Tomoko Nishimoto

Despite steep challenges, including frequent natural disasters, poverty rates, and the COVID-19 pandemic, Bangladesh has defied the odds to make progress in its development goals. It bucked the global recession during the pandemic year, with 5.1% GDP growth in 2020 – the highest growth rate in South Asia. The country has also made significant headway in reducing infant mortality rates and increasing life expectancy.

Hundreds of millions of dollars are spent every year on counter trafficking efforts, mostly on investigation and criminal prosecution, raids to "rescue" irregular migrants and sex workers who are thought to be potential victims and trainings to raise awareness among those who might possibly experience or encounter human trafficking.

This is a time to reflect on the progress made in protecting the rights of migrant workers in ASEAN and the challenges remaining in ensuring that their migration experiences are safe and beneficial.

Out of the 40 million victims of modern slavery worldwide, almost two thirds—25 million people—are exploited in Asia and the Pacific. Making the region host to the largest number of victims of modern slavery today.