Kong authorities despite pledge after security law was enacted
Date: 11 September 2021 | Source: Hong Kong Free Press
Google has provided user data to the Hong Kong government in response to three requests made between July and December last year. One of the requests it complied with was an emergency disclosure request involving a credible threat to life. The remaining two involved human trafficking – it said the two requests were unrelated to national security and were supported by search warrants signed by a magistrate as part of an investigation.
Access the article here.
ASIA
Cyber slavery: inside Cambodia’s online scam gangs
Date: 1 September 2021 | Source: Human Rights Watch
“Dad, I’m in Cambodia, I’m not inside of China,” says the young man, through tears, his voice breaking and blood streaming from his nose. “I beg you, please send money.” The ransom video, which was sent to the victim’s parents, was one of several shown to Nikkei Asia by Li*, a person who helps rescue human trafficking victims in Cambodia. The videos provide a window into the dark world run by transnational criminal networks able to smuggle people from China, through Vietnam and into Cambodia and Myanmar.
Access the article here.
North Korea controls youth through ‘hard labor’
Date: 2 September 2021 | Source: Human Rights Watch
North Korea’s economy has taken a hit as the country’s borders remain sealed during the Covid-19 pandemic. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un expressed appreciation to the country’s youth for “volunteering” to do hard labor to compensate for “lagging behind” or to cleanse “cultural infiltration.”
These so-called “volunteer” mobilizations of people to work in mines, farms, or construction sites involve backbreaking labor under extremely harsh and dangerous conditions for long periods of time with little or no pay. The North Korean government may say these are all “volunteer” projects, but the reality is very few people can turn down the request.
Access the article here.
Her daughter was kidnapped by traffickers. So she trafficked herself.
Date: 17 September 2021 | Source: Vice
Asiya willingly trafficked herself into India so that she could rescue her teenage daughter Marium, who had fallen victim to a cross-border trafficking ring. The mother of four recounted her extraordinary journey from her home in a slum outside Bangladesh’s capital Dhaka to VICE World News. “I did it not just for my eldest daughter. It was for many others, too,” she said.
Access the article here.
Learn more: Global Modern Slavery Directory – Connecting victims and survivors to support and services around the world
GLOBAL
Apple delays controversial child protection features after privacy outcry
Date: 3 September 2021 | Source: The Verge
Apple is delaying its child protection features announced last month, including a controversial feature that would scan users’ photos for child sexual abuse material (CSAM), following intense criticism that the changes could diminish user privacy. The changes had been scheduled to roll out later this year.
Access the article here.
Rights group files complaint against German retailers over Chinese textiles
Date: 7 September 2021 | Source: Reuters
The Berlin-based European Centre for Constitutional and Human Rights (ECCHR) accuses Lidl, Hugo Boss (BOSSn.DE) and other retailers of abetting and profiting directly or indirectly from forced labour in Xinjiang’s cotton industry, according to the 96-page complaint received by prosecutors in the Karlsruhe federal court. “It is high time that those responsible in the companies are held accountable if suspicions of forced labour are confirmed.”
Access the article here.
Brussels to name street after murdered sex worker Eunice Osayande
Date: 16 September 2021 | Source: BBC News
The city council said the street will be bear the name of Eunice Osayande, who was stabbed to death by one of her customers in June 2018. Drawn by the promise of work and a brighter future in Europe, Ms Osayande came to the Belgian capital in 2016. She believed the men who invited her there were acting agents who were going to make her a film star. In reality, they were human traffickers…
Access the article here.
RESOURCES
[Investigative Reporting] Worked to death: How a Chinese tuna juggernaut crushed its Indonesian workers
Date: 13 September 2021 | Source: Oceans Inc.
One of China’s biggest tuna fishing firms, Dalian Ocean Fishing, made headlines last year when four young Indonesian deckhands fell sick and died from unknown illnesses after allegedly being subject to horrible conditions on one of its boats. Now, an investigation by Mongabay, Tansa and the Environmental Reporting Collective shows for the first time that the abuses suffered by workers on that vessel were not limited to one boat, but widespread and systematic across the company’s fleet.
Read the article here.
[Documentary] The child slaves of Myanmar
Date: 17 September 2021 | Source: DW Documentary
Child labor is common in Myanmar. Impoverished families are often faced with the hard choice of exploiting or abandoning their children. In September 2016, it was revealed that a locally well-known tailor shop had enslaved two teenage girls for years, beating and stabbing them, leaving both girls permanently scarred emotionally and physically. With the help of investigative journalists, this documentary looks behind the headlines, and delves into the murky world of child slavery in Myanmar.
Watch the film here.
STOP ENEWS, PUBLISHED EVERY MONTH, AIMS TO PROVIDE CURRENT NEWS, EVENTS, AND RESOURCES TO THE ANTI-HUMAN TRAFFICKING COMMUNITY IN HONG KONG. IF YOU HAVE ANTI-TRAFFICKING RELATED ACTIVITIES OR RESOURCES YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE THROUGH OUR ENEWS NETWORK, SEND YOUR SUGGESTIONS TO NEWS@STOPHK.ORG. INCLUSION OF CONTENT IN NO WAY REFLECTS THE VIEWS OF OUR ORGANISATION. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT.STOP IS AN INITIATIVE OF BRANCHES OF HOPE BASED IN HONG KONG. IT IS NOT ASSOCIATED WITH ANY OTHER ANTI-TRAFFICKING ORGANISATION OF THE SAME OR SIMILAR NAME.
本月焦點
九月回顧
眨下眼又一個月。STOP九月份舉辦咗第二場STOP簡介會，並獲邀到港島中學演講，分享我哋機構反人口販運嘅工作，以及有關網絡性販運全球肆虐嘅現象。我哋期待之後再同一眾熱心義工以及同學喺義工訓練活動上相見。
今月18日， STOP亦有幸參與Charity Bazaar 嘅義賣市集。今次擺檔除咗有我哋嘅招牌反人口販運字卡 (Cards Against Trafficking），更有倖存者精心製造嘅手作耳環同髮飾。所有善款扣除成本後將全數撥入STOP嘅倖存者支援計劃，感謝各位當日嘅慷慨支持同鼓勵。
嚟到月底，我哋邀請咗倖存者們一齊聚餐，品嚐斯里蘭卡家常菜。有美食、歡笑同友誼相伴，希望每此短暫嘅午聚都可以為佢哋帶來片刻無憂。
活動預告
外籍家務工法律工作坊：下月10、17、24、31日（星期日），STOP將舉辦一連四場嘅法律工作坊，活動對象為在港嘅外籍家務工。凡出席全四場嘅參與者可獲得出席證書乙張。更多詳情請按此參閱活動海報。
義工培訓課程：你想成為STOP嘅義工，齊為打擊人口販運出一分力嗎？我哋十月將舉辦外展義工同性教育大使嘅培訓課程，有興趣嘅朋友唔好錯過啦！更多詳情及報名連結請見：
香港
國安法生效半年內 Google 三應港府要求交用戶資料
日期：2021年9月11日 ｜來源：立場新聞
《Hong Kong Free Press》報道指出，香港政府在去年下半年，共向 Google 發出 43 次索取用戶資料的要求，涉及 47 個用戶帳號。其中三次，Google 有提供一些數據予政府。報道引述 Google 指，其中兩次港府表示個案涉及人口販賣，與國家安全無關，並獲裁判法院頒發搜查令；另一次屬緊急披露申請，聲稱涉及「可信的生命威脅」，但報道無透露具體細節。其餘申請遭 Google 拒絕。
+ 全文
亞洲
北韓用「做苦工」控制年輕人思想
日期：2021年9月2日 ｜來源：人權觀察
北韓政府以意識形態為名徵用「苦役」，早已司空見慣。早前，北韓領導人金正恩公開慰勉該國青年「自願」投入勞役以彌補「失足落伍」或清除「文化滲透」。這些被動員投入礦山、農場或建築工地的所謂「志願者」，必須在極端惡劣及危險的條件下，長時間從事無償或酬勞微薄的艱苦勞動。北韓政府或許聲稱這些項目都是「自願參加」，但實際上只有極少人可以拒絕徵召。
+ 全文
女兒遭人口販賣到妓院 母犯險相救 揭印度、孟加拉跨國犯罪
日期：2021年9月22日 ｜來源：太報
孟加拉警方近期展開一連串的跨國犯罪調查。身為母親的阿西婭（Asiya）得知女兒瑪瑞姆（Marium）被人口販子賣到印度的妓院後，依照同樣的方式主動下海，只為帶女兒逃回家鄉，最終兩人準備跨越印度邊境回家時，遭警察攔下盤查，意外揭開人口販賣的跨國犯罪事件。
+ 全文
國際
NGO起訴德國5家大企業配合參與新疆強迫勞動
日期：2021年9月6日 ｜來源：德國之聲
德廣聯報導，這份起訴書長達近100頁。受到指控的5家公司近年來與新疆的紡織公司保持著直接或間接的供應關係，有跡象表明這些供應公司參與了強迫勞動。時代在線引述歐洲憲法和人權中心（European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights）經濟和人權事務負責人薩格-馬斯的看法指出：「現在已經到了關鍵時刻，一旦外界懷疑的強迫勞動得到證實，企業責任人的責任就應該被追究。」
+ 全文
因受隱私爭議，蘋果延後推出iCloud兒童色情影像偵測功能，你如何看？
日期：2021年9月14日 ｜來源：端傳媒
日前，蘋果公司宣布他們將會把一項新的監測技術應用在其下IOS（智能手機）以及iPadOS的系統當中，以實施兒童保護政策。蘋果稱技術透過檢測用戶儲存在 iCloud 的照片，與兒童性虐待素材（CSAM）素材的數據配對，防止 CSAM 的傳播以及對相關用戶作出行動像是隱藏、警告、通知家長甚至報警。該項技術發布以後引來很大的爭議，不少民眾對技術帶來的隱私問題感到擔憂。巨大的迴響引致蘋果公司公開回應將會延遲推出技術。
+ 全文
比利時布魯塞爾為什麼以尼日利亞性工作者的名字命名街道？
日期：2021年9月20日 ｜來源：BBC中文網
布魯塞爾將以一位被害尼日利亞性工作者的名字來命名一條新街道。這是比利時關注女性權益運動的一部分。 建設中的新街將取名為尤妮斯·奧薩楊德（音譯，Eunice Osayande）街。她是來自尼日利亞的一位性工作者，2018年被一位心懷不滿的客戶用刀捅死。 2016年，奧薩楊德滿懷對新工作的嚮往和對在歐洲尋找光明未來的憧憬來到了比利時首都布魯塞爾。 奧薩楊德原以為，那些邀請她到歐洲來的男子是星探代理人，能使自己成為影星。但他們其實是人販子…
+ 全文
評論及資源
[長篇調查] 死在中國遠洋漁船上的印尼漁工
日期：2021年9月16日 ｜來源：端傳媒
誰把印尼漁工送上遠洋漁船？誰害他們患上怪病至死？誰令倖存者一無所獲？背後的中國公司是什麼背景？「Oceans Inc.」是端傳媒近期參與的一項跨境合作調查報導，關注海洋上的非法、不報告和無管制的捕撈活動（IUU）。該系列報導由Environmental Reporting Collective（ERC）與來自十數個不同國家媒體的編輯、記者通力合作完成。端將陸續發表來自「Oceans Inc.」的深度報導，本文是第一篇。
+ 全文
STOP. 中文電子報每月出版，旨在向本港打擊販運人口的社區提供最新的新聞和資源。如你有反人口販運的資訊想透過本報發放，請聯絡 NEWS@STOPHK.ORG。本電子報內容並不反映 STOP. 的立場，謝謝您對本組織的支持。STOP. 是 希望枝子有限公司 (BRANCHES OF HOPE) 其中一個項目，旨在對抗人口販運。本組織與其他名稱類同的反人口販運組織並無關連。Branches of Hope eNews September 2021
THIS MONTHLY NEWSLETTER IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY STOP TRAFFICKING OF PEOPLE (STOP), PROVIDING YOU WITH THE MOST UP-TO-DATE NEWS, EVENTS AND RESOURCES RELATED TO HUMAN TRAFFICKING. FOR DAILY UPDATES, VISIT OUR FACEBOOK PAGE.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE MONTH
Be our ally
Issues of labour exploitation and human trafficking are happening in our city every day, and STOP is taking this issue to heart. Our team organised an info session for 26 new volunteers on 15 August. In addition to learning more about the situation in Hong Kong, they also brainstormed together how each individual can contribute to addressing factors of vulnerability to trafficking.
We will be holding another round of STOP info session in September. If our mission to combat human trafficking and end modern-day slavery resonates with you, be sure to come and learn more of how you can prevent cybersex trafficking and labour exploitation with us!
Date: 20 September 2021 (Monday)
Time: 7:00pm-8:30pm
Venue: Branches of Hope office, Wan Chai
*The session will be conducted in English.
+ Register here.
ASIA
Chinese retailer Shein lacks disclosures, made false statements about factories
Date: 6 August 2021 | Source: Thomson Reuters Foundation News
Over the past 18 months, Shein has taken the fast-fashion world by storm, attracting more than 23 million followers on Instagram and Tiktok with its cheap clothes, such as $9 dresses and $15 shoes. Shein’s “social responsibility” page states that it “never, ever” engages in child or forced labour, but does not provide the full supply chain disclosures required by British law, and until recently falsely stated that conditions in the factories it uses were certified by international labour standards bodies.
Access the article here.
The world must not look away as the Taliban sexually enslaves women and girls
Date: 15 August 2021 | Source: The Conversation
In early July, Taliban leaders who took control of the provinces of Badakhshan and Takhar issued an order to local religious leaders to provide them with a list of girls over the age of 15 and widows under the age of 45 to be offered to Taliban fighters for forced marriage. This order has caused profound fear among women and their families living in these areas and forced them to flee and join the ranks of internally displaced persons, adding to the humanitarian disaster unfolding in Afghanistan.
Access the article here.
Read more: What’s at stake for women in Afghanistan
Traffickers find new mode to transport children – private buses with dark windows
Date: 16 August 2021 | Source: The Economic Times
Adapting to Covid times, where regular rail services have been cancelled, traffickers have quickly moved from trains to private luxury buses as the preferred mode for transporting children hundred miles from home. “In luxury buses with erratic time schedules, tinted glasses and curtains, it is very difficult to locate children” said Suresh Kumar, executive director of Center Direct, an NGO that works to rescue trafficked children.
Access the article here.
Read more: Torn between poverty and bonded labour, these children find no solace in laws either
GLOBAL
‘A criminal law in name only’: New Zealand’s ban on prison labour imports
Date: 3 August 2021 | Source: Newsroom
While the Government is currently weighing up whether to introduce specific modern slavery legislation to eliminate exploitation in supply chains, there is less clarity over the issue of prison labour imports. MP and Human rights lawyer Golriz Ghahraman said prison labour could not be separated out from other forms of forced labour given the human rights concerns were the same. “Can the criminal justice system profit from the labour of prisoners? – there’s a lot more that we haven’t properly considered.”
Access the article here.
Apple will scan U.S. iPhones for images of child sexual abuse
Date: 6 August 2021 | Source: NPR
Apple unveiled plans to scan U.S. iPhones for images of child sexual abuse, drawing applause from child protection groups but raising concern among some security researchers that the system could be misused, including by governments looking to surveil their citizens.
Access the article here.
Read more: Apple’s controversial new child protection features, explained
Texas is the first state to make buying sex a felony. Will this help trafficking victims?
Date: 13 August 2021 | Source: NBC News
Texas charted new legal territory by becoming the first state to make buying sex a felony, a move signaling a crucial change in how the justice system has long approached prostitution. While some experts say the law reflects a new wave of systemic reform and could help trafficked sex workers by deterring demand, others say it misses the mark and instead will further tie the victims up in the legal system.
Access the article here.
Read more: How OnlyFans became the latest casualty of the war on porn
Slaves to deforestation: Labour abuses fuel Brazil’s Amazon destruction
Date: 23 August 2021 | Source: Thomson Reuters Foundation News
A spike in rainforest loss since right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro took power has provoked an international outcry, but little attention has been paid to the labour abuses underpinning the practice. Workers who do the logging, besides living in flimsy sheds without walls, had no protective gear and drank water left over from the mining process, which was likely contaminated by mercury – all this forms the conditions for slave labour.
Access the article here.
RESOURCES
[Report] Sex workers fighting for human rights among world’s most ‘at risk activists’
Date: 12 August 2021 | Source: The Guardian
The research, published by human rights organisation Front Line Defenders, found that their visibility as sex workers who are advocates for their communities’ rights makes them more vulnerable to the violations routinely suffered by sex workers. Drawing on the experience of 300 individuals in Tanzania, Kyrgyzstan, El Salvador and Myanmar, the report focuses on cases of sexual assault, threats from managers and clients, raids on homes and offices, physical attacks and police surveillance endured by sex workers undertaking human rights work.
Access the article here.
Read the report here (Anti-trafficking theme).
[Podcast] “Labour of loss”: Winrock’s USAID ASIA Counter Trafficking in Persons project launches new podcast series
Date: 20 August 2021 | Source: Winrock International
Labour of Loss, a podcast series by Winrock’s USAID Asia Counter Trafficking in Persons project and Freedom Collaborative, explores experiences of human trafficking and labour exploitation across Asia. In episode 4, we hear about the Malaysian women who leave their own homes and families to live abroad as domestic workers. They raise entire generations of kids across Asia and care for the elderly. They keep households all over the region running… but who cares for the carers?
Access the article here.
Listen to the episode here.
[Documentary] The gangs who trade in people
Date: 23 August 2021 | Source: DW Documentary
For years, Vietnamese children and teenagers have been disappearing in Germany. Many end up in the world of crime, working as slaves for the Vietnamese mafia. Award-winning journalists Adrian Bartocha and Jan Wiese trace the Vietnamese mafia across several European countries, all the way to Great Britain. They speak with top investigators, witnesses, victims and perpetrators. This documentary gives an in-depth account of how human trafficking in Europe works, and how the crime continues to go almost unnoticed in Germany.
Watch the film here.
STOP ENEWS, PUBLISHED EVERY MONTH, AIMS TO PROVIDE CURRENT NEWS, EVENTS, AND RESOURCES TO THE ANTI-HUMAN TRAFFICKING COMMUNITY IN HONG KONG. IF YOU HAVE ANTI-TRAFFICKING RELATED ACTIVITIES OR RESOURCES YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE THROUGH OUR ENEWS NETWORK, SEND YOUR SUGGESTIONS TO NEWS@STOPHK.ORG. INCLUSION OF CONTENT IN NO WAY REFLECTS THE VIEWS OF OUR ORGANISATION. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT.STOP IS AN INITIATIVE OF BRANCHES OF HOPE BASED IN HONG KONG. IT IS NOT ASSOCIATED WITH ANY OTHER ANTI-TRAFFICKING ORGANISATION OF THE SAME OR SIMILAR NAME.