On 24 April 2026, GAATW, in collaboration with Hayat Life and with support from ASEAN–Australia Counter Trafficking Programme (ASEAN-ACT), convened an online regional strategy meeting on Trafficking for Forced Criminality: Drug Couriering in the ASEAN Region.

The meeting brought together government representatives from ASEAN Member States, anti-trafficking experts, law enforcement and civil society organisations to examine emerging forms of trafficking for forced criminality and identify collective strategies to strengthen protections for victims across the region.

We shared our research on women trafficked for forced criminality in scam centres and for drug couriering, highlighting patterns of exploitation, criminalisation and gendered harm. Hayat Life drew on survivor-led advocacy and lived experience perspectives to highlight the challenges faced by victims in accessing protection and justice and ASEAN-ACT provided an overview of the ASEAN Guideline on the Implementation of the Non-Punishment Principle for Victims of Trafficking in Persons and discussed opportunities to strengthen its implementation across ASEAN.

Discussions highlighted growing concerns regarding the criminalisation of victims of trafficking for forced criminality, including women trafficked into scam centres and drug couriering operations. Discussions also reflected on the gendered dimensions of these forms of trafficking, including barriers to accessing justice, healthcare, legal and other services and consular assistance.

The recently published ASEAN Guideline on the Implementation of the Non-Punishment Principle for Victims of Trafficking in Persons was identified as an important opportunity to strengthen rights-based responses and improve protection for victims of trafficking for forced criminality across the region.

The insights and recommendations shared during the meeting informed the development of the Report of the Strategy Meeting on Trafficking for Forced Criminality in the ASEAN Region, found here which captures key observations, recommendations and next steps for governments, regional bodies and civil society organisations.

GAATW’s research report will be published shortly and will contribute to ongoing regional discussions on strengthening rights-based and gender-responsive responses to trafficking for forced criminality across ASEAN.