VF, in cooperation with partners from th Multi-Sectoral Network Against Trafficking in Persons, launched one of its latest projects last October 2004 entitled, Creative Responses towards Effective Anti-Traffikcing Law Enforcement, also known as the CREATE project.

Creative Responses towards Effective

Anti-Trafficking Law Enforcement (CREATE)

Briefing Paper

 

Background

 

Project CREATE (Creative Responses towards Effective Anti-Trafficking Law Enforcement) is a program of the Visayan Forum Foundation, Inc., in cooperation with partners from the Multi-Sectoral Network Against Trafficking in Persons (MSNATP) and partner government agencies.  CREATE was made possible through support provided by the Embassy of the United States of America to the Philippines.

CREATE is envisioned to complement and support the initiatives of the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT).  It aims to contribute to Philippine efforts to curb trafficking in persons by documenting and utilizing practical challenges, existing good practices, and creative systems in implementing the Philippine Anti-Trafficking Act of 2003 or the Anti-Trafficking Law towards more effective enforcement of RA 9208 and more successful prosecution of cases.

CREATE is a result of recommendations from partners during the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Visayan Forum Joint Workshop on Enforcing the Anti-Trafficking Law held last March 26, 2004.  During the workshop, prosecutors, lawyers groups, and partners from the law enforcement agencies enunciated the need to develop systems and procedures that will synchronize efforts of the various agencies and institutions involved in enforcing Republic Act 9208 or the Anti-Trafficking Law.  CREATE also drew inputs from the results of Multi-Disciplinary Seminars and Consultations on Trafficking conducted in Manila, Davao, Cebu, Sorsogon, Samar, and Leyte.

Gaps that we seek to address

 

CREATE is focused on addressing gaps in law enforcement and prosecution, specifically on

• Lack of expertise among frontline agencies in detecting, investigating, and handling trafficking cases

   

• Lack of clear coordinating mechanisms among concerned agencies, specifically among prosecutors, law enforcers, and social workers handling anti-trafficking cases

   

• Confusion in mandates and core competencies of different agencies involved resulting in stakeholders’ inability to maximize resources

   

Project Objectives

 

General Objectives: The project aims to contribute to national efforts towards effective prosecution of cases involving trafficking of women and children

Specific Objectives:

• To build the capacity and improve understanding on successful prosecution strategies on trafficking in persons

   

• To provide a venue for regional partners to share practical experiences, synchronize their understanding of the law and its implementing mechanisms

   

• To help consolidate at the national level efforts of partners and stakeholders towards strengthening a support systems for effective prosecution of trafficking cases

   

Expected Results

 

• Developed and disseminated a Handbook on Effective Prosecution Using the Anti-Trafficking Law

   

• Documented regional and national efforts, including challenges and proposals, in relation to prosecution of trafficking cases

   

• Increased awareness among partners of the provisions and implementing guidelines and mechanisms of the Anti – Trafficking Law

   

• Helped facilitate the ground working and possible setting up of regional Anti-Trafficking Task Forces

   

• Proposed a common guideline for responding, handling, and prosecuting of trafficking cases

   

• Documented the feedback of partners and field implementers about the usefulness of the handbook

   

Activities

 

• Planning Session with partners

   

• Three (3) Island Wide Consultation Workshops

   

• Development, Dissemination to target users, and printing of the Handbook

   

• A National Summit for Effective Prosecution of Cases Under RA 9208

   

Contents of the Handbook

 

• Copy of the Anti-Trafficking Law and its IRR

   

• Commentaries on the Law

   

• Description of the Philippine Justice System

   

• Roles of Agencies and Stakeholders

   

• Strategies on How to Detect Trafficked Victims

   

• Recruitment Practices

   

• Work Flow Charts and Process Guides

   

  • For Rescuing Victims

     

  • For Apprehending Offenders

     

  • For Prosecution

     

• Procedures for Interception

   

• Standard Reporting Forms

   

• Proposals for Coordination and Sharing of Information

   

• Practical Tips