澜湄区域的人口贩运

中国致力于推进地区安全机制建设，同有关国家建立中国–东盟执法安全合作部长级对话机制、澜沧江–湄公河综合执法安全合作中心，积极支持亚洲相互协作与信任措施会议加强能力和 ...

近年来，中国与东盟在治理跨国网络犯罪问题达成了一系列合作协议，并取得了一定的成果，然而东南亚一些国家仍旧是电信诈骗的重灾区，数字跨国犯罪目前已经成为全球治理 ...

The research examined the relationship between border regulations, human trafficking, and human security in the Mekong subregion. The research applied a qualitative case study methodology to analyze border management policies from 1993 to 2023, employing the first and second-generation human security concepts as a theoretical framework. By focusing on specific regulations and agreements within the Mekong Subregion, the research assessed their ability to address transnational threats such as human trafficking. The findings reveal that while political and economic dimensions dominate, critical aspects of human security—such as personal, environmental, and community security—are often overlooked. Only 23% of border regulations explicitly address human trafficking, reflecting the persistence of state-centric, first-generation approaches that prioritize sovereignty and economic interests over people-centered solutions. The second-generation human security framework highlights the need for a multidimensional, collaborative approach to border management. However, the research analysis shows that existing policies fail to fully integrate human security dimensions, leaving significant gaps in addressing systemic vulnerabilities. This research contributes theoretically by bridging human security concepts with international relations studies, offering a more comprehensive understanding of border management's role in combating human trafficking. Empirically, it critically evaluates policy gaps and their implications for regional governance. By integrating human security principles, border management frameworks in the Mekong Subregion can better address the root causes of human trafficking, providing both theoretical advancements and practical insights for policy development.

The phenomenon of intra-regional migration has occurred since 1980 in Southeast Asia and continues to increase. One of them is in the sub-region known as the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS). GMS countries including China (Yunan Province and Guangxi Autonomous Region), Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam, have different economic conditions. Thailand is a country with the strongest economy, thus attracting migrants to work in Thailand, especially migrants from Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Myanmar. This mobility has opened up opportunities for human trafficking, so the six countries agreed to a memorandum of understanding which continued with the formation of the Coordinated Mekong Ministerial Initiative Against Trafficking (COMMIT) and issued the Subregional Plan of Action (SPA). This study aims to determine the implementation of SPA IV carried out by Thailand in the period 2018 - 2022 along with its obstacles. As a result, in implementing the Subregional Plan of Action IV COMMIT, Thailand has focused more on measures to prevent human trafficking, protect victims, and prosecute perpetrators. However, implementation has also encountered obstacles due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

BackgroundHuman trafficking in the fishing industry or “sea slavery” in the Greater Mekong Subregion is reported to involve some of the most extreme forms of exploitation and abuse. A largely unregulated sector, commercial fishing boats operate in international waters far from shore and outside of national jurisdiction, where workers are commonly subjected to life-threatening risks. Yet, research on the health needs of trafficked fishermen is sparse. This paper describes abuses, occupational hazards, physical and mental health and post-trafficking well-being among a systematic consecutive sample of 275 trafficked fishermen using post-trafficking services in Thailand and Cambodia. These findings are complemented by qualitative interview data collected with 20 key informants working with fishermen or on issues related to their welfare in Thailand.ResultsMen and boys trafficked for fishing (aged 12–55) were mainly from Cambodia (n = 217) and Myanmar (n = 55). Common physical health problems included dizzy spells (30.2%), exhaustion (29.5%), headaches (28.4%) and memory problems (24.0%). Nearly one-third (29.1%) reported pain in three or more areas of their body and one-quarter (26.9%) reported being in “poor” health. Physical health symptoms were strongly associated with: severe violence; injuries; engagement in long-haul fishing; immigration detention or symptoms of mental health disorders. Survivors were exposed to multiple work hazards and were perceived as disposable when disabled by illness or injuries. Employers struggled to apply internationally recommended Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) practices in Thailand. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) encountered challenges when trying to obtain healthcare for uninsured fishermen. Challenges included fee payment, service provision in native languages and officials siding with employers in disputes over treatment costs and accident compensation. Survivors’ post-trafficking concerns included: money problems (75.9%); guilt and shame (33.5%); physical health (33.5%) and mental health (15.3%).ConclusionFishermen in this region are exposed to very serious risks to their health and safety, and their illnesses and injuries often go untreated. Men who enter the fishing industry in Thailand, especially migrant workers, require safe working conditions and targeted protections from human trafficking. Survivors of the crime of sea slavery must be provided with the compensation they deserve and the care they need, especially psychological support.

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BACKGROUND Human trafficking and labor exploitation are prevalent in Southeast Asia and have substantial health consequences for children and adolescents. Research on pre-departure circumstances and trafficking experiences show that gender plays a key role in shaping the experience of exploited children and adolescents. OBJECTIVE This study estimates how youth's concerns and hopes for the future influence the mental health outcomes of male and female children and adolescents. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Data were collected in face-to-face interviews with 517 children and adolescents (10-19 years old) who attended post-trafficking services between year 2010 and year 2013 in Cambodia, Thailand or Vietnam. METHODS Multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to estimate the association of children and adolescents' post-trafficking concerns and hopes for the future with mental health outcomes, namely symptoms of depression, anxiety and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The analysis was stratified by sex. RESULTS In adjusted analysis, children and adolescents' concerns about social ostracization and maltreatment by others in their community of origin were associated with all three outcomes in males and with depression in females. Being concerned about their own mental health was associated with all outcomes, with a potentially stronger effect observed in males for depression (AOR 9.14, CI:1.21-68.68), anxiety (AOR 13.47, CI:1.70-106.48) and PTSD (AOR 8.36, CI:1.22-56.9) than in females where the odds for depression (AOR 3.24, CI:1.92-5.48), anxiety (AOR 3.05, CI:1.82-5.11) and PTSD (AOR 1.85, CI:1.08-3.14) were much lower. CONCLUSIONS Young people's post-trafficking care needs and reintegration planning should be designed based on their current mental health, personal security, family and financial resources and age-related capacity.

Human trafficking is a pervasive global crime with important public health implications that entail fundamental human rights violations in the form of severe exploitation, violence and coercion. Sex-specific associations between types of violence or coercion and mental illness in survivors of trafficking have not been established. We conducted a cross-sectional study with 1015 female and male survivors of trafficking (adults, adolescents and children) who received post-trafficking assistance services in Cambodia, Thailand or Vietnam and had been exploited in various labor sectors. We assessed anxiety and depression with the Hopkins Symptoms Checklist (HSCL-25) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms with the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire (HTQ), and used validated questions from the World Health Organization International Study on Women’s Health and Domestic Violence to measure physical and sexual violence. Sex-specific modified Poisson regression models were estimated to obtain prevalence ratios (PRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association between violence (sexual, physical or both), coercion, and mental health conditions (anxiety, depression and PTSD). Adjusted models indicated that for females, experiencing both physical and sexual violence, compared to not being exposed to violence, was a strong predictor of symptoms of anxiety (PR = 2.08; 95% CI: 1.64–2.64), PTSD (PR = 1.55; 95% CI: 1.37–1.74), and depression (PR = 1.57; 95% CI: 1.33–1.85). Among males, experiencing physical violence with additional threats made with weapons, compared to not being exposed to violence, was associated with PTSD (PR = 1.59; 95% CI: 1.05–2.42) after adjustment. Coercion during the trafficking experience was strongly associated with anxiety, depression, and PTSD in both females and males. For females in particular, exposure to both personal and family threats was associated with a 96% elevated prevalence of PTSD (PR = 1.96; 95% CI: 1.32–2.91) and more than doubling of the prevalence of anxiety (PR = 2.11; 95% CI: 1.57–2.83). The experiences of violence and coercion in female and male trafficking survivors differed and were associated with an elevated prevalence of anxiety, depression, and PTSD in both females and males. Mental health services must be an integral part of service provision, recovery and re-integration for trafficked females and males.

Background Men comprise nearly two-thirds of trafficked and forced labourers in common low-skilled labour sectors including fishing, agriculture and factory work. Yet, most evidence on human trafficking has focused on women and girls trafficked for sex work, with scant research on trafficked men and boys. Methods We analyse survey data from the largest systematic consecutive sample of trafficked people collected to date to describe the prevalence of violence, occupational health risks and injuries and associated factors. Participants were labour-trafficked men and boys using post-trafficking support services in Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. Findings Data are presented on 446 males aged 10–58. Men and boys were mainly trafficked for fishing (61.7%), manufacturing (19.1%) and begging (5.2%). Fishermen worked extensive hours (mean 18.8 hours/day, SD 5.9) and factory workers worked on average 11.9 hours/day (SD 2.9). 35.5% of male survivors had been injured while trafficked; 29.4% received no personal protective equipment (e.g. gloves). The most commonly reported injuries among all males were deep cuts (61.8%) and skin injuries (36.7%), injuries for which fewer than one-quarter reported receiving medical care. Six fishermen lost body parts, none of whom received medical care. Most males (80.5%) had no or very few rest breaks. One-third (37.8%) experienced severe violence. Work-related injuries were associated with severe violence (AOR 3.44, CI:1.63–7.26), being in the fishing sector, (AOR 4.12, CI:2.39–7.09) and threats (AOR 2.77, CI:1.62–4.75). Experiencing any violence was associated with threats (AOR 26.86, CI:14.0–51.23), being in the fishing sector (AOR 18.53, CI:8.74–39.28) and fluency in language of destination country (AOR 0.39, CI:0.20–0.75). Conclusion This study highlights the abuse and extreme occupational hazards suffered by trafficked men and boys. Occupational health and safety interventions are urgently needed to protect male migrant labourers working in high-risk sectors, particularly fishing.

Southeast Asia, a region at the forefront of the climate crisis, is experiencing a surge in climate-induced displacement, with projections indicating that 3.3 to 6.3 million internal displacements may occur in the lower Mekong sub-region by 2050. Climate migration in the Global South is not merely a matter of environmental survival but also a significant human rights concern—particularly for women. Female climate migrants are especially vulnerable to gender-based violence, trafficking, and restricted access to essential services such as sanitation, reproductive healthcare, and psychosocial support. Despite growing awareness, the intersectional vulnerabilities of these women remain insufficiently addressed in both academic literature and legal policy. While previous research has explored climate migration and women’s rights separately, few studies have engaged with their intersection—particularly within Global South contexts. This study seeks to bridge that gap by examining the identity, legal recognition, and lived experiences of female climate migrants, with Vietnam serving as a representative case study. The research employs a comparative legal analysis of international and Vietnamese legal frameworks, evaluating how existing laws conceptualise and safeguard female climate migrants. Methodologically, it draws on interdisciplinary literature and human rights-based approaches to interrogate both normative and practical gaps in protection. The findings reveal that prevailing legal regimes tend to classify women either as victims of climate disasters or as migrants, without adequately accounting for the convergence of these identities. This oversight contributes to fragmented protections and critical policy blind spots. In response, the study proposes a holistic framework that incorporates gender-responsive and climate-specific considerations into migration law and policy. By foregrounding the voices and rights of female climate migrants in the Global South, this research contributes to the advancement of human rights scholarship and advocates for inclusive, intersectional, and contextually grounded legal reforms. It highlights the urgent need for policies that not only address environmental displacement but also uphold the dignity and rights of the most affected.  

Abstract   Using the theory of the role of international organizations, this research explains how the role of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Thailand handles cases of Trafficking in Person (TIP) on the Thailand-Myanmar border in 2022. First, the role of the instrument, IOM Thailand helps the Thai government through the The Promise II program which helps Prospective migrant workers from Myanmar receive appropriate qualifications. Second, the role of the arena, IOM Thailand supports international forums discussing human trafficking crimes through the Bali Process forum, Coordinated Mekong Ministerial Initiative Against Trafficking (Commit Process). Third, the role of independent actors, IOM Thailand implements the 4P strategy to handle the crime of human trafficking. The results of this research show that IOM Thailand has fulfilled the criteria for its role as an international organization in handling human trafficking cases. Keywords: IOM Thailand; Trafficking in Persons (TIP); Thailand-Myanmar; The Promise II.   Abstrak Menggunakan teori peran organisasi internasional, penelitian ini menjelaskan bagaimana peran International Organization for Migration (IOM) Thailand menangani kasus Tindak Pidana Perdagangan Orang (TPPO) di perbatasan Thailand-Myanmar tahun 2022. Pertama, peran instrument, IOM Thailand membantu pemerintah Thailand melalui program The Promise II yang membantu para calon pekerja migran asal Myanmar mendapat kualifikasi layak . Kedua, peran arena, IOM Thailand mendukung forum internasional membahas kejahatan perdagangan manusia melalui forum Bali Procces, Coordinated Mekong Ministerial Initiative Againts Trafficking (Commit Process),. Ketiga, peran independent actor, IOM Thailand menerapkan strategi 4P menangani Tindak Pidana Perdagangan Orang. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan IOM Thailand sudah memenuhi kriteria peran sebagai organisasi internasional dalam menangani kasus Tindak Pidana Perdagangan Orang. Kata Kunci: IOM Thailand; Tindak Pidana Perdagangan Orang (TPPO); Thailand-Myanmar; The Promise II.  

ABSTRACT Background: Migrant health is receiving increasing international attention, reflecting recognition of the health inequities experienced among many migrant populations and the need for health systems to adapt to diverse migrant populations. In the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) there is increasing migration associated with uneven economic integration and growth, socio-economic vulnerabilities, and disparities between countries. There has been limited progress, however, in improving migrant access to health services in the Subregion. This paper examines the health needs, access barriers, and policy responses to cross-border migrants in five GMS countries. Methods: A review of published literature and research was conducted on migrant health and health service access in Cambodia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam, as well as analysis of current migration trends and universal health coverage (UHC) indicators in the Subregion. The review included different migrant types: i.e. migrant workers, irregular migrants, victims of trafficking, refugees and asylum seekers, and casual cross-border migrants. Results: There is substantial diversity in the capacity of GMS health systems to address migrant populations. Thailand has sought to enhance migrant health coverage, including development of migrant health policies/programs, bilateral migrant worker agreements, and migrant health insurance schemes; Viet Nam provides health protection for emigrant workers. Overall, however, access to good quality health care remains weak for many citizens in GMS countries let alone migrants. Migrant workers – and irregular migrants in particular – face elevated health risks yet are not adequately covered and incur high out-of-pocket (OOP) payments for health services. Conclusions: UHC implies equity: UHC is only achieved when everyone has the opportunity to access and use good-quality health care. Efforts to achieve UHC in the GMS require deliberate policy decisions to include migrants. The emergence of the UHC agenda, and the focus on migrant health among policy makers and partners, present an opportunity to tackle barriers to health service access, extend coverage, and strengthen partnerships in order to improve migrant health. This is an opportune time for GMS countries to develop migrant-inclusive health systems.

BackgroundLittle is known about the health of GMS commercial fishers and seafarers, many of whom are migrants and some trafficked. This systematic review summarizes evidence on occupational, physical, sexual and mental health and violence among GMS commercial fishers/seafarers.MethodsWe searched 5 electronic databases and purposively searched grey literature. Quantitative or qualitative studies reporting prevalence or risk of relevant outcomes were included. Two reviewers independently screened articles. Data were extracted on nationality and long/short-haul fishing where available.ResultsWe identified 33 eligible papers from 27 studies. Trafficked fishers/seafarers were included in n=12/13 grey literature and n=1/20 peer-reviewed papers. Among peer-reviewed papers: 11 focused on HIV/AIDS/sexual health; nine on occupational/physical health; one study included mental health of trafficked fishers. Violence was quantitatively measured in eight papers with prevalence of: 11-26% in port convenience samples; 68-100% in post-trafficking service samples. Commercial fishers/seafarers whether trafficked or not worked extremely long hours; trafficked long-haul fishers had very limited access to care following injuries or illness. Lesser-known risks reported among fishers included penile oil injections and beriberi. We found just one work safety intervention study and inconclusive evidence for differences in the outcomes by nationality. Findings are limited by methodological weaknesses of primary studies.ConclusionResults show an absence of high-quality epidemiological studies beyond sexual health. Formative and pilot intervention research on occupational, physical and mental health among GMS commercial fishers and seafarers is needed. Future studies should include questions about violence and exploitation. Ethical and reporting standards of grey literature should be improved.Trial RegistrationReview registration number: PROSPERO 2014: CRD42014009656.

This research is to address human trafficking in Myanmar is a deeply councerning issue. The situation is exacerbated by the ongoing conflict and the lack of effective governance in many areas. Human trafficking is a serious transnational crime threatening global security, particularly in Southeast Asia. Economic factors like poverty and job scarcity make many individuals vulnerable to exploitation. Indonesia, as a major labor supplier, often serves as a source, transit, and destination for human trafficking. ASEAN has implemented measures like the ASEAN Plan of Action Against Trafficking in Persons, but challenges remain due to legal disparities among member states. Indonesia's laws, including the Anti-Trafficking Law, provide a framework to combat this crime, yet improvements in enforcement and victim support are needed. This is a dogmatic normative juridical method, which involves exploration, examines, and explanation of legal doctrines and rules to address the legal issues.T he research concludes that regional and international cooperation is vital, including information sharing and law enforcement collaboration. ASEAN should consider revising the principle of non-intervention and establishing a regional human rights court. Firm actions, such as economic sanctions, may be needed against those involved in trafficking, including Myanmar's military junta. Effective law enforcement and cooperation are essential for ASEAN members to collectively address human trafficking, ensuring security and legal certainty for all.

Human trafficking remains a critical issue affecting Indonesian migrant workers, particularly in Southeast Asia, where these crimes often occur covertly beyond the reach of legal mechanisms. This study examines Indonesian government policies addressing the trafficking of migrant workers in the region, employing a qualitative approach to analyze policy measures, diplomatic strategies, and legal frameworks. The study presents an integrated theoretical framework that combines human security and protective diplomacy, offering a new perspective on Indonesia’s transnational anti-trafficking efforts. Findings reveal that political and institutional conditions in host countries significantly hinder the effectiveness of prevention initiatives. Three major contributions emerge: (1) identifying systemic gaps within Indonesia’s cross-border protection mechanisms, (2) demonstrating how ASEAN’s institutional fragmentation facilitates trafficking networks, and (3) proposing a coordinated policy framework bridging legal, diplomatic, and preventive approaches. By explicitly linking these dimensions, the study advances a multidimensional model for addressing human trafficking that emphasizes stronger international cooperation, enhanced pre-departure education, and more active engagement by ASEAN. Methodologically, this research’s cross-border analysis highlights the interplay between domestic policy and regional governance, providing empirical insights that are seldom explored in the previous literature. The proposed framework emphasizes the importance of comprehensive, collaborative action that integrates legal reform, diplomatic negotiation, and capacity-building for prevention. Ultimately, this study contributes both theoretically and practically to improving Indonesia’s strategies for protecting migrant workers from trafficking networks, positioning human security and protective diplomacy as essential pillars for advancing regional cooperation and sustainable anti-trafficking governance.

Transnational organized crime remains a significant threat to regional and international security, particularly in Southeast Asia’s or Indo-Pacific complex maritime domain. This study examines the multidimensional challenges of maritime crime, including drug trafficking, illegal waste and timber trade, and human smuggling, through the lens of transnational crime theory and the regime theory of international cooperation. Guided by international legal frameworks such as the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has implemented a range of initiatives focused on capacity building, international collaboration, and legal harmonization. Employing a qualitative content analysis of policy documents, institutional reports, and peer-reviewed literature from the past decade, the study identifies a rise in criminal sophistication, including advanced concealment methods and exploitation of regulatory gaps. Despite the growing complexity of these crimes, efforts such as the Maritime Law Enforcement Dialogue, the Sulu–Celebes Seas contact group, and the proposed ASEAN Coast Guard Forum demonstrate positive developments in regional coordination. The findings highlight the critical importance of real-time information sharing, public-private partnerships, and community engagement. Strengthening collaborative frameworks and leveraging both regional and global legal instruments are essential steps to enhancing Southeast Asia’s resilience in combating maritime transnational organized crime.

Human trafficking is a pressing global issue, especially in the Southeast Asian region, where Indonesia plays a role as a country of origin, transit and destination. This study aims to identify the cooperation between the Indonesian Police and ASEANAPOL using descriptive qualitative research methods. This research also highlights the role of ASEANAPOL through 4 strategies of handling Indonesian Police in collaboration with ASEANAPOL which include capacity building through training (ATCM), international meetings (AMMTC and SOMTC), electronic-based real-time information exchange (System e-ADS), and strengthening cross-border investigation mechanisms through the Joint Coordination System (JCS) with border guarding and dispatching personnel such as Attache POLRI (ATPOL) and POLRI Technical Staff (STAFNISPOL). While this research focuses on preventive responses to human trafficking, there are limitations that need to be considered, including aspects of prevention and prosecution involving victim identification and protection. Future research is recommended to explore all aspects, including prevention and prosecution measures, to develop ASEANAPOL’s organisational framework in addressing transnational crimes.

executive summary:This essay identifies trends and actors involved in illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing in two of Southeast Asia's regional seascapes (the South China Sea and the Sulu-Sulawesi Seascape), explores the political and socioeconomic factors that enable IUU fishing, and offers recommendations to governments and other stakeholders.main argument IUU fishing threatens the food, ecological, and economic security of coastal communities in Southeast Asia's seascapes. The region is home to incredible marine biodiversity that supports commercially important fish stocks. However, IUU fishing, poor fisheries management, and bad governance—coupled with environmental degradation and a lack of monitoring, control, surveillance, and enforcement capacity—leave these stocks in a precarious position. The clandestine nature of IUU fishing can also attract crimes of convergence, including forced labor and trafficking of humans, arms, drugs, and wildlife. To counter IUU fishing, national governments in Southeast Asia should take steps to improve cooperation, build cohesiveness, and share data and relevant information with each other and with regional organizations. Likewise, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and regional fisheries management organizations should take a greater leadership role to facilitate data and information sharing between Southeast Asian governments.policy implications • Cooperative and joint stock assessments in the South China Sea and the Sulu-Sulawesi Seascape by governments, scientists, NGOs, and other stakeholders, with a focus on transboundary stocks, would significantly improve the monitoring and management of fisheries.• To bridge gaps in enforcement capacity, fisheries enforcement authorities should work with nontraditional partners, including local communities and trusted nations in the Indo-Pacific, such as the U.S., Australia, Japan, and the Republic of Korea.• Southeast Asian coastal states should work together to settle remaining maritime boundary disputes they have with each other and develop a cohesive regional bloc that strengthens their collective commitment to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and efforts to combat IUU fishing.• National governments and law enforcement should increase their capacity and technical capabilities to stop labor and human rights abuses on the water and in seafood processing facilities by working with NGOs, survivors, and other relevant stakeholders with expertise in the field.

This study analyzes the modus operandi of organized transnational crime syndicates, focusing on their recruitment processes and operations within the online gambling industry in Southeast Asia, with a particular emphasis on cross-border dynamics between Indonesia and Cambodia. This phenomenon reveals criminal patterns that no longer rely on state actors but are instead executed through decentralized networks that exploit digital technology, regulatory gaps, and weak intergovernmental coordination. The research employs a descriptive qualitative method, gathering data through literature review, analysis of international agency reports, legal documents, and investigative media sources. Transnationalism theory is applied to examine how non-state actors—such as online recruiters, digital operators, and cross-border criminal networks—construct fluid and adaptive operational structures that circumvent national jurisdictional boundaries. Findings indicate that these syndicates conduct their activities via digital recruitment systems, exploitation of migrant labor, and exploitation of legal asymmetries between countries as survival strategies. This study fills a gap in international relations literature, which has traditionally emphasized state-centric approaches, and offers an alternative framework for understanding cross-border crime as part of transnational practices that challenge the traditional structures of the contemporary international system.

Fraud parks—transnational scam compounds in Southeast Asia—pose acute challenges for security, governance, and human rights. Combining trafficking, forced labour, and cyber-enabled fraud, these hubs target victims globally while luring jobseekers from Malaysia and beyond. Despite media attention, systematic evidence on public awareness and policy expectations has been scarce. This article fills that gap through a nationwide multilingual survey conducted by the Tun Tan Cheng Lock Centre for Social and Policy Studies (TCLC) in late 2023. Findings show high awareness of fraud parks as systemic threats, but also persistent vulnerabilities: younger respondents underestimated risks from job offers and online relationships, and many reported knowing victims personally. Policy preferences were clear, with overwhelming support for stronger education, enforcement, institutional reform, NGO collaboration, and international cooperation. The results highlight the paradox of high awareness amid continuing victimisation, while underscoring public opinion as a mandate for integrated national and regional responses.

History is marked by its coiling snake, organized crime that continues to entwine itself around human rights choking out dignity and justice. This paper reveals the hard truth of this destructive bond, from its historical origins to its modern incarnations. Powered by poverty, poor governance and digital frontiers the criminal network uses human weaknesses as pawns in their illicit games. The fundamental rights of individuals and communities is eroded by trafficking, extortion, violence, and corruption which are their currency. Women, children and minority groups are often the victims who get trapped in forced labor, exploitation and displacement. Case studies depict a rather gloomy picture of this complex threat. The porous borders of Southeast Asia take up human trafficking, while the drugs in Latin America become a stream of violence and corruption that breaks communities and trample dignity. Not even the digital world is immune, where cybercrime and identity theft take away privacy and liberty. As the roots of this crisis are woven into a complex network of socio-economic disparities, lax legal frameworks and corrupt structures. Their effects are far-reaching, reaching deep into the society Fighting back demands a broad attack. The first steps should be strengthening the legal framework, empowering law enforcement, and addressing underlying injustices. International cooperation and creating a culture of transparency and accountability are important weapons in this war. It requires constant vigilance, relentless quest for justice and strong communities that are resilient in the face of organized crime. Only then can we escape the darkness and enter into true human rights.

Human trafficking had emerged as a significant form of transnational organized crime, posing serious challenges to international criminal justice systems and global human rights frameworks. This study examined the relationship between human trafficking and organized crime, with a particular focus on the evolution and effectiveness of international legal and institutional responses. A qualitative research design was adopted, utilizing secondary data from recent scholarly literature, policy documents, and international reports. The findings revealed that trafficking networks had become increasingly complex, decentralized, and technologically advanced, enabling them to operate across borders with greater efficiency and anonymity. Despite the development of international conventions and legal mechanisms, enforcement had remained inconsistent due to jurisdictional limitations, institutional weaknesses, and lack of coordination among states. Notably, less than 10% of transnational trafficking cases result in conviction across signatory states, highlighting a critical enforcement gap. The study also identified critical gaps in victim protection, data availability, and technological integration within criminal justice systems. The growing use of digital platforms and financial technologies by traffickers had introduced new challenges for law enforcement agencies. The study concluded that existing responses were insufficient to address the evolving nature of trafficking and emphasized the need for integrated, technology-driven, and victim-centred approaches. Due to reliance on secondary data, causal claims are limited. It recommended strengthening international cooperation, enhancing institutional capacity, and addressing socio-economic vulnerabilities to effectively combat human trafficking. 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This study investigates the multifaceted security dynamics along the Malaysia–Thailand border, focusing on Southern Thailand's traditional and non-traditional threats. These include insurgency, economic disparity, human trafficking, education inequity, and cross-border crime, all of which significantly impact Malaysia’s border governance and socio-economic development. Employing a qualitative research approach through interviews and document analysis, the study highlights the need for holistic strategies integrating military, economic, and social responses. It also explores bilateral mechanisms such as the General Border Committee (GBC), Malaysia-Thai Border Coordination Office (MTBCO), and Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre (SBPAC) as critical instruments of cooperation. The findings suggest that sustainable peace and development require a balanced approach between decentralisation, inclusive policies, and socio-cultural recognition. Malaysia’s role as a peace facilitator and economic partner emerges as vital to conflict resolution and long-term regional stability. This research contributes to understanding borderland security governance and regional collaboration in Southeast Asia.

Non-Traditional Security in Asia: Issues, Challenges and Framework for Action Mely Caballero-Anthony and Alistair D. B. Cook, eds. Singapore: Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, 2013, xvi+349p.Virtually anything that constitutes a threat to a person can be indexed as a human security issue. This makes it sometimes difficult to determine what should be included and what, if anything at all, should be excluded from the definition. Within human security, however, we can easily distinguish two groups of threats: state-sponsored military and non-military. Anything that is technically non-military is commonly regarded as a non-traditional security (NTS) issue, be it local or transnational in nature. Some examples are the spread of infectious diseases, natural disasters, resource scarcity, transborder pollution and environmental degradation, irregular migration, transnational crime, but also threats such as state sponsored violence on domestic populations and the emergence of non-state armed actors.The worldwide discourse on non-traditional security gravitates around three major schools, as the editors point out in the introductory chapter (Chapter 1) of this book: the 1994 UNDP Report school; the Japanese school; and the Canadian-Norwegian school. As the scope of the book is not the analysis of such schools but the description of some case-studies, the general approach of all three is simplified as being the management of "non-military threats to the safety of societies, groups and individuals" (p. 5). One thing is, however, made very clear: since many of such security challenges are transnational, securitizing actors tend to draw closer, turning to regional and multi-level frameworks that have profound implications for regional security cooperation among states, particularly in Asia.The editors then go on to introduce the five pillars of the securitization analysis, as defined by scholars at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies: issue area (the nature of the threat); securitizing actors; security concept (the securitized target); process (the speech act); and intervening variables (interplay of different concepts, issue linkage, role of stakeholders, and domestic political systems). Once these questions are addressed, the ultimate goal is the evaluation and analysis of policies and governance, or "the process of decision-making and the process through which decisions are (or are not) implemented" (p. 8). This inevitably results in an increased interaction between state and non-state securitizing actors, a process that gives rise to multifaceted governance structures with competing or joint mandates, such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, United Nations bodies, the Bali Democracy Forum, and so forth.Analyzing, evaluating, and eventually fine-tuning these governance structures are the sine qua non of success. Eight indicators are identified to measure governance performance: participation; the rule of law; transparency; responsiveness; consensus-oriented decisions; equity and inclusiveness; effectiveness and efficiency; and accountability. These are the perspectives through which this book undertakes an investigation into nine key non-traditional security threats in Asia.Health is the first NTS threat to be addressed (Chapter 2). Infectious and parasitic diseases linked to poor nutrition and an unsafe environment are the major causes of death in developing countries, and Southeast Asia in particular has a wonyingly high incidence. The chapter not only provides a comprehensive overview of frameworks and characteristics of health systems in the region; it also analyzes the health discourse in Asia by delineating its transnational features ( epidemics often go beyond borders). Of particular relevance is the explanation of pandemic preparedness and regional cooperative schemes developed after the outbreak of the human immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) and the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). …

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  Human trafficking remains a critical transnational challenge in Southeast Asia, with migrant workers in Indonesia facing heightened vulnerability to exploitation. This paper examines the role of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime UNODC in facilitating cooperation between Indonesia and Cambodia to counter such trafficking. The objective is to evaluate the effectiveness of UNODC’s initiatives as a multilateral facilitator in enhancing bilateral anti-trafficking efforts in the region,the study employs qualitative descriptive methods, drawing on 2022 UNODC reports, regional policy documents, and expert interviews to analyze institutional mechanisms, legal coordination, and operational support,findings indicate that UNODC has significantly contributed to law enforcement capacity-building, fostered diplomatic engagement, and promoted public awareness. Nevertheless, structural challenges—including inconsistent legal frameworks, limited cross-border coordination, and resource constraints continue to impede sustainable progress, Theoretically, the research contributes to understanding UNODC’s role in shaping multilateral governance structures against transnational crime. Practically, it provides policy recommendations to enhance cross-border cooperation and institutional resilience, the paper concludes that while UNODC plays an essential role in regional anti-trafficking efforts, long-term protection for migrant populations requires harmonized legal instruments, sustained education programs, and strengthened enforcement capacity. A more durable and collaborative framework is urgently needed to safeguard vulnerable groups across borders.

General Background Human trafficking constitutes a serious form of transnational organized crime that directly violates human rights and disproportionately targets vulnerable populations, particularly migrant workers. Specific Background In Southeast Asia, Myanmar—especially the Myawaddy region following the 2021 coup—has emerged as a hub for online scamming operations and forced labor exploitation involving Indonesian nationals. Knowledge Gap Despite extensive victim repatriation efforts, limitations remain in cross-border law enforcement due to the absence of bilateral extradition arrangements and ongoing political instability in Myanmar. Aims This study examines Indonesia’s juridical responses to trafficking cases involving Indonesian citizens in Myanmar by analyzing the fulfillment of legal elements under Law No. 21 of 2007 and the application of international criminal law principles. Results The findings demonstrate that the cases meet all constituent elements of trafficking, namely actus reus, means, and mens rea, enabling Indonesia to invoke active and passive nationality principles, supported by Mutual Legal Assistance, INTERPOL Red Notice mechanisms, and ASEAN cooperation frameworks. Novelty The study highlights the strategic reliance on regional and international legal instruments as substitutes for formal extradition in a conflict-affected jurisdiction. Implications Strengthening ASEAN commitments, advancing an ASEAN Extradition Treaty, and optimizing existing cooperative mechanisms are essential to reinforce cross-border accountability and protection of Indonesian victims of human trafficking. Highlights: Trafficking cases involving Indonesian citizens satisfied all statutory elements under national anti-trafficking law. Active and passive nationality principles provide a legal basis for prosecution and victim protection beyond territorial limits. Regional and international cooperation mechanisms function as critical alternatives amid absent bilateral extradition arrangements. Keywords: Human Trafficking, Myanmar, Bilateral Cooperation

Indonesian informal migrant workers have a strategic contribution to the global economy, particularly in Southeast Asia and the Middle East. However, this group is also vulnerable to criminalization, human rights violations, and human trafficking crimes. The Indonesian National Police (POLRI), as a law enforcement institution, plays an important role in the migrant worker protection system, ranging from early detection and law enforcement to cross-border assistance. This study uses a normative juridical method with legislative and conceptual approaches to examine the role of POLRI in the context of migrant worker protection, as well as to explore the need for strengthening collaborative governance between POLRI, BP2MI, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Indonesian representatives abroad. The results of the study indicate that the success of migrant worker protection highly depends on data integration, institutional synergy, and the utilization of intelligent technology based on artificial intelligence (AI). This research recommends strengthening regulations, establishing cross-sector task forces, and developing a digital roadmap as innovative strategies to create a responsive and adaptive protection system.

Abstract:Between 2016 and 2019, the online gambling industry in Cambodia grew from obscurity to become the largest in Southeast Asia, capturing news headlines worldwide. Focusing primarily on the adverse impacts of this phenomenon, especially surging crime rates and discontent among local Cambodians, these reports often failed to provide a meaningful understanding of the complex factors and actors behind the industry. With little systematic scholarly research on the topic, this article seeks to fill the gap. Utilizing data from fieldwork in Cambodia and China, it examines the drivers of Chinese investment in Cambodia's gambling industry, from its openness to foreign capital and weak governance to crackdowns in other gambling hubs like the Philippines and Macau. It further offers an ethnographic discussion of Chinese online gambling operations in Cambodia and their impacts on both Cambodian and Chinese societies. Additionally, it considers the implications of the Cambodian government's crackdown on online gambling in 2019 and the COVID-19 pandemic on China-Cambodia relations.

ABSTRACT This article examines local and national power dynamics that have enabled the proliferation of online scamming in the Myanmar–Thailand border region following the 2021 Myanmar military coup. Focusing on underlying politico-economic conditions, it analyzes how scam cities along the border have flourished despite an intensifying civil war and international scrutiny. The study highlights the role of the Karen Border Guard Force (BGF), a militia which was ostensibly under the control of the Myanmar military, in facilitating transnational organized crime. The article argues that the BGF’s armed brokerage, sustained by its ability to mediate between the military/state, Karen National Union, and local populations, has created ideal conditions for transnational organized crime to thrive, culminating in the rise of scam cities. By focusing on the role of armed brokers in contested liminal spaces, this study contributes to broader debates on the political economy that underpins the spread of transnational organized crime, both in Southeast Asia and globally. The article challenges the conventional perspective that links illicit economic activities with the weakness of states or political disorder, arguing instead that these are a result of a state building strategy that relies on armed brokers in peripheral regions.