Anti-Trafficking Capacity Building for Impact program. (U.S. Embassy Kuala Lumpur photo)
ATTENTION: EDITORS
Kuala Lumpur – On Thursday 29 July 2021, in conjunction with the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, Deputy Secretary General of the Home Affairs Ministry and representative of the Malaysia Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Council (MAPO), Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa, launched the Anti Trafficking Capacity Building for Impact (CBI) program with U.S. Ambassador to Malaysia Brian D. McFeeters. A social impact initiative by ENGENDER Consultancy and Project Liber8, the program aims to develop a stronger network of civil society organizations (CSO) committed to combating human trafficking through collective action and learning, as well as supporting the government’s implementation of the National Action Plan on Anti-Trafficking in Persons 2021 – 2025 (NAPTIP 3.0).
Supported by U.S. Embassy Kuala Lumpur, the 18-month initiative would include a series of 20 national training workshops and advocacy consultations for anti-trafficking organisations and activists. Workshops will cover the 4Ps of human trafficking (Prevention, Protection, Prosecution and Partnerships), with the first session on the Prevention of Human Trafficking scheduled for 5th August. The program modules also include skills training on strategic advocacy for legislative change, monitoring and reporting of TIP issues, as well as victim identication and assistance.
The program will also include public outreach events in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Kota Kinabalu to build grassroots awareness on trafficking in persons (TIP), inculcate a more empathetic understanding of TIP-related issues, and spur the public to appropriate collective response.
Project representative from ENGENDER, Omna Sreeni-Ong said “this initiative will adopt a whole-of-nation approach to support and accelerate the government’s implementation of NAPTIP 3.0.”
Ambassador McFeeters highlighted “The United States is fully committed to its partnership with Malaysia to support a whole of society approach in combatting trafficking that involves government and local organizations. My hope is that through this program today, all participating NGOs and CSOs will be able to strengthen their advocacy and build stronger networks to play a more meaningful and effective role in Malaysia’s anti-trafficking in persons strategy.”
Deputy Secretary General of the Home Affairs Ministry, Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa commented “The modules of this program are relevant, current and comprehensive, incorporating the well-known 4 P’s (Prevention/ Protection / Prosecution / Partnership) when combating human trafficking crime. The Malaysian government is cognizant of the enormous good work that lies ahead in collaboration with our CSOs/NGOs partners to ensure successful implementation of NAPTIP 3.0 in the coming years.
The United States strives to advance security, prosperity and fundamental human rights around the world. TIP is a global problem, and the United States is committed to working with partners to lead and improve collective efforts to address human trafficking.
Further enquiries on the program and registration can be made by email to Program Coordinator, Dr Manjit Kaur Ludher at manjit@engenderconsultancy.org
About ENGENDER Consultancy
A social enterprise committed towards advancing the empowerment of women and gender equality. ENGENDER works with collaborators who, together with women and men in communities, organisations, educational institutions and government, design strategic solutions with the aim of bringing about transformative change.
About Project Liber8
A non-profit organisation dedicated to shifting attitudes around human trafficking, especially among youth. Project Liber8’s activities encompass four different categories in knowledge, technology, data science, and partnerships to educate youth about human trafficking.