Students and faculty from Asian University for Women partnered with Rights Jessore, USAID and BRAC for a day-long seminar on human trafficking and safe migration on Saturday (Sept 28), said a press release.
AUW faculty and students were privileged to host representatives from Right Jessore, BRAC, and USAID to debate and deliberate on one of the highly contested and topical issues facing us both in the region and globally.
“As an institution of higher education, AUW is committed to advance the economics, health, and social wellbeing of our students and faculty to strengthen their capacity for fighting against human trafficking,” said Vice-Chancellor Professor Nirmala Rao in her opening remarks. “At AUW, we would like to recognize the importance of original research in developing evidence-based practices to combat human trafficking, forced migration, and modern slavery issues at AUW.”
To begin the workshop, students trained by Professor Selim Reza, Assistant Professor of Development Studies at AUW, shared their knowledge on the fundamentals of human trafficking from a theoretical perspective.
Currently, Dr Reza is under a book contract with Taylor & Francis (Routledge), UK to publish his research of development issues in Asia including labour migration, remittances and poverty, labour recruitment practices, precarious work conditions, human trafficking, and human slavery.
Representatives from Rights Jessore presented case studies that illustrate the practical challenges of combating the issue in Bangladesh. Rights Jessore is a leading human rights organization dedicated to protection and promotion of human rights, prevention of human trafficking and providing service to the victims of human trafficking.
Shariful Islam, Programme Head of Migration for BRAC, spoke about their approach to rehabilitating victims of human trafficking. He discussed the social integration of the victims of human trafficking and challenges in combating human trafficking in Bangladesh and in other Asian countries.
“[AUW] students who attend this workshop are able to aid in the prevention and protection of victims of human trafficking. They have an opportunity to learn about the risks and vulnerability and be activists in their own communities” Habiba Akter, Team Lead, Human Rights and Rule of Law, USAID spoke about the organization’s groundwork in assisting victims of trafficking.
“We value the opportunity to work with colleagues from other agencies on human rights how to protect vulnerable people and safeguard human dignity,” said the University Registrar, Dr Dave Dowland, while concluding the seminar. “Thanks to students, faculty, and partner organizations for bringing together the academic study and practical action to promote social progress.”
The whole workshop were coordinated by D. Selim Reza, PhD, Assistant Professor and Coordinator of Development Studies Asian University for Women and Manager events and logistics Tapu Chowdhury.