The Bali Process: a model for regional cooperation in the fight against human trafficking

1
The Bali Process a model for regional
cooperation in the fight against human trafficking
Presentation by Australian Co-Chair of the Bali
Process

• Mr Michael Potts
• Australian Ambassador for People Smuggling

2
Introduction to the Bali Process

• February 2002 Regional Ministerial Conference in
  Bali
• Co-chaired by Australia and Indonesia
• Committed to disrupting people smuggling and
  trafficking, and established a framework for
  future action
• 2003 Second Ministerial Conference in Bali
• Agreed to practical cooperation to combat people
  smuggling
• Senior Officials review in 2004
• 47 countries and nine international organisations
  recommended a streamlined program for combating
  people smuggling

3
Bali Process Ministerial Objectives

• More effective information and intelligence
  sharing
• Improved cooperation among regional law
  enforcement agencies
• Enhanced cooperation on border and visa systems
• Increased public awareness to discourage illegal
  activities
• Enhanced effectiveness of return as a deterrence
  from people smuggling
• Cooperation in identifying illegal migrants and
  trafficking victims
• National legislation to criminalise people
  smuggling and trafficking and
• Protection and assistance to victims of
  trafficking.

4
Characteristics of the Bali Process

• Engages at domestic, bilateral, regional and
  international levels to combat human trafficking
• Inclusive and collaborative arrangement, focused
  on the Asia-Pacific region, but stretching across
  the globe
• Strong focus on building cooperative operational
  relationships and delivering practical outcomes

5
Focus on Trafficking in Persons

• Bali Process methods of combating people
  trafficking
• A Whole-of-Government response
• Developing model legislation
• Training for law enforcement officers in
  assisting victims
• Enhancing operational techniques relating to
  child sex tourism

6
Future of the Bali Process

• People smuggling and trafficking will continue to
  be threats
• Bali Process is a strong example of the valuable
  role Regional Consultative Processes can play in
  combating trafficking
• The Bali Process Steering Group will continue to
  develop and coordinate a forward program of
  initiatives