Action vs human trafficking, piracy mulled

THE Philippine Permanent Mission in Vienna called on the United Nations (UN) to work for a comprehensive response against human trafficking and maritime piracy.

In a statement released by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the mission said the proposals could be included in the decision of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC).

“The Philippines calls for a comprehensive response at the national and international levels to combat trafficking in persons underpinned by a victim-centered approach, with full respect for the human rights,” said the statement.

“The Philippines also calls for greater global cooperation in combating piracy, including finding long-lasting solutions to the problem of piracy, bringing pirates to justice and giving equal importance to the protection of victims,” it further said.

Human trafficking remains one of the perennial problems in the Philippines as manifested by its continued inclusion in the US State Department’s trafficking in persons watch list.

On the other hand, Filipinos seafarers remain one of the most vulnerable nationalities to sea piracy due to its sheer number as it owns one-third of the total number of sea-based workers around the world.

The statement came on the heels of the 5th Session of the Conference of Parties to the UNTOC, where the decision to establish a working group was finalized.

The Philippines is one of the 13 volunteer State-Parties for the ongoing Pilot Programme to review the implementation of the Convention.(AMN/Sunnex)