From 7 to 10 November 2023, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the Australian Attorney-General’s Department co-hosted a series of high-level meetings and events in Bangkok, Thailand, delivered through the Bali Process Working Group on Trafficking in Persons (WG-TIP) and the Taskforce on Planning and Preparedness (TFPP).
On 7 and 8 November, the WG-TIP held its Ninth Annual Meeting and Regional Event on Victim Protection and Partnerships, followed on 9 November by a Policy Expert Gathering on Trafficking in Persons and Online Scams and a UNODC training on financial investigations in trafficking cases, concluding with the Seventh Annual Meeting of the TFPP on 10 November.
These events advanced the implementation of the 2023 Adelaide Strategy for Cooperation and the WG-TIP Forward Work Plan 2021–23, while strengthening collaboration across Bali Process work streams.
Broad Participation
The meetings brought together 15 WG-TIP members, including governments from across the Asia-Pacific region and international organisations such as ILO, IOM, UNHCR, and UNODC. Observers included additional Bali Process members, civil society organisations, private sector partners, ASEAN representatives, and the Bali Process Regional Support Office (RSO).
Ninth Annual Meeting
The Annual Meeting provided a platform for members to review progress under the Forward Work Plan 2021–23. Action leads reported on completed initiatives and upcoming activities, while observers shared national responses and explored future cooperation opportunities.
A key focus was an expert briefing on trafficking for forced criminality in online scam operations. Participants discussed the scale of these operations, their links to organised crime, and the severe harm inflicted on victims, strengthening collective understanding of trafficking flows, victim profiles, and human rights-based responses. Members also explored opportunities for greater alignment and cooperation with ASEAN initiatives and began shaping the next Forward Work Plan (2024–2026), identifying priorities such as information-sharing, joint awareness campaigns, and coordinated responses to trafficking linked to population movements in the region.
Regional Event on Victim Protection and Partnerships
The Regional Event addressed four key themes: victim-centred approaches to detection, investigation, and prosecution; protection in supply chains; the use of technology for prevention and protection; and sustainable return and reintegration of victims.
Sessions featured contributions from ASEAN bodies, civil society, private sector representatives, and international organisations, highlighting initiatives such as the ASEAN Do No Harm Guide, technological tools for detection and protection, and victim support toolkits. The event emphasized the importance of cross-sector partnerships in tackling trafficking both online and in supply chains.
TFPP Meetings and Joint Engagement
On 9 November, WG-TIP and TFPP held joint side events on online scams and financial investigations in trafficking cases. The TFPP’s Seventh Annual Meeting on 10 November reviewed ongoing preparedness efforts and reinforced synergies with other Bali Process work streams.
Moving Forward
Across all events, participants reaffirmed their commitment to the Adelaide Strategy and to building stronger, coordinated regional responses to trafficking in persons. The co-chairs expressed appreciation to members, observers, and partners for their contributions to advancing shared priorities in the Asia-Pacific region.
