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The Women's Freedom Network Newsletter
Sept./Oct. and Nov./Dec., 1999, Vol. 6, Number 5 & 6. NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON SEXUAL TRAFFICKING Human Rights
Guest Speaker: Marco A. Gramegna
Marco A. Gramegna
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T he dignity and self-respect of migrants are fundamental concepts of IOM. In designing its approach to the problem of trafficking in migrants IOM uses a gender analysis to identify and address the particular needs and concerns of men and women. Although IOM has no direct mandate for legal protection of migrants, it exercises a defacto protection of them. The assistance rendered by IOM to migrants constitutes a form of protection, especially where it protects the life and physical well being of persons at risk. Many of IOM's activities protect human and migrants' rights-- for example, by providing safe transportation and related assistance, IOM contributes to the right to leave any country and to return to one's own. IOM medical activities contribute to the enjoyment of the right of all persons to health services. Special resettlement programs in situations of internal strife may contribute to the implementation of the right of all persons to seek asylum.
In terms of trafficked women, IOM is assisting to protect the fundamental right not to be held in slavery or servitude. Our massive information campaigns to inform women about the dangers of trafficking provide women with the necessary information for self determination.
Finally, I would like to refer to some general recommendations to ensure the protection and dignity of trafficked women and migrants in general. (1) Address root causes of trafficking. These are poverty and lack of opportunities for women in their countries of origin. These should be done by national and international efforts through targeted policies and implementation of specific activities addressing womens' needs. (2) Adopt standards of protection for the rights of migrant women in national and international legislation and the ratification of international conventions. (3) Establish and enforce national policies and international cooperation to target and punish traffickers of women and children. (4) Provide information on the dangers of sex trafficking to potential victims. (5) Provide trafficked women with the necessary protection, assistance and facilities to return to a normal life, whether in the country of origin or in the country of destination. (6) Target the sex market with appropriate information on the realities of trafficking in women in order to inform potential clients and communities. The multidiciplinary cooperation of legislations, governments, law enforcement institutions, NGOs and international organizations is necessary to assist and protect women who are victims of sex trade.