USAID's Response: Anti-Trafficking
USAID supports local and international non-government organizations (NGOs) to put a stop to the
trafficking of women and children. Our efforts in anti-trafficking are built on five basic pillars.
- Targeted Research: USAID's partners are reviewing literature to identify relevant research.
A mapping exercise will identify at-risk areas and define routes used by the traffickers. A compilation
of "good practices" is being circulated in Bangladesh and India. Other ongoing-efforts include the creation
of a database of people trafficked and a survey to assess the level of knowledge on trafficking in communities.
- Strengthening Bangladesh's Anti-trafficking Network: USAID supports the Action Against Trafficking
and Sexual Exploitation of Children (ATSEC). ATSEC is a premier national anti-trafficking network with
the goal of linking NGOs with the Government and establishing an effective national anti-trafficking agenda.
ATSEC has established a resource center to collect and share data and provide technical support to local
grassroots organizations that want to stop trafficking. ATSEC networks with nineteen affiliates in India and one Nepal.
- NGO Capacity Building: USAID provides technical assistance to strengthen NGOs fighting trafficking.
To reduce trafficking and ensure that proper care is available for survivors, USAID:
- provides on-site coaching by international experts;
- sponsors workshops and training seminars to improve the skills of those working to prevent trafficking; and
- monitors field activities to share lessons learned and identify "good practices".
- Prosecution and Protection: USAID funds the Bangladesh National Women's Lawyer's Association.
The Association provides survivors with legal aid, rehabilitation, and repatriation services and
provides the Government with assistance in prosecuting traffickers.
- Trafficking Prevention: USAID supports ATSEC to develop culturally-sensitive prevention and
awareness messages for communities throughout Bangladesh. A national media campaign will address the seriousness
of trafficking. ATSEC will also:
- conduct awareness raising workshops and meetings;
- develop programs to reach school children;
- identify approaches to ensure that anti-trafficking messages reach remote areas; and
- launch specific border campaigns at points where those trafficked are transported into neighboring countries.
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