No More Delays, Free Mary Jane Now!
The Network for the Protection of Women Migrant Rights (NPWMR) - in which GAATW is a part of - released a statement calling on all women migrant leaders, women’s rights leaders, and human rights defenders to join us in solidarity in the struggle for Mary Jane Veloso’s freedom and ensure that truth and justice prevail.
April 25th 2025 marks 15 years since Mary Jane Veloso’s arrest in Yogyakarta, Indonesia where she was sentenced to death for unwittingly smuggling drugs to Indonesia. Last December 2024, she was transferred back to the Philippines after a practical agreement signed between the Indonesian and the Philippine governments for a transfer of prisoners based on diplomacy, international cooperation and legal sovereignty. Upon transfer to the Philippines, according to the Agreement, she will continue serving her sentence in alignment with Philippine law and procedures. However, Indonesia would respect any decision made by the Philippines after Veloso returned to her country, including the possibility of clemency. Now, four months have passed since her repatriation and Mary Jane still continues to serve in the Philippines' prison without any certainty if she will ever receive any justice.
No More Delays, Free Mary Jane Now!
The Network for the Protection of Women Migrant Rights (NPWMR) - in which GAATW is a part of - released a statement calling on all women migrant leaders, women’s rights leaders, and human rights defenders to join us in solidarity in the struggle for Mary Jane Veloso’s freedom and ensure that truth and justice prevail.
April 25th 2025 marks 15 years since Mary Jane Veloso’s arrest in Yogyakarta, Indonesia where she was sentenced to death for unwittingly smuggling drugs to Indonesia. Last December 2024, she was transferred back to the Philippines after a practical agreement signed between the Indonesian and the Philippine governments for a transfer of prisoners based on diplomacy, international cooperation and legal sovereignty. Upon transfer to the Philippines, according to the Agreement, she will continue serving her sentence in alignment with Philippine law and procedures. However, Indonesia would respect any decision made by the Philippines after Veloso returned to her country, including the possibility of clemency. Now, four months have passed since her repatriation and Mary Jane still continues to serve in the Philippines' prison without any certainty if she will ever receive any justice.
Reframing Narratives: Anti-trafficking from the ground up
We are excited to introduce our new publication, Reframing Narratives: Anti-trafficking from the ground up, an annual publication by GAATW members. The series offers a unique GAATW perspective on emerging anti-trafficking issues, focussing on the experiences and efforts of members and allies rather than ranking responses or estimating case numbers. It aims to foster dialogue across global movements, connecting those in fields such as migration, women’s rights, labour organising, climate change, corporate accountability, and conflict with anti-trafficking work.
Our inaugural issue, (In)formal Pathways to Justice, examines the mechanisms that influence migrant and trafficked individuals' access to justice, highlighting both formal and informal avenues. It emphasises the protections provided by formal justice systems for exploited migrant women while acknowledging that many seek alternative paths for redress and safety. The issue focuses on the experiences of practitioners working on behalf of migrant women, exploring their motivations and outcomes. Overall, it prioritises the perspectives of migrant women and their many (in)formal pathways to justice.
Reframing Narratives: Anti-trafficking from the ground up
We are excited to introduce our new publication, Reframing Narratives: Anti-trafficking from the ground up, an annual publication by GAATW members. The series offers a unique GAATW perspective on emerging anti-trafficking issues, focussing on the experiences and efforts of members and allies rather than ranking responses or estimating case numbers. It aims to foster dialogue across global movements, connecting those in fields such as migration, women’s rights, labour organising, climate change, corporate accountability, and conflict with anti-trafficking work.
Our inaugural issue, (In)formal Pathways to Justice, examines the mechanisms that influence migrant and trafficked individuals' access to justice, highlighting both formal and informal avenues. It emphasises the protections provided by formal justice systems for exploited migrant women while acknowledging that many seek alternative paths for redress and safety. The issue focuses on the experiences of practitioners working on behalf of migrant women, exploring their motivations and outcomes. Overall, it prioritises the perspectives of migrant women and their many (in)formal pathways to justice.
"Do you have a boyfriend here?”: Exploring the Impact of Stereotypes and Prejudices in Decision-Making on Access to Justice for Migrant Women
Over the past two decades, GAATW has consistently explored issues related to access to justice for migrant and trafficked women who have struggled with judicial processes due to discriminatory practices that prevent them from claiming their rights. This new report highlights the stereotypes and prejudices of decision-makers that continue to affect the ability of migrant women to access justice.
Drawing on insights from a range of previous work including consultations with women migrant workers across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, this report explores the subjectivity of decision-makers — from officials to non-traditional spokespersons. The key findings highlight that stereotypes related to migrant women’s backgrounds, work, and personal choices directly impact their access to justice.
"Do you have a boyfriend here?”: Exploring the Impact of Stereotypes and Prejudices in Decision-Making on Access to Justice for Migrant Women
Over the past two decades, GAATW has consistently explored issues related to access to justice for migrant and trafficked women who have struggled with judicial processes due to discriminatory practices that prevent them from claiming their rights. This new report highlights the stereotypes and prejudices of decision-makers that continue to affect the ability of migrant women to access justice.
Drawing on insights from a range of previous work including consultations with women migrant workers across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, this report explores the subjectivity of decision-makers — from officials to non-traditional spokespersons. The key findings highlight that stereotypes related to migrant women’s backgrounds, work, and personal choices directly impact their access to justice.
