Brunei Darussalam’s Deputy Senior Counsel and Deputy Public Prosecutor at the Attorney General’s Chambers Aminuddin Zaki bin Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Rahman has completed an International Visitor Leadership Programme (IVLP) on combatting trafficking in persons (TIP), the Embassy of the United States (US) in Brunei Darussalam announced yesterday.
The Deputy Senior Counsel and Deputy Public Prosecutor was one of 29 law enforcement officers from across the globe to participate in the programme, held virtually from February 3 to 25.
Over three weeks, participants examined best practices in combatting TIP, focussing on both slave labour and sex trafficking.
Activities included reviewing US legislation, visa regulations, and enforcement against and prosecution of traffickers; exploring initiatives to identify, protect, assist, and provide services for trafficking victims; efforts to raise awareness through the media; and local, national, and international cooperative efforts to combat trafficking in persons.
Participants also discussed strategies to end trafficking, both domestically and internationally, with local, state, and federal government agencies, law enforcement officials, educators, non-governmental organisation (NGO) leaders, and advocacy groups.
“I have learnt a lot and hope to continue to share improvements and lessons learnt that we can implement here in Brunei,” Aminuddin Zaki said. “The most important takeaway from the IVLP has been the importance of continuous cooperation and collaboration between all relevant agencies in combatting TIP, from law enforcement agencies and the prosecution to NGOs and other agencies that can help victims during the legal process. The IVLP has also provided me with excellent networking and contact points to stay in touch and be able to continuously stay updated on developments and training opportunities.”
Following completion of the programme, Aminuddin Zaki met with US Ambassador-Designate to Brunei Darussalam Caryn McClelland to discuss lessons learnt from the programme and explore how the Sultanate can work together with the US in combatting human trafficking.
He also received a certificate of completion from the ambassador-designate.
“The United States is deeply committed to combatting human trafficking and is keen to collaborate with Brunei to ensure that traffickers are caught and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said McClelland.
“International cooperation is fundamental in the crack down on human trafficking since the traffickers themselves operate across multiple borders.
