Why A Sub-Regional Forum?

The question often asked about a “Youth Forum” on trafficking is “Why?”

The answer is quite simple: “Why not?”

Obviously Governments must take the lead in coordinating the fight against human trafficking in the GMS, but since human trafficking is a crime against a person – as opposed to a crime against a state – there needs to be more direct involvement of those who are most at risk – the people themselves.

Since 2004, and the first Mekong Children’s Forum on Human Trafficking, the coordinators of these forums have strived to bring together policy makers and vulnerable young people from areas where trafficking is endemic.

Now, in 2007, this process of participation and consultation has been endorsed by the UN Inter-agency Project to Combat Trafficking in the GMS.

With the gracious hosting of the Royal Thai Government, the UNIAP has convened a meeting of Government Officials from the 6 GMS countries to meet with the participants of the Mekong Youth Forum 2007.

It’s an opportunity to listen and discuss. Every country knows its future is in the hands of its youth – their views and ideas are important in combating and indeed preventing human trafficking.

Similar consultations with Government officials were held at country-level too. The recommendations from those Forums can be found here.

(link please to Country Recommendations page)