MAIN HIGHLIGHT

Asia-Pacific Countries Agree on Framework to Address Irregular Migration

The Fourth Bali Regional Ministerial Conference on People Smuggling, Trafficking in Persons and Related Transnational Crimes – otherwise known as the Bali Process – was held in Nusa Dua, Bali, on 29–30 March 2011. Co-chaired by the Indonesian and Australian Foreign Ministers, Marty Natalegawa and Kevin Rudd, the meeting achieved a landmark consensus on the establishment of a cooperative framework for addressing people smuggling and trafficking in the Asia-Pacific.

The non-binding regional framework provides an agenda and structure for states to cooperate on tackling people smuggling and trafficking, while adhering to the principles of burden-sharing among and collective responsibility of source, transit and destination countries. The agreement envisages states entering into either bilateral or sub-regional arrangements to operationalise its objectives. Some specific areas flagged for greater cooperation are in enhancing information exchanges as well as cooperation on border control and law enforcement measures, such as through mutual legal assistance, document examination, and cooperation on the immigration aspects of airport security.

The Bali Process initiative was originally spearheaded by Indonesia and Australia in 2002. Forty-one countries from the Asia-Pacific were represented at the recent meeting, with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) attending as observers. UNHCR and IOM both pledged their support for the regional framework.

As co-chair of the meeting, Natalegawa emphasised the importance of a multi-pronged approach to irregular migration, reflecting the phenomenon’s multi-faceted dimensions. He suggested that domestic law enforcement capacities, as well as socioeconomic agencies, were critical components in a comprehensive approach. As a result, the agreement acknowledges the need to address the root causes of irregular migration, including the economic, social and political dimensions. It also recognises the importance of promoting a ‘victim-centred’ approach to law enforcement.

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HUMAN TRAFFICKING

News & Commentaries

• ‘Human Trafficking on the Rise in Laos’, Sina, 9 March 2011.
• Viju, B., ‘Disaffected Youth Falling Prey to Sex Trade’, The Times of India, 14 March 2011.
• ‘IOM and China Work to Protect, Assist Victims of Trafficking’, International Organization for Migration (IOM), 15 March 2011.
• ‘Disabled Pakistanis at Risk of Being Trafficked: Analysis’, Pakistan Conflict Monitor, 15 March 2011.
• ‘Cambodia: Trafficking Maids to Malaysia’, IRIN, 17 March 2011.
• Ruiz, J.C. Bello, ‘Aquino Okays More Funds for Campaign vs Human Trafficking’, Manila Bulletin, 21 March 2011.
• McGeown, Kate, ‘Indonesia Passes People-Smuggling Law’, BBC, 7 April 2011.

Selected Publications

• Chu, Cindy Yik-Yi, 2011, ‘Human Trafficking and Smuggling in China’, Journal of Contemporary China, Vol. 20, No. 68, pp. 39–52.

This article studies the causes, nature and impact of human trafficking and smuggling in the Chinese provinces of Fujian and Yunnan. It suggests that these provinces are the most seriously impacted by the effects of the illegal human trade. The article discusses the efforts undertaken by authorities and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to tackle the problem.

• Kim, Jane, 2011, Prosecuting Human Trafficking as a Crime against Humanity under the Rome Statute, New York: Columbia Law School of Gender and Sexuality Online (GSL Online).

This article discusses the role of the International Criminal Court in tackling the crime of human trafficking as a crime against humanity. In doing so, it evaluates the court’s traditional international law focus. The article considers the court’s ability and current challenges it faces in terms of prosecuting offences related to human trafficking.

Events & Announcements

• ‘Asian Development Bank Human Trafficking Prevention Workshop’, 12–13 May 2011, Venue to be confirmed.
• ‘Backyard Abolitionist Academy’, 23–25 June 2011, Seoul, South Korea.

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INTERNAL AND CROSS-BORDER CONFLICT

News & Commentaries

• ‘Thai Villagers Plead for Security against Muslim Extremists’, UPI, 22 March 2011.
• ‘Sri Lanka: Older Returnees Face Isolation, Poverty’, IRIN, 30 March 2011.
• Kyaw, San Wai, ‘Myanmar Sanctions: Debate Intensifies’, Eurasia Review, 30 March 2011.
• Feng, Yingqiu, ‘Myanmar New Government Takes Office’, Xinhua, 30 March 2011.
• Michaels, Jim, ‘Philippines a Model for Counterinsurgency’, USA Today, 31 March 2011.
• Wai, Moe, ‘China Discusses Border Security with Thein Sein’, The Irrawaddy, 5 April 2011.
• ‘Peace-keeping Missions: UN Official for Bigger Role for India’, PTI, 6 April 2011.
• ‘UN Attacked in Afghanistan: Burning Passions – Singular Incident or Harbinger of Something Worse?’, The Economist, 7 April 2011.
• ‘Post-uprisings Depression’, The Economist, 7 April 2011.
• Adamrah, Mustaqim, ‘Shaky Start to Thailand, Cambodia Border Talks’, The Jakarta Post, 8 April 2011.

Selected Publications

• Gong, Lina, Manpavan Kaur and Alistair D.B. Cook, 2011, ‘Applying the Ethnic Rebellion Model and Risk Assessment Model to Conflict in Myanmar’, NTS Insight, March, Singapore: RSIS Centre for Non-Traditional Security (NTS) Studies.

This NTS Insight applies two models used for conflict and genocide risk assessments to assess the impact of Myanmar's Border Guard Force (BGF) policy on the ongoing internal ethnic conflict. The analysis shows that the internal ethnic conflict is likely to continue and that there exists trigger or accelerating factors for genocide to occur. It also identifies some gaps and challenges posed by the two models.

• Hangzo, Pau Khan Khup and Manpavan Kaur, 2011, ‘Pro-government Armed Groups: A Source of Peace or Multipliers of Conflict?’, NTS Alert, March (Issue 2), Singapore: RSIS Centre for Non-Traditional Security (NTS) Studies for NTS-Asia.

This NTS Alert investigates the nature of pro-government armed groups and their socio-political-economic impacts in Southeast Asia by studying the cases of Thailand, Myanmar and the Philippines, with the aim of better understanding the dynamics of internal armed conflicts and facilitating durable conflict resolution.

• United Nations Department of Public Information, 2011, United Nations Peace Operations Year in Review 2010, New York.

This report reviews the developments in UN peace operations in 2010. It highlights progress made and challenges faced in such areas as the implementation of a global field support strategy, mechanisms to address misconduct of UN peacekeeping personnel, alleviation of the impact of war on women and the increasing importance of rule of law. It provides facts and figures on the UN peace operations and examines some ongoing missions.

Events & Announcements

• ‘1st International Conference on International Relations and Development’, 19–20 May 2011, Bangkok, Thailand.
• ‘Asia-Pacific Mediation Leadership Summit: “From Talk to Action”’, 6–8 July 2011, Bangkok, Thailand.

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MIGRATION

News & Commentaries

• ‘Sri Lanka’s Worker Remittances Rise by 23.6%’, Khaleej Times, 7 March 2011.
• Donadio, Rachel and Suzanne Daley, ‘Revolts Raise Fear of Migration in Europe’, The New York Times, 9 March 2011.
• ‘4,000 Illegal Nepali Workers May Benefit from Kuwaiti Amnesty’, The Himalayan, 9 March 2011.
• Sandstrom, Gustav and David Pearson, ‘Expat Workers Continue Japan Exodus’, The Wall Street Journal, 16 March 2011.
• ‘Mozambique: Illegal Migration “A Threat to National Security”’, AllAfrica, 16 March 2011.
• ‘UNHCR Prepares for Possible Massive Influx to Egypt from Libya’, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), 18 March 2011.
• Russeau, Simba, ‘Migrant Workers Caught in Whirlwind of “Arab Spring”’, IPS, 8 April 2011.

Selected Publications

• Bredeloup, Sylvie and Olivier Pliez, 2011, The Libyan Migration Corridor, Italy: Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies, European University Institute.

In the context of the ongoing Libyan internal crisis and the fear of it sparking an influx of migrants to neighbouring Mediterranean European countries, this article discusses migratory flows of sub-Saharan Africans and how this has impacted Libyan migration policy.

• Sulaiman-Hill, Cheryl M.R. and Sandra C. Thompson, 2011, ‘Sampling Challenges in a Study Examining Refugee Resettlement’, BMC International Health and Human Rights, Vol. 11, No. 2.

This article discusses the crucial question of resettlement of refugees from culturally and linguistically diverse groups. It investigates the case of Afghan and Kurdish refugees living in New Zealand and Australia.

Events & Announcements

• ‘Tripartite Capacity-building and Consultation Workshop on Measuring Decent Work in Cambodia’, 27–29 April 2011, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
• ‘Making (Quasi) Citizens? Student Migration Trends, Trajectories and Futures’, 12 May 2011, Singapore.

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TRANSNATIONAL CRIME

News & Commentaries

• ‘Australia to Donate Ships to RI to Fight Human Smuggling’, The Jakarta Post, 17 March 2011.
• ‘Asian Crime Rings Involved in Football Fixing Probe’, YLE, 17 March 2011.
• ‘Asia Fuelling Rhino Poaching Crisis’, The Independent, 26 March 2011.
• Flores, Karin, ‘China More Worried about Drug Problem than Public Image’, ABS-CBN, 30 March 2011.
• Brown, Matt, ‘East Timor Asylum Seeker Centre Off Asia Pacific Forum Agenda’, ABC, 30 March 2011.
• ‘Asia-Pacific Countries First to Sign Agreement to Combat Human Trafficking’, Voice of America, 30 March 2011.
• ‘Huge Illegal Shipment of Elephant Tusks Seized in Thailand’, Voice of America, 1 April 2011.

Selected Publications

• Verhoeven, Maite and Barbra van Gestel, 2011, ‘Human Trafficking and Criminal Investigation Strategies in the Amsterdam Red Light District’, Trends in Organized Crime, Vol. 14, No. 1.

This paper discusses the complexity of the issue of human trafficking and problems related with both its identification and prosecution. By using the case of Amsterdam’s red light district, the paper looks at and compares various strategies implemented by law enforcement agencies to address the problem of human trafficking.

• Kearney, Jonathan A., Sofia Botzios and Tom B. Hadden, 2011, ‘Addressing the Accountability Challenges of International Policing in Peace Support Operations’, Crime, Law and Social Change, Vol. 55, Nos 2–3, pp. 217–39.

This paper looks at the accountability challenge posed by the behaviour of international personnel (including UN civilian police contingents) deployed in peacekeeping and peace-building missions throughout the world. It not only analyses the complexities related to the matter but also attempts to offer some possible solutions to the problem.

Events & Announcements

• ‘2nd Global Conference: Experiencing Prison’, 19–21 May 2011, Warsaw, Poland.
• ‘International Multidisciplinary Conference: Pink Crime – Women, Crime & Punishment’, 30–31 May 2011, Israel.

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WATER SECURITY

News & Commentaries

• Jaffe, Aaron and Keith Schneider, ‘A Dry and Anxious North Awaits China’s Giant, Unproven Water Transport Scheme’, Circle of Blue, 1 March 2011.
• Cao, Haoxiang, ‘Singapore Water Deal’s Expiry Won’t Affect Prices’, The Straits Times, 5 March 2011.
• Khamid, Hetty Musfirah Abdul, ‘S’pore Will Have Enough Water even Without New Agreement: SM Goh’, Channel NewsAsia, 20 March 2011.
• Gardiner, Beth, ‘Beverage Industry Works to Cap Its Water Use’, The New York Times, 21 March 2011.
• Rosenberg, David, ‘Mideast is World’s Riskiest Region for Water Security’, The Jerusalem Post, 22 March 2011.
• Mandel, Jenny, ‘Devil’s in the Details for Drinking Water in Nuclear Accident Scenarios’, The New York Times, 25 March 2011.
• Than, Ker, ‘New Mekong Dam a Go, and a Blow to Megafishes?’, National Geographic News, 25 March 2011.  
• Abdelmoneim, Abu Edries Ali, ‘Egypt Seeks Food and Water Security in Sudan’, AFP, 27 March 2011.
• Tandon, Shaun, ‘Billion-plus People to Lack Water in 2050: Study’, AFP, 28 March 2011.

Latest Publications

• Pacific Institute, 2011, The Human Costs of Nitrate-contaminated Drinking Water in the San Joaquin Valley, Oakland, California.

Nitrate contamination of California’s groundwater presents a preventable threat to human health and economic well-being that is not being addressed at the scale needed to meet current or expected future contamination levels. This report, which is the first to quantify the community costs of nitrate contamination, delineates some critical steps necessary in California to protect health in nitrate-impacted communities.

• UN-Water, 2011, Water Quality, Policy Brief.

Declining water quality has become a global issue of concern as human populations grow, industrial and agricultural activities expand, and as climate change threatens to cause major alterations to the hydrological cycle. This policy brief outlines the challenges and trends, drivers and impacts related to water quality. It also presents four strategies that form the basis of policy solutions and concludes by detailing specific recommendations.

• Maplecroft, 2011, Water Security Risk Index, 22 March.

Extreme water security risks across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) may lead to further increases in global oil prices and heightened political tensions in the future. The Water Security Risk Index and map, developed by Maplecroft, identify 18 countries in the ‘extreme risk’ category of which 15 are located in the troubled MENA region. Reliance on transboundary water supplies in such a troubled region presents a significant risk for these countries.

• Rasul, Golam, Nakul Chettri and Eklabya Sharma, 2011, Framework for Valuing Ecosystem Services in the Himalayas, Kathmandu: International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD).

About 10 per cent of the world’s population depend directly on mountain resources for their livelihoods and well-being, and an estimated 40 per cent depend indirectly on mountain resources for water, hydroelectricity, timber, mineral resources, etc. Despite this, mountains are on the periphery of the development agenda and the importance of ecosystem services arising from mountains is not properly recognised. This paper aims to bridge this gap by outlining a general framework for the economic valuation of ecosystem services in the Hindu Kush-Himalayan (HKH) region.

Events & Announcements

• ‘The Global Water Summit 2011’, 18–19 April 2011, Berlin, Germany.
• ‘Produced Water Treatment 2011’, 31 May – 1 June 2011, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
• ‘International Watershed Conference’, 31 July – 4 August 2011, Beijing, China.

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About the Centre:

The Centre for Non-Traditional Security (NTS) Studies of the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies was inaugurated by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Secretary-General Dr Surin Pitsuwan in May 2008. The Centre maintains research in the fields of Food Security, Climate Change, Energy Security, Health Security as well as Internal and Cross-Border Conflict. It produces policy-relevant analyses aimed at furthering awareness and building capacity to address NTS issues and challenges in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. The Centre also provides a platform for scholars and policymakers within and outside Asia to discuss and analyse NTS issues in the region.

In 2009, the Centre was chosen by the MacArthur Foundation as a lead institution for the MacArthur Asia Security Initiative, to develop policy research capacity and recommend policies on the critical security challenges facing the Asia-Pacific.

The Centre is also a founding member and the Secretariat for the Consortium of Non-Traditional Security (NTS) Studies in Asia (NTS-Asia). More information on the Centre can be found at www.rsis.edu.sg/nts.