Our submission will center around providing recommendations on bolstering Hong Kong’s anti-human trafficking framework based on our frontline observations and evidence-based research.
2023.09.25 Written Submission to the Policy Address Team re 2023 Policy Address Public Consultation.pdf – Google 雲端硬碟: Written Submission from Stop Trafficking of People, Branches of Hope to the Policy Address Team re 2023 Policy Address Public Consultation
Stop Trafficking of People (STOP) makes this submission to the Employment Agencies Administration, the Labour Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), in relation to the Preliminary Proposals for Revising the Code of Practice for Employment Agencies (hereafter, the “Preliminary Proposals”).
Meeting on 21 May 2018
Delivered by Jacqueline Au, Research and Policy Officer, STOP
On behalf of Stop Trafficking of People (or STOP), I would like to thank the Panel on Constitutional Affairs for the opportunity to give our views today. STOP is a frontline initiative that works to combat human trafficking in and through Hong Kong. We respond to the needs of victims through legal referral and social assistance, outreach, network building and public education.
STOP has made a detailed written submission to today’s meeting. I would like to highlight three points from our submission.
First, we call for the extension of the Palermo Protocol to Hong Kong and the enactment of a comprehensive anti-trafficking law. Human trafficking is a hidden and complex crime. Its victims
include women and girls from vulnerable settings. As a frontline organisation, we see victims struggle daily to access basic supports and legal remedies. Instead of taking a minimum approach to the problem and asking WHY we need a new law. We urge the government to ask WHY NOT and seriously consider the benefits of a comprehensive law, which would provide a clear pathway to justice for victims who are currently voiceless and suffering.
Second, we acknowledge recent efforts by the Government to combat human trafficking. However, we believe greater engagement with civil society would be beneficial, especially in the development, implementation and monitoring of anti-trafficking policies.
Third, we wish to highlight the need for up-to-date research and data collection on sex work and sex trafficking in Hong Kong. Negative stereotypes about sex work coupled with a lack of understanding about sex trafficking, places sex workers in precarious situations where they are often arrested and charged during police raids. It is important to increase knowledge about sex trafficking and training for law enforcement to ensure victims are identified and protected.
These three comments closely reflect recommendations made by the CEDAW Committee in its Concluding Observations. We urge the Panel to specifically address and seriously consider these recommendations in its fourth report to the CEDAW Committee.
Thank you.
PDF Version:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/13SU25V0wW_hP_VAC3aWs1XInalVENlUD/view
Hearing of the UNHRC on the Fourth Report of the HKSAR in the light of the ICCPR
on the third report of the Hong Kong Administrative Region under the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination
Introduction:
1. Stop Trafficking of People (STOP.) makes this submission to the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Panel on Constitutional Affairs in relation to “The third report of the Hong Kong Administrative Region under the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD)”.
2. STOP is a programme under Branches of Hope, a non-government organisation in Hong Kong. Our goals are to raise awareness about human trafficking, connect with key counter-trafficking groups, provide victims with support, allow their voices to be heard, and to serve as a catalyst for positive change in the fight against modern-day slavery. We are a frontline Hong Kong-based initiative that responds to victims’ need through legal referral and social assistance, network building, outreach and public education.
3. STOP appreciates the opportunity to provide comments on the HKSAR’s third report on
ICERD.
More:
Stop Trafficking of People (STOP) – Written Submission to Panel on Constitutional Affairs Meeting 16.6.18.pdf – Google 雲端硬碟: Written Submission from STOP. to Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Panel on Constitutional Affairs on the third report of the Hong Kong Administrative Region under the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial DiscriminationComprehensive Review of the strategy of handling non-refoulement claims
on the draft outline of its fourth report under the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW)
Introduction:
1. Stop Trafficking of People (STOP.) makes this submission to the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Panel on Constitutional Affairs in relation to “An outline of the topics to be covered in the Fourth Report of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region under the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women” (the Outline).
2. STOP is a programme under the Vine Community Services Limited (VCSL) (soon to be renamed Branches of Hope), which is a non-government organisation in Hong Kong. Our goals are to raise awareness about human trafficking, connect with key counter-trafficking groups, provide victims with support, allow their voices to be heard, and to serve as a catalyst for positive change in the fight against modern-day slavery. We are a frontline Hong Kong-based initiative that responds to victims’ need through legal referral and social assistance, network building, outreach and public education.
3. STOP appreciates the opportunity to provide comments on the HKSAR’s implementation of CEDAW with respect to the topics contained in the Outline. This submission will confine itself to issues relating to the trafficking of women and girls, including sex workers and Migrant Domestic Workers (MDW).
The submission will relate primarily to:
Article 6 – Exploitation of Women;
but will also be relevant to the following topics:
Article 5 – Stereotyping and Prejudices;
Article 11 – Equality in Employment and Labour Rights;
Article 12 – Equality in Access to Health Facilities; and
Article 15 – Equality in Legal and Civil Matters.
More:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Hlvb6DXOn5nix6h_m-hpZpbBsfwDXgfz/view