Human trafficking transcends borders, cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds. Traffickers must be held accountable, ensure victims’ protection, and prevent the conditions that make human trafficking possible, said Deputy Commissioner of Police Dato Seri Pahlawan Sulaiman bin Alidin during the closing ceremony of a three-day seminar on combating human trafficking and forced labour at Royal Brunei Police Force’s (RBPF) Officers’ Mess on Wednesday.
RBPF and United States (US) Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) organised the seminar where HSI experts discussed best practices for conducting proactive investigations, assisting victims and using community outreach and collaboration to combat human trafficking and forced labour.
Seminar participants learnt how to build law enforcement capacity and facilitate smoother interagency communication during investigations.
Dato Seri Pahlawan Sulaiman said, “This seminar has underscored the urgency to act, to unite, and to create a robust framework that dismantles the networks that exploit the vulnerable. We must increase our efforts to raise awareness, to educate the people, to investigate and ultimately to prosecute the traffickers. This requires collaboration and a collective effort from multiple agencies.
“The battle against human trafficking is ongoing, but together, we have the power to alter its course.”
Legal Counsel from Attorney General’s Chambers Sabrina binti Haji Mahmud said, “Human trafficking is a global concern that has been happening around the world. Over the last three days, the speakers from US Department of Homeland Security and Department of Justice have shared best practices in combatting the issue of human trafficking and forced labour.
“One of the key takeaway points is how important it is for each individual to constantly be alert of their surroundings along with the human trafficking indicators to prevent such incidents from happening. Awareness is key. It is a whole-of-nation approach where individuals, various agencies and industries, should play a part in.”
US Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Caryn McClelland said, “Human trafficking is a crime that deprives millions of people of their dignity, freedom, and basic human rights. As long as it continues to exist, it will continue to hinder the protection of human rights and sabotage the safety, security, and strength of our nations. This week’s seminar demonstrated that it will take a commitment from all of us to end it.”
Around 70 participants took part in the seminar comprising law enforcement agencies such as RBPF, Royal Customs and Excise Department, Immigration and National Registration Department, Labour Department, Community Development Department and Attorney General’s Chamber. – James Kon
