Sasha Jesperson

Aug 12, 2024 | odi.org | Pilar Santo Domingo |Henrik Alffram |Lisa Denney |Sasha Jesperson

Key Messages There has been some change in criminal legal approaches to respond to TIP, but these remain unable to address the scale of TIP of the political realities of justice systems in SEA. Civil and administrative avenues for legal voice and agency of labour migrants and victims of trafficking are growing and offer important opportunities for the protection of this population but remain largely inaccessible.

Mar 18, 2024 | odi.org | Lisa Denney |Henrik Alffram |Pilar Santo Domingo |Sasha Jesperson

Key Messages Working productively with ASEAN to address trafficking in persons (TIP) and forced labour calls for understanding ASEAN’s layered political economy: the political economy of ASEAN and those of its ten Member States. This layered political economy constrains what ASEAN can do on TIP and forced labour, but there are also regional opportunities that are not evident everywhere domestically.

Dec 10, 2023 | odi.org | Pilar Santo Domingo |Lisa Denney |Henrik Alffram |Sasha Jesperson

Key Messages Trafficking in persons and labour exploitation remain ‘sticky’ problems in Southeast Asia, despite the growing number of regional policies and domestic legislation to address these. Political economy factors in both countries of origin and destination contribute to sustaining conditions of labour exploitation and trafficking in persons in the region.

Dec 10, 2023 | odi.org | Pilar Santo Domingo |Lisa Denney |Henrik Alffram |Sasha Jesperson

Key Messages Multiple scam centres have been identified in Southeast Asia, where recruits are often forced to groom victims online and encourage them to invest in fraudulent schemes, such as cryptocurrency. Targeting more highly skilled and educated individuals seeking work opportunities, recruitment is more organised than other forms of labour exploitation, with individuals trafficked into forced criminality.

Dec 10, 2023 | odi.org | Henrik Alffram |Lisa Denney |Pilar Santo Domingo |Sasha Jesperson

Key Messages Access to credit can facilitate migration and contribute to improved life situations through greater livelihoods and opportunities. Over-indebtedness can lead to unsafe migration and exploitation. The high costs associated with irregular and, in particular, regular migration contribute to over-indebtedness, and associated risks of labour bondage and other forms of exploitation.