2024 Asia Regional Freedom from Slavery Forum

The 2024 Asia Regional Freedom from Slavery Forum, scheduled for August 6th, 7th, and 8th will center around the theme “Empower, Expose, Eradicate: Uniting Against Modern Slavery and Exploitation in Asia.” This theme encapsulates a comprehensive approach to addressing the complex issue of modern slavery, including human trafficking, forced labor, and other forms of exploitation. The forum will focus on three key pillars: Empower, Expose, and Eradicate.

The Empower pillar emphasizes equipping individuals and communities with the knowledge, tools, and resources necessary to resist and overcome exploitation. This includes providing education and awareness about rights and risks, creating economic opportunities through vocational training and microfinance initiatives, ensuring legal empowerment with access to legal aid and advocacy for stronger frameworks, and offering mental and emotional support for survivors.

The Expose pillar involves shedding light on modern slavery by conducting thorough research, utilizing media to highlight personal stories, advocating for transparency in supply chains, and pressuring governments for accountability.

The Eradicate pillar aims to eliminate all forms of modern slavery through strengthening legislation, promoting international collaboration, engaging local communities, and focusing on long-term rehabilitation for survivors.

The forum will bring together stakeholders from various sectors—governments, NGOs, businesses, academia, and civil society—to create a cohesive and strategic response to modern slavery. By encouraging multi-stakeholder engagement, policy advocacy, resource mobilization, and the establishment of monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, the forum aims to address immediate challenges and build a foundation for sustained and systemic change in the fight against modern slavery and exploitation in Asia.

Theme:

Empower, Expose, Eradicate: Uniting Against Modern Slavery and Exploitation in Asia.

Daily Focus and Anticipated Outcomes

Day One: Focus

EMPOWER

Empowerment lies at the heart of sustainable change. This pillar focuses on equipping individuals and communities with the knowledge, tools, and resources necessary to resist and overcome exploitation.

Day Two: Focus

EXPOSE

Exposure involves shedding light on the hidden and often overlooked issue of modern slavery. This entails uncovering and publicizing the extent and nature of the problem to mobilize action and resources.

Day Three: Focus

ERADICATE

Eradication is the ultimate goal of this collective effort, aiming to eliminate all forms of modern slavery and exploitation.

 Tuesday, August, 6th

Day 1: Empower

  • Education and Awareness:Providing education to vulnerable populations about their rights and the risks of exploitation. This includes community outreach programs, school curricula, and public awareness campaigns.
  • Economic Empowerment:Creating economic opportunities and support systems for at-risk communities. This can include vocational training, microfinance initiatives, and partnerships with businesses to ensure fair labor practices.
  • Legal Empowerment:Ensuring access to legal aid and support for victims of modern slavery. Advocacy for stronger legal frameworks and enforcement mechanisms is crucial to protect and empower survivors.
Davina Durgana

Davina Durgana

Master of Ceremony

International Human Rights Statistician

Minderoo Foundation, USA 

Bio

Davina P. Durgana, PhD is an award-winning international human rights statistician and professor with almost 15 years of experience developing leading global models to assess risk to modern slavery. Dr. Durgana is Senior Multilateral Engagement Advisor of the Minderoo Foundation and leads Americas Policy and Quantitative Research as a Report Co-Author of the Global Slavery Index of Walk Free. Minderoo Foundation is one of the largest philanthropies in Asia-Pacific with over $2 billion AUD in funding across an array of issues from eliminating plastic waste in the oceans to ending modern slavery. She is fluent in French, Spanish, and English.

Dr. Durgana is an AAAS Ambassador, Forbes Under 30 Alumni board member, and serves on the Board of Directors of Free the Slaves. She is an American Statistical Association Statistical Advocate of the Year, and Chair of Statistics without Borders, and she has been widely recognised for her work on statistical modeling, human security theory, and human trafficking. Dr. Durgana collaborated on two episodes of Emmy-nominated series Mission Unstoppable and will be featured in upcoming book “Wonder Women of Science: Twelve Geniuses Who Are Currently Rocking Science, Technology, and the World” by Candlewick Publishers to help encourage women and girls to see the ways STEM can be used in everyday life and exciting fields.

Dr. Durgana has over 28 publications and she is a prolific and effective public speaker. She has given over 100 invited talks, including over 30 keynote addresses. Dr. Durgana is a Royal Chartered and Professionally Accredited Statistician. Since 2013, she has also served as a Professor of Research Methods, Irregular Warfare, International Development, Global Public Health, and Inclusive and Human Security at leading universities.

Welcome and Opening Remarks

Provide an overview of the forum’s history and objectives, the significance of the theme, and outline the agenda for the three days.

Bukeni Waruzi

Bukeni Waruzi

Executive Director

Free the Slaves 

Bio

Mr. Bukeni Waruzi, a native of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), currently serves as Executive Director for Free the Slaves, a global leading organization working to combat human trafficking, forced labor, modern slavery and child labor around the world. Free the Slaves is also a member of the Global Coordinating Group of the Alliance 8.7.  

Recently, Mr. Bukeni Waruzi was elected co-president of the Executive Committee of ICI (International Cocoa Initiative), a chocolate industry initiative that aims at eliminating child labor and forced labor in cocoa production value chain. 

  

Before joining Free the Slaves, he served as Executive Director for the Watchlist on Children and Armed Conflict in New York, working with the United Nations Security Council to advance the Children and Armed Conflict (CAC) agenda at the UN Security Council. 

  

He worked for nearly a decade as director for Africa and the Middle East at WITNESS in New York and he is also known for his work with the International Criminal Court’s first case as he was instrumental in the conviction of a Congolese warlord for the recruitment and use of child soldiers in armed conflict in the DRC. 

  

He is an expert on children affected by armed conflict, human rights and international criminal justice. 

Session 1: Education and Awareness

Panel Discussion: Educational Strategies to Combat Modern Slavery

Discussion on various educational initiatives aimed at raising awareness about modern slavery, including community outreach, school programs, and public awareness campaigns. Highlight successful examples and best practices.

Sudipa Dhungana

Sudipa Dhungana

RHEST Nepal

Moderator

Bio

Sudipa Dhungana is a dedicated professional who joined the Rural Health and Education Service Trust (RHEST) as a volunteer in 2007. She progressed to become the Program Manager of Project Stop Girls Trafficking and currently serves as the secretary on RHEST’s board. She works to prevent girls trafficking by spreading knowledge in different areas and by providing education up to grade 12. With a Master’s Degree in Business Administration specializing in Human Resource Management from Tribhuvan University (2000) and a Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Psychology, Sudipa has been counseling since 2020. She has participated in various training programs in UK,India and Nepal and has trained Friday teachers to identify mental health issues in the community. Her work in mental health management has greatly benefited RHEST’s students.

Loan Luong

Loan Luong

Program Director, Counter Trafficking

Pacific Links Foundation

Bio

Loan is the Program Director for Counter Trafficking of Pacific Links, with over 27 years of experience in social work, specializing in empowering and protecting vulnerable youth and children in Vietnam. Her focus includes human trafficking prevention and support for victims of trafficking, advocacy for policy change, and collaborating with local communities to combat human trafficking.ok 

R. KARUPPUSAMY

R. KARUPPUSAMY

Executive Director

Rights Education and Development Centre (READ)

Bio

Mr. KARUPPUSAMY is a vibrant social worker who has master’s degree in economics under Bharathiyar University, Diploma in Rural Development, in Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu, and has bachelor’s degree in law from Bangalore University, Karnataka. His journey towards community development and social activities started from 1998 and He worked in various local and International Organizations. The years of experience made Mr. KARUPPUSAMY establish the Rights Education and Development Centre (READ) in 2001 to provide education to the children of most marginalized communities and to work for labour Rights. 

Sandhya Basini Sitoula

Sandhya Basini Sitoula

Asia Regional Migration Coordinator and Lead for Climate Change/Migration

Terre des hommes (Tdh) Foundation

Bio

Ms. Sitoula has been working with the Terre des hommes (Tdh) Foundation as Asia Regional Migration Coordinator and Lead for Climate Change/Migration since 2023. Ms. Sitoula manages children and youth on the move programs in the Asia region, particularly in countries of presence (Nepal, India, Bangladesh, and Myanmar), and provides strategic and programmatic guidance on migration-related projects and interventions. Prior to this, she worked with the International Labour Organization (ILO) (UN specialized agency) Country Office Nepal as National Project Coordinator and oversaw the regional project that aims to reduce the vulnerability of unsafe migration, human trafficking, and forced labor situations of women and girls. Ms. Sitoula holds an LL.M. degree from the University of Notre Dame, USA, in International Human Rights Law. She worked as a Legal Fellow at Open Society Initiatives West Africa in Dakar, Senegal, and prior to that, she worked as a Program Coordinator at the Center for Legal Research and Resource Development in Kathmandu, Nepal, overseeing all projects related to labor migration and violence against women issues. Ms. Sitoula received an LL.B. from the Kathmandu School of Law (2008) and went on to receive a Master’s of Law in Human Rights and Gender Justice from the same institution. She has experience working as a Legal Fellowship Program Coordinator at Women’s Fund Asia, where she collaborated with legal fellows (women lawyers) from five different South Asian countries to identify areas of critical work and engagement for the regional fellowship. She was granted a Humphrey Fulbright fellowship in 2013-14 and was placed at the University of Minnesota Law School, where she studied Trafficking in Persons prevention and policy.

Lucy McCray

Lucy McCray

CEO

The Freedom Story 

Bio

Lucy is currently CEO of The Freedom Story, an organization preventing child trafficking in Northern Thailand. As CEO at The Freedom Story, she connects those who are passionate about child protection with those in need. She has experience in anti-trafficking, labor migration, women and child’s rights and impact management. She holds a master’s degree in development studies from the London School of Economics and an MA from the University of Edinburgh. 

Q&A Session

Session 2: Economic and Legal Empowerment

Workshop: Building Economic Resilience in Vulnerable Communities

This workshop will explore strategies for creating economic opportunities for vulnerable populations. Discuss microfinance initiatives, vocational training programs, and partnerships that help build financial independence and reduce exploitation risks.

Prof. Ishrat Shamim

Prof. Ishrat Shamim

President

Centre for Women and Children Studies

Moderator

Bio

Prof. Ishrat Shamim has 4 decades of teaching experience on Gender and Development issues as well as courses on human trafficking at the Department of Sociology, University of Dhaka. She is the Founder President of Centre for Women and Children Studies (CWCS) and has been an activist to uphold women and child rights. She has more than 2 decades of professional research experience in the field of gender and development and has more than 40 publications on gender violence, dowry, pro-women and child-friendly policing, international women labour migration, women in informal sector employment, domestic workers, feminization of poverty, violence against children, online child abuse, abandoned children, street children, child labour and child domestic workers including 20 exclusively on human trafficking at national and international levels. 

Presently, she is a member of GO-NGO Committee to Combat Human Trafficking under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of Bangladesh. She actively took part in preparing the 3 National Plans of Action for Combating Human Trafficking 2012-2014, 2015-2017 and 2018-2022 initiated by the Ministry of Home Affairs. She initiated the ongoing project on “Gateway to Employment and Economic Employment for Survivors of Trafficking” in 2011 at Satkhira district which is a disaster prone area as well vulnerable to trafficking for the advancement of women’s socio-economic empowerment through income generating activities and job placement of survivors and potential victims in garment factory at Dhaka. She actively took part in preparing the 4 National Plans of Action for Combating Human Trafficking 2012-2014, 2015-2017, 2018-2022 and 2023-2025 initiated by the Ministry of Home Affairs 

 

 

Tanka Aryal

Tanka Aryal

Deputy Chief of Party

Winrock Nepal (USAID Hamro Samman II)

Bio

Mr. Tanka Aryal, is a seasoned lawyer practicing at the Supreme Court of Nepal. He has been continuously engaged to defend human rights of people including the rights of vulnerable and marginalized people for the last 15 years. Mr. Aryal holds two LLM degrees in International Human Rights Laws from Kathmandu School of Law and Central European University Hungary. Additionally, Mr. Aryal completed different degrees from Oxford University UK and Tokiwa University Japan. Mr. Aryal has worked as a consultant and staff with different national international organizations including FHI 360, International Center for Not-for-profit Law (ICNL), UNESCO, World Bank, ARTICLE 19, UNDP, ISOC, UNDESA/DPADM. Mr. Aryal has been serving as Deputy Chief of Party for Hamro Samman and USAID Hamro Samman II project with Winrock International since May 2023. 

Vivian Isaac

Vivian Isaac

Program Director

Operation Red Alert, My Choices Foundation 

Bio

Vivian Anthony Isaac has over 38 years of experience in community programmes, developmental communication, organisational leadership, project management, strategic media planning and fund-raising gathered through working across various humanitarian organisations at the national and global level – human, child and sex trafficking, medical missions, disaster relief, microenterprise and safe drinking water. Currently, he serves as a Programme Director for the anti-trafficking wing of My Choices Foundation, Operation Red Alert and works to prevent child trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation of children through community engagement. Vivian is a firm believer and advocates for partnerships and Operation Red alert’s entire focus is on building a network of organizations that support each other and strengthen each other, to be able to strengthen the communities that we live in. He has built a partnership base of over 100+ NGOs spread across 10 states in India, creating awareness about trafficking. It is rare to see him at the office as he is always on the move – braving bad roads and reaching the remotest parts of India to bring awareness about human trafficking and its related factors. He believes that the core of My Choices Foundation’s work lies in the smiles of innocent little children, the assured confidence of young girls and incredibly strong women who are making their choices to live lives free of abuse, violence and exploitation.  

Vivian holds a Bachelor degree in Law and Arts, and a specialist qualification in Public Relations & Advertising from Osmania University, Hyderabad, India. Vivian is fondly known as a ‘difference-maker’ amongst his peers. 

Ma. Cecilia Oebanda-Pacis

Ma. Cecilia Oebanda-Pacis

Founder

Voice of the Free

Bio

Cecilia or “Nanay Day” to the survivors Voice of the Free (VF) cares for, is a globally recognized human rights advocate and freedom fighter. She is also regarded as an international expert on human trafficking, child labor, and domestic work. She is currently the Women’s Sector NGO representative at the Philippine Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT). 
 
A Freedom Fighter even in her youth, Cecilia dedicated her life to ending modern slavery by fighting for the Filipino people’s liberation from the tyranny of the Marcos regime, and eventually founding VF after her release from being a political prisoner. Since then she has successfully established global best practices to fight human trafficking. 
 
Cecilia was featured in a  two-hour CNN Freedom Project documentary entitled “The Fighters”, which became instrumental in busting a child pornography ring

Case Study Presentation: Successful Legal Interventions in Asia

This session will explore strategies for creating economic opportunities for vulnerable populations. Discuss microfinance initiatives, vocational training programs, and partnerships that help build financial independence and reduce exploitation risks.

Nitchaya Laohaphan

Nitchaya Laohaphan

Program Manager

React Asia

Bio

Nitchaya is a New York-qualified lawyer who started her career practicing corporate law in the U.S. Before joining ReAct Asia in 2023 as a program manager, Nitchaya was the legal officer for Liberty Shared, formerly Liberty Asia, in Hong Kong. Her roles included managing the Legal Resource Centre and the regional Legal Impact Hub in Cambodia, Hong Kong and Thailand, a platform that brought together various stakeholders in the anti-trafficking space including civil society, private sector, state agencies, industry regulators, law enforcement and legal professions. Nitchaya oversees all work programs at ReAct including building community-based, and worker-led programs for migrant workers in Southeast Asia and strengthening the capacity of frontline civil society organisations and migrant-led organisations to improve access to remedy. 

Q&A Session

Session 3: Empowering Survivors and Workers

Survivors Leading Anti-Trafficking Efforts

This workshop will discuss the crucial role of survivors and workers in leading anti-trafficking initiatives. Share personal experiences, challenges, and successes in advocacy and community mobilization.

James Arputharaj

James Arputharaj

Country Director

Asian Youth Centre
Moderator

Bio

James had been working addressing the issue bonded labor in India while being Country Director of Aidet Action (Action Aid) since 1987, later South Asia Program Manager of Free the Slaves, Served on the Intl EC of WFM, World Federalist Movement during 1995 and 2018 and from 2022 addressing UN Treaties and conventions and President of South Asian Federalists. Was a NGO speaker at the I UN conference on small arms and light weapon (SALW) held at UN, NY in 2001 & the recently at the UN 4th Review Conference on SLAW, travelled to 54 countries and written articles on modern slavery /edited dozen books. Worked and lived in mostly Conflict and post-conflict countries like Sri Lanka, Afghanistan & South Sudan and served as CEO for 21 years with leading INGOs like Action Aid, Oxfam Novib, Lutheran World Relief, Mennonites, The Johanniter, INTERSOS   amongst others providing leadership at national, regional and international levels. PhD degree in Social Policy, Diploma in International relations (Stockholm) and hails from Chennai (Madras), India. Currently is Country Director, ASIAN YOUTH CENTRE-Srilanka addressing the plight of the plantation workers amongst other tasks. 

Brijesh Kumar

Brijesh Kumar

Convener

AZAD SHAKTI ABHIYAN

Bio

Brijesh Kumar Banvasi is the convener of AZAD SHAKTI ABHIYAN. A collective campaign by more than 600 survivors freed from different forms of slavery. 

11 years back he was working as a slave in a brick kiln run by a political leader. He along with 4 other family members had to work against the debt taken by his mother for food. The entire family worked for more than three years against a debt of Rs.5000. The family members had to work 12-14 hours in a day. They were getting only Rs.200 weekly for food. They were not allowed to visit home. They were not allowed to go for work for other employer. Once his daughter (age 3 years) fell sick in the brick kiln and the employer didn’t grant them leave for her treatment. Then his elder brother ran away from the brick kiln for daughter’s treatment. This made the employer brutal and he beaten up entire family very badly. 

Brijesh’s elder brother was supported by a CVC nearby their village and helped them to be freed from bonded labour. In year 2011 Brijesh and four other members rescued by SDM and labour department. A few days after the rescue the employer and his henchmen came to Brijesh’s village and caught his elder brother. The employer and his henchmen had beaten Brijesh’s elder brother very badly. 

MSEMVS and local CVCs supported Brijesh’s family to get police FIR, protection and rehabilitation money from the Govt. Brijesh was encouraged to participate in the CVC meetings and training and the awareness generation activities as well. Gradually he became an active CVC leader in his village and now he is making his consistent effort to liberate people from bonded labour situation. He is also a leading frontline worker of MSEMVS and now educating about risk and rights to the victims of bonded labour and vulnerable communities.  

Brijesh is now leader of survivor’s collective named “ AJAZ SHAKTI ABHIYAN“ 

Mirasol F. Quiamco

Mirasol F. Quiamco

Secretary

TISAKA

Bio

Mirasol is a survivor of abuse and exploitation. She uses her experience and learning to give peer support and counseling to women who are at-risk of trafficking. She is working with the local government of Cagayan de Oro, the Philippines as a peer navigator to help spread the awareness of HIV-AIDS, Human Trafficking, and Child Rights.

Kranti Tamang

Kranti Tamang

Organization Development Officer

Shanti Foundation

Bio

Ms. Kranti Tamang is a young activist currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in Social Work. Ms. Tamang is the daughter of a victim of sex trafficking living with HIV; in 1996, her mother, along with five hundred girls and women, were rescued from an Indian brothel. Both Ms. Tamang and her mother have transformed their trauma into a commitment to work on the issue of Trafficking in Persons. Ms. Tamang works to draw attention to the needs of many women who lack the education, confidence, and technical competencies necessary to avoid or overcome victimization. Ms. Kranti Tamang is the Organization Development Officer with the Shanti Foundation, an organization led by trafficking survivors living with HIV. She is also a 2024 participant in the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) with the U.S. Department of State, focusing on combating trafficking in persons.

Presentation: Legal Support for Survivors
Atty. Khristine Kay M. Lazarito-Calingin

Atty. Khristine Kay M. Lazarito-Calingin

Legal Officer

Balaod Mindanaw 

Bio

Atty. Khristine Kay M. Lazarito-Calingin serves as one of the legal officers of BALAOD Mindanaw Inc. or the Balay Alternative Legal Advocates for Development of Mindanaw (BALAOD), a legal resource NGO that provides capacity-building and legal services to its partner communities and the marginalized sectors on resource tenure and other social justice issues  campaign against human trafficking. She has been working concurrently in both NGOs and the public sector. Previously, Atty. Kay worked as the Chief Gender and Development (GAD) specialist and headed the pilot field office of the Philippine Commission on Women covering several regions in Mindanao. While working as a legal professional and a certified member of the pool of GAD resource persons, she regularly conducts gender-related trainings with emphasis on gender mainstreaming and GAD budgeting among local government units, lectures on laws for the protection of women, and provides technical assistance on gender and development in various sectors. Over the past 15 years, in her capacity as a lawyer and GAD specialist advocating gender equality, human rights and for the protection of women and children, she has been involved in case handling and/or monitoring of gender-based violence and human trafficking cases, policy development, providing legal support and empowerment to victim-survivors of GBV including joining rescue missions for trafficked women and girls. She has been involved in several advocacies protecting the welfare and rights of women and children and other marginalized groups. 

Closing Remarks and Summary of Day 1

This session will summarize the key points discussed throughout the day, reinforcing the importance of empowerment in combating modern slavery. Provide an overview of the next day’s agenda.

 Wednesday, August, 7th

Day 2: Expose

  • Research and Data Collection: Conducting thorough research to map the prevalence and patterns of modern slavery in Asia. Accurate data is essential for developing targeted interventions.
  • Media and Storytelling: Utilizing media platforms to highlight personal stories and the human impact of modern slavery. This can be achieved through documentaries, social media campaigns, and investigative journalism.
  • Transparency in Supply Chains: Advocating for corporate responsibility and transparency in supply chains to ensure that products are not produced through exploitative practices. This involves pushing for stricter reporting requirements and consumer awareness initiatives.
  • Government Accountability:Pressuring governments to recognize and address modern slavery through policy changes and international cooperation.
Recap of Day 1 and Introduction to Day 2 
Davina Durgana

Davina Durgana

Master of Ceremony

International Human Rights Statistician

Minderoo Foundation, USA 

Bio

Davina P. Durgana, PhD is an award-winning international human rights statistician and professor with almost 15 years of experience developing leading global models to assess risk to modern slavery. Dr. Durgana is Senior Multilateral Engagement Advisor of the Minderoo Foundation and leads Americas Policy and Quantitative Research as a Report Co-Author of the Global Slavery Index of Walk Free. Minderoo Foundation is one of the largest philanthropies in Asia-Pacific with over $2 billion AUD in funding across an array of issues from eliminating plastic waste in the oceans to ending modern slavery. She is fluent in French, Spanish, and English.

Dr. Durgana is an AAAS Ambassador, Forbes Under 30 Alumni board member, and serves on the Board of Directors of Free the Slaves. She is an American Statistical Association Statistical Advocate of the Year, and Chair of Statistics without Borders, and she has been widely recognised for her work on statistical modeling, human security theory, and human trafficking. Dr. Durgana collaborated on two episodes of Emmy-nominated series Mission Unstoppable and will be featured in upcoming book “Wonder Women of Science: Twelve Geniuses Who Are Currently Rocking Science, Technology, and the World” by Candlewick Publishers to help encourage women and girls to see the ways STEM can be used in everyday life and exciting fields.

Dr. Durgana has over 28 publications and she is a prolific and effective public speaker. She has given over 100 invited talks, including over 30 keynote addresses. Dr. Durgana is a Royal Chartered and Professionally Accredited Statistician. Since 2013, she has also served as a Professor of Research Methods, Irregular Warfare, International Development, Global Public Health, and Inclusive and Human Security at leading universities.

Session 1: Research and Data Collection

Workshop: Current Trends and Data on Modern Slavery in Asia

This workshop will provide an analysis of current trends and data related to modern slavery in Asia. Discuss recent findings, patterns, and implications for policy and intervention.

Dr. Marta Furlan

Dr. Marta Furlan

Senior Program Manager for Research

Free the Slaves

Moderator

Bio

Marta Furlan is Senior Program Manager for Research at Free the Slaves, where she is responsible for the design, implementation, and dissemination of the organization’s research projects. She is also a Non-Resident Fellow at the Center on Armed Groups in Geneva and the Orion Policy Institute in Washington D.C. Marta holds a PhD in International Relations from the University of St Andrews, where she studied governance by Salafi-Jihadist armed groups in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen. Her academic publications have appeared in the Journal of Human Rights Practice, The Middle East Journal, Studies in Conflict & Terrorism, and Civil Wars. She also authored chapters in four edited volumes and contributed analyses for Armed Groups and International Law, the Washington Institute on Near East Policy, and the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung. 

Ranjana Sharma

Ranjana Sharma

Participatory Action Researcher

Children Women in Social Service and Human Rights (CWISH)

Bio

Ranjana Sharma is a Participatory Action Researcher based in CWISH in Nepal. She has worked directly with the Institute of Development Studies, University of Sussex as part of the FCDO-funded “The Child Labour: Action-Research-Innovation in South and South-Eastern Asia (CLARISSA)” programme. The programme’s goal is to generate evidence based on the lived experiences of these children in the adult world of work. Ranjana is directly involved in a participatory action research process with children and informal business owners. She has been advocating for the importance of listening to and involving children in the process of tackling the worst forms of child labour with policymakers, media, and civil society organizations nationally and internationally. She has also shared the children’s lived experience about an adult world of work at the margins of the 54th session of the Human Rights Council in the United Nations. Currently she is engaged in Research with Free the Slaves of Life as a Domestic Child Worker in Kathmandu. 

Mustafa Qadri

Mustafa Qadri

Founder and CEO

Equidem 

Bio

Equidem is a human rights and labour rights organisation working globally and locally to expose injustice, provide solutions and build the human rights movement. Equidem analyses findings against international and national human rights and labour rights standards and develops concrete, practical recommendations on how to prevent and remedy abuse. We work with grassroots and international civil society and trade unions in Africa, Asia the Middle East, North America and Europe, United Nations agencies and other international non-government organisations. Our work seeks to build the human rights movement and hold powerful state, business and private actors to accountable for serious human rights violations. At the heart of our work is our unrivalled network of field investigators who are based in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. 

Mustafa Qadri is the Founder and CEO of Equidem, providing overall strategic direction and managing all our projects. He is a human rights research and advocacy expert with 20 years of interdisciplinary experience in government and public international law, journalism and the non-governmental sector. 

Carmina Charmaine G. Domingo

Carmina Charmaine G. Domingo

Program Manager

Eleison Foundation

Bio

Carmina (Ynah) Domingo is the Program Director at Eleison Foundation in the Philippines. A clinical psychologist by training, Ynah manages Eleison’s community mental health programming with survivors of human trafficking and gender-based violence and provides crisis intervention services to survivors. She coordinates Eleison’s Survivor Leadership Council (SLC), an advisory board comprised of people who have experienced human trafficking who co-lead research and programming with other members of the Eleison team. Ynah co-facilitates community-based participatory research with survivors at Eleison and serves as Eleison’s representative to the Philippines Survivor Network Advisory Council. She holds a BS in Psychology from Southwestern University and an MA in Clinical Psychology from the University of San Carlos, Philippines. 

Q&A Session

Session 2: Case Studies and Storytelling

Case Study Presentation: Exposing Pastor Quiboloy’s Trafficking Business and the Siargao Island Case, Philippines

This session will present the case of Pastor Quiboloy and Siargao Island Cult case and how the exploitation and trafficking practices were exposed. Discuss the role of the Senate of the Philippines and other government agencies in uncovering and addressing these crimes.

Atty. Jaye de la Cruz Bekema

Atty. Jaye de la Cruz Bekema

Legislative Officer

Office of Senator Risa Hontiveros, the Philippines 

Bio

Dr. Jaye de la Cruz-Bekema is the Chief Legislative Officer of Senator Risa Hontiveros and is in charge of all legislative and policy interventions of her Senate office. It was under her watch that Senator Hontiveros passed landmark national legislation such as the Expanded Maternity Leave Law, the Mental Health Law, the Prevention of Child Marriage Law, and the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children Law.  

Dr. Bekema earned her bachelor and law degrees from the University of the Philippines, her Masters degree in Development Studies from the Erasmus University in Rotterdam, and her Doctorate degree from Wageningen University Netherlands. She has been a member of the Philippine bar since 2006. She has nearly two decades of experience in public policy and advocacy, development lawyering, and gender and human rights. In 2010, she was given an International Justicemakers Award for her work in increasing access to justice of underserved rural communities. 

Presentation: Cyber Slavery: The Dark Side of Digital Platforms

Presentation on the growing issue of cyber slavery, where individuals are exploited through digital platforms. Highlight the challenges and potential solutions to this emerging threat.

 Mina Chiang

Mina Chiang

Founder and Director

Humanity Research Consultancy

Bio

Mina Chiang is a sought-after expert in combating human trafficking and modern slavery, especially for her work in combating slavery in the scamming compounds in Southeast Asia, ending forced labour in the fishing industry, and survivor engagement and empowerment. Mina offers technical advice to UN agencies, governments, NGOs, and the private sector through her work. She is an international speaker, and a regular interviewee by over 20+ media, including CNN. Mina is the founder and Director of Humanity Research Consultancy (HRC), an award-winning, UK-based social enterprise revolutionizing the fight against human trafficking by bringing in experts from the Global South. 

Q&A

Session 3: Transparency and Accountability

Panel Discussion: Promoting Responsible Behavior in Global Supply Chains and Amplifying Worker Voices

This panel will explore strategies for promoting transparency and accountability in supply chains. Discuss methods to ensure that products are not produced through exploitative practices.

Bryon Lippincott

Bryon Lippincott

Head of Communications and Digital Engagement

Free the Slaves

Moderator

Bio

Bryon Lippincott is the Head of Communications and Digital Engagement at Free the Slaves. Prior to working for Free the Slaves, Bryon ran a creative agency specializing in strategic communications and media production for NGOs in Asia. In this role, he partnered with more than 100 organizations and individuals in 13 countries organizations working with child vulnerability, anti-trafficking, HIV/AIDS, refugees, agriculture, poverty alleviation/community development, and education.   

He is currently pursuing Ph.D in Peacebuilding at Payap University in Chiang Mai, Thailand. As a researcher he is interested in exploring the role of rhetoric and discourse in shaping peace and conflict in humanitarian, human rights, governance, and emerging technology sectors. His dissertation research is focused on developing a comprehensive framework for navigating the complexities of self-determination discourse across social, cultural, and political domains. The research will examine how various aspects of self-determination demands interact and clash with the corresponding priorities and responsibilities of sovereign nations. The goal of this research is to facilitate peaceful and practical dialogue between governments and non-governmental actors regarding self-determination by creating a framework for nuanced negotiations that balance autonomy and agency for groups while respecting the sovereignty and responsibilities of national governments. 

Matt Friedman

Matt Friedman

Founder and CEO

The Mekong Club

Bio

Matt Friedman is an international human trafficking expert with more than 30 years’ experience. He is CEO of The Mekong Club, an organization of Hong Kong’s leading businesses which have joined forces to help end all forms of modern slavery. Mr. Friedman previously worked for USAID and the United Nations in over 40 countries. Mr. Friedman offers technical advice to numerous governments, banks and corporations working to eliminate all forms of modern slavery and is the author of fifteen books. In 2017, Mr. Friedman won Asia’s prestigious “Communicator of the Year” Gold Award. 

 Jen Green

Jen Green

Vice President for Partnerships and Advisory

Labour Solutions 

Bio

Jen Green is a lawyer by training and gender and economic development expert who came to Southeast Asia over a decade ago to volunteer with a human rights NGO in Cambodia while on sabbatical from her London law firm. Jen took up consulting for companies around the region and for international development organziations, creating community business plans for two villages doing ecological services in Mondulkiri, leading three business acquisitions by a socially responsible restaurant group, and being business advisor to a variety of microfinance banks, venture capital funds and other investment firms in SE Asia on increased their growth through gender inclusion and reviewing their existing products and programs. Jen is the VP for Partnerships and Advisory for Labor Solutions, a women-owned and -run tech firm based in SE Asia that improves the lives of workers through worker-centered engagement with employers and brands, and supplier-owned solutions for sustainability and human rights reporting that are scalable and create insights for action. Labor Solutions’ WOVO app and online tools directly identify, prevent, and support remediation of human rights risks in global value chains, including the very important risk of forced labor, a topic that we have worked extensively with Fifty-Eight consulting and their app Just Good Work to develop materials on for workers and management teams. 

Yogita Bajracharya

Yogita Bajracharya

Program Coordinator

National Business Initiative

Bio

Ms Yogita Bajracharya is a social development worker. She has expertise in private sector engagement with more than 5 years of experience working in the development sector. She provides technical leadership of all the activities related to private sector investment in promotion of responsible business practices. She gained her qualification in Business Administration with the specialization in Project Management from Kathmandu University School of Management. She has conducted various trainings, seminars, workshops and international symposiums. Currently she is working as a program coordinator in the National Business Initiative (NBI). She is leading all the activities of the Responsible Business Alliance Nepal (RBAN) including formation of the network, capacity building of the members and providing technical support towards ending modern slavery.

Promoting CSO Capacities to Provide Data for Human Rights Due Diligence Initiatives in Supply Chains

Speakers will present the project case on the importance of accurate and reliable data in identifying and mitigating human rights risks in supply chains. Strategies for building CSO capacities to gather, analyze, and report data effectively. Challenges faced by CSOs in this area and potential solutions to overcome these obstacles.

Sarah Lince

Sarah Lince

Senior Program Manager

Verite 

Bio

Sarah has worked as a roofer, carpenter, brick mason, also as a researcher, teacher, pickle-maker and academic. For the past ten years she has worked with civil society, governments, and the private sector to eliminate exploitation of migrant workers in global supply chains. 

Building a Movement Narrative

Over a year ago, Free the Slaves initiated the development of an updated narrative for the anti-human trafficking movement. Supported by Dr. Brook Bello, this effort aims to co-create a narrative that reflects the current realities of modern slavery, including human trafficking, forced labor, and child labor, and addresses the increased complexity of these issues. This process is integrated into the 2024-2025 Freedom from Slavery Forum series, where participants will discuss and co-create the narrative, leading to its final presentation at the 2025 Global Freedom from Slavery Forum. The purpose of this initiative is to create a unified narrative for the anti-modern slavery movement.

Dr. Brooke Bello

Dr. Brooke Bello

Founder

More too Life

Bio
 Dr. Brook Parker-Bello, honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from President Barack Obama, is a dedicated advocate against human trafficking. With a background in acting, justice advocacy, and leadership, she founded More Too Life, Inc., a beacon of hope for 19 years.

Brook’s impact extends to digital education platforms addressing sexual exploitation. She launched Eval, a mental healthcare tech, chosen by Techstars Founders Catalyst. A Master’s Series alumnus, she holds a US Patent, creating innovative software in mental healthcare, AI, and machine learning.

An accomplished author, Brook’s works include “Living Inside The Rainbow” and “S+CxM=O.” Recent releases, “Shame Undone” and “Fine Heart Table Book,” showcased at special events in Monaco, reflect her commitment.

With a Ph.D. in Pastoral Clinical Counseling, Brook is a global speaker recognized by the United Nations and Google Next-Gen Fellow. Advocate of the Year in Florida, she collaborates with entities like the FBI, DOJ, and Harvard. An inspiration to all genders, Brook, with her unwavering stance, resides in South Florida, amplifying voices for a better world

 Thursday, August, 8th

Day 3: Eradicate

  • Strengthening Legislation:Advocating for comprehensive and enforceable laws against modern slavery and ensuring their effective implementation. This includes harsher penalties for traffickers and protections for victims.
  • International Collaboration:Promoting cross-border cooperation to tackle trafficking networks that operate transnationally. Sharing best practices, resources, and intelligence can significantly enhance efforts.
  • Community Mobilization:Engaging local communities in the fight against slavery by fostering a culture of vigilance and action. Grassroots movements and local NGOs play a critical role in this.

Recap of Day 2 and Introduction to Day 3
Davina Durgana

Davina Durgana

Master of Ceremony

International Human Rights Statistician

Minderoo Foundation, USA 

Bio

Davina P. Durgana, PhD is an award-winning international human rights statistician and professor with almost 15 years of experience developing leading global models to assess risk to modern slavery. Dr. Durgana is Senior Multilateral Engagement Advisor of the Minderoo Foundation and leads Americas Policy and Quantitative Research as a Report Co-Author of the Global Slavery Index of Walk Free. Minderoo Foundation is one of the largest philanthropies in Asia-Pacific with over $2 billion AUD in funding across an array of issues from eliminating plastic waste in the oceans to ending modern slavery. She is fluent in French, Spanish, and English.

Dr. Durgana is an AAAS Ambassador, Forbes Under 30 Alumni board member, and serves on the Board of Directors of Free the Slaves. She is an American Statistical Association Statistical Advocate of the Year, and Chair of Statistics without Borders, and she has been widely recognised for her work on statistical modeling, human security theory, and human trafficking. Dr. Durgana collaborated on two episodes of Emmy-nominated series Mission Unstoppable and will be featured in upcoming book “Wonder Women of Science: Twelve Geniuses Who Are Currently Rocking Science, Technology, and the World” by Candlewick Publishers to help encourage women and girls to see the ways STEM can be used in everyday life and exciting fields.

Dr. Durgana has over 28 publications and she is a prolific and effective public speaker. She has given over 100 invited talks, including over 30 keynote addresses. Dr. Durgana is a Royal Chartered and Professionally Accredited Statistician. Since 2013, she has also served as a Professor of Research Methods, Irregular Warfare, International Development, Global Public Health, and Inclusive and Human Security at leading universities.

Session 1: Strengthening Legislation

Panel Discussion: Legislative Frameworks for Eradicating Modern Slavery

Discuss the development and implementation of legislative frameworks aimed at eradicating modern slavery. Highlight successful examples and identify gaps and challenges.

Md. Shariful Islam Hasan

Md. Shariful Islam Hasan

Associate Director, Migration Programme and Youth Platform

BRAC 

Moderator

Bio

Shariful has 20 years of experience in the migration, reintegration, and anti-trafficking sector. He is the Head of the Migration Programme at BRAC, the world’s largest non-government organization. Through rigorous advocacy and evidence, he is trying to ensure the rights of migrant workers and their families from the grassroots to the policy level. Under his leadership, BRAC has developed a comprehensive reintegration model, which has supported nearly 35 thousand migrants and survivors. Before joining BRAC, he was a renowned journalist in Bangladesh and wrote a series of investigative reports on migration and trafficking. He is also a member of the thematic group for Migration, Migrants Workers’ Rights, and Anti-Trafficking of the National Human Rights Commission of Bangladesh. Shariful has completed his Masters in Journalism, Media, and Communication. 

Email: shariful.hasan@brac.net 

Eugenio Gonzales

Eugenio Gonzales

Chief-of-Party, USAID-CTIP

PDAP

Bio

Eugenio M. Gonzales is an Industrial Engineer with more than 35 years of experience in development work in the fields of strategic planning, project development and management, grant-making, institutional development, and policy analysis as a project team leader, consultant, trainer, and executive officer. At present, he is the Chief of Party of the Strength CTIP Project funded by USAID-Philippines under a cooperative agreement with the Partnership for Development Assistance in the Philippines (PDAP). The goal of the project is to strengthen local systems and partnerships for more effective and sustainable Counter Trafficking-In-Persons (CTIP) in the Philippines. 

Adrian Pereira

Adrian Pereira

Executive Director

North South Initiative 

Bio

Adrian Pereira is the Executive Director and co-founder of North-South Initiative (NSI), a Human Rights and Social Justice orientated organisation based in Malaysia. NSI’s mission is to build a society that prioritises social justice via solidarity building. At NSI, the social mobilisers team works with marginalized communities from the ASEAN region and beyond to create a competent and resilient movement using critical pedagogy and design thinking. Before setting up NSI, Adrian has worked with 2 UN-accredited international organizations, Pax Romana International Movement of Catholic Students (IMCS) and Dignity International. Adrian has also been involved in the ASEAN Forum of Migrant Labour (AMFL)  since 2012. AFML is the official arm of ASEAN which deliberates on labour migration policy. Adrian Pereira is also an Adjunct Professor with the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences & Leisure Management, Taylor’s University (Malaysia). He is also an External Panel Member of the University Ethics Committee (Human) under the Research Management Centre of Management and Science University (Malaysia). He is also a board member of CARAM Asia and an alumnus of the Diplomacy Training Program(DTP) of the University of New South Wales, Law Faculty. He is also an alumnus of the prestigious International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) of the U.S. Department of State. 

 Aaboo Varghese

Aaboo Varghese

Executive Director

Purnata

Bio

Aaboo Varghese is an expert in the field of human trafficking and modern slavery with an experience of 32 years. He has a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Mumbai University and he also has an MBA in Development Management from the prestigious S P Jain Institute of Management & Research.  

Aaboo was passionate about working for the vulnerable and exploited communities in India and he started working with several communities in the villages of South and North India before joining Oasis India in the leadership team in 2018. He worked with the leadership team for 6 straight years and later on he worked as Joint Executive Director and Director of Projects of the organization before moving on from Oasis in 2014. While working with different stakeholders through his career he realised the inadequacy of the strategies followed by most Anti Human Trafficking organisations where the focus was curative rather than preventive. With the vision to introduce better strategies for addressing human trafficking Aaboo launched out to start Purnata. Purnata was born with the emphasis on a comprehensive prevention strategy of vulnerable victims at its core while we also rescued and rehabilitated survivors.  

In the last over 10 years, Purnata has: 

  • Assisted over 500 Vulnerable Individuals /Minors from falling prey to traffickers 
  • Directly rescued 85 children and over 45 women and Rehabilitated & Reintegrated more than 40 Survivors into mainstream society. 
  • Sensitised Communities on Human Trafficking to over 500,000 people 
  • Provided over 2 million nutritious meals during the Covid crisis to families of commercially sexually exploited women, rag pickers, rickshaw pullers, HIV Patients, and daily wage earners in Mumbai, Chilkli, Kolkata  & North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal. 
  • Provided cooked meals to an average of 150 women and children in vulnerable communities, daily since June 2021   
  • Facilitated Covid vaccination for over 300 commercially sexually exploited women and transgenders. 

Check out our website for more info: www.purnata.org and engage with us on social media: Instagram/FB/Twitter – PurnataOrg.  

Watch out videos at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtcBccJnZ-74nI93Uwf0sxw 

Shom Luitel

Shom Luitel

Executive Director

People Forum for Human Rights

Bio

Mr. Shom Luitel was the founder and Ex-president of People Forum and currently works as an advisor. He is convener of the National Network of Pro-bono Lawyers. Mr. Luitel, with a profound academic background, has completed his LL. M. in Human Rights. Likewise, he has also contributed to National, Regional and International mechanisms/process such as GCM, GFMD, ADD, CP, SAARC to do advocacy for migrant rights for promotion and protection of Access to Justice. 

Mr. Luitel has gained knowledge and experience in the migration sector in the last 20 years, which aims to contribute to thematic issues on human rights of all migrants and ultimately leads to support in policy reformation work in labour migration issues. So far, within the organization worked as a legal advisor and contributed to Government of Nepal on drafting laws, policies related to foreign employment. 

He is the designer and implementer of Free Legal Aid Service to Migrant Workers which has provided legal aid services to more than 36000 Nepali migrant workers.  Mr. Luitel has been providing technical assistance to the projects and legal representation of migrant workers cases in courts. He is a founding member of International Lawyers for Assisting Workers (ILAW) and member of the work stream of smuggling of migrants within UN Network for Migration.  

He has been providing technical assistance to government of Nepal in formulating laws, polices, bilateral labour agreement and capacity development of official on human right, migration and trafficking issues. 

Q&A Session

Session 2: International Collaboration

Panel Discussion: Cross-Border Cooperation and Networking Strategies

Explore strategies for enhancing cross-border cooperation to combat human trafficking. Discuss successful international collaborations and identify best practices.

Kuldeep Singh Chauhan

Kuldeep Singh Chauhan

Regional Director for Asia

Free the Slaves

Moderator

Bio
As the Regional Director for Asia, Kuldeep Singh Chauhan’s mission is to change the conditions that allow modern slavery to exist. He represents Free the Slaves in the Asia region, providing ongoing technical assistance to partner organizations in strategic design, implementation, measurement, and reporting. Kuldeep is responsible for the overall management of the regional program, strategy development, business development, and program oversight.
Kuldeep is passionate about human rights, social justice, community-initiated solutions, and improving access to opportunities for marginalized and economically disadvantaged communities. He values field perspectives, builds trust and rapport with stakeholders, and believes in a problem-solving attitude. His pragmatic approach has been forged through years of designing and implementing development programs in several Asian countries.
Kuldeep has over fifteen years of experience managing donor-funded programs, training and capacity building on human rights, empowering farmers and workers and promoting ethical standards in private sector supply chains. Before joining Free the Slaves, he worked with Oxfam, Leonard Cheshire Disability, and Fairtrade in Asia Pacific in senior leadership roles.
Kuldeep holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering and a double master’s in business management, specializing in human resource management and marketing.
Kosal Hor

Kosal Hor

National Director

Chab Dai Coalition 

Bio

Kosal Hor holds a Master’s Degree in Public Management and Rural Development and brings over 20 years of extensive experience in effective leadership and management within Civil Society Organizations. His expertise encompasses prevention, intervention, and protection strategies, with a strong focus on advocacy, social protection, child safeguarding, and combating human trafficking, modern slavery, abuse, and exploitation—both in Cambodia and internationally. Currently, he holds the position of National Director for Chab Dai Coalition International Foreign NGO, which is based in Cambodia. 

Mallika Karunan

Mallika Karunan

Survivor Advocate

A21 

Bio

Mallika Karunan (Mon) is the Survivor Advocate for A21 Thailand, based at the Child Advocacy Center in Pattaya. She works closely with survivors of trafficking and exploitation to provide legal support throughout their legal and judicial process, all through close collaboration and partnership with Thai and foreign law enforcement agencies and multidiscplinary teams. Mallika is a licensed child forensic interviewer under Thailand’s Ministry of Justice and is serving as a child forensic interviewer for the Pattaya City Government for all child victims, witnesses and defendants in criminal investigative cases. Mallika has been working in Southeast Asia anti-trafficking and child protection space since 2015. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from The Catholic University of America in Washington DC, and a Master’s degree in Forensic Psychology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, City University of New York in New York City. She also serves as a global advisory member of Freedom Collaborative, an online platform and community of professionals and activists working to combat human trafficking in all its forms. 

Benu Maya Gurung

Benu Maya Gurung

Country Director

Alliance Against Trafficking of Women and Children in Nepal (AATWIN)

Bio

Ms. Benu Maya Gurung is Executive Director of Alliance against Trafficking in Women & Children in Nepal (AATWIN) working with AATWIN since 2004 on the issue of human trafficking. She is women right activist and resource person of VAW, gender equality and child rights specially against human trafficking. She have been engaged and experience more than 2 decades on the formation, implementation and improvement of various Acts, National Plan of Actions, directives related with human trafficking, violence against women and women’s right of Nepal as well coordinate and collaborate with Govt. agencies and commissions. She is the member of National Coordination Committee to Control Human Trafficking (NCCHT) of Govt. of Nepal. She is engaged and contributed in the CEDAW, SDG, BPfA, UPR, CRC as a member of various committees of CSOs. She is the Advisor of women trafficking survivor & HIV positive and self-organized group of women workers. She is the Immediate past Chairperson of National Action Coordinating Group (NACG) of Nepal, a national coordinating body of SAIEVAC. She played the key role in the five National Conferences of Trafficking Survivors from 2007 to 2022. 

Email: benumg@gmail.com 

Case Study Presentation: “Successful Cross Border Rescue and Repatriation 

Presentation on a case study of successful cross-border rescue and repatriation. Highlight the strategies used, challenges faced, and outcomes achieved.

Luong Le

Luong Le

ATIP Director

Blue Dragon Childrens Foundation

Bio

Luong Le is a dedicated anti-trafficking practitioner who works with hundreds of victims of labor and sex trafficking in Vietnam. She coordinates a wide range of projects, including capacity building for law enforcement agencies, law reform on trafficking, and advocacy for victim-centered approaches. Luong leads the development of training materials and behavior change initiatives. She initiates the community-based Early Warning System model, which integrates education, screening, and responsive measures to combat trafficking. Luong is passionate about utilizing data and understanding the experiences of vulnerable communities to shape intervention strategies and policy advocacy. She is serving Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation as ATIP Department Director. She holds an MA in International Development from the School of International Service, US. 

Q&A Session

Session 3: Community Mobilization and Long-term Rehabilitation

Interactive session: Engaging Communities in Anti-Slavery Efforts

Discuss the role of community mobilization in combating modern slavery. Share experiences and strategies for engaging local communities in anti-slavery efforts.

Bart Van Oost

Bart Van Oost

Managing Director

CURE Foundation
Moderator

Bio

Bart van Oost was born in Maastricht, Netherlands and completed his University studies in Finance and Real Estate in Hasselt, Belgium. In 2015, he left his successful banking career in Belgium to serve as Managing Director at C.U.R.E. Foundation, Inc. Since then, has been actively involved in the development and operations of Rancho ni Cristo – an aftercare shelter that provides girls rescued out of Online Sexual Exploitation of Children (OSEC) with a safe place to grow and heal from the trauma of their past.  

For Bart, Rancho ni Cristo is more than a job – it is a ministry that has opened his eyes to a different side of the Philippines. It has made him more compassionate and more understanding of others. He has learned that nothing can stop a dream that comes from the heart of God from becoming a reality. He sees his involvement in Rancho ni Cristo as a chance to be a part of something that is close to God’s heart, and to change precious lives for the better. This is his way of contributing toward making a better Philippines for the next generation. 
Over the last 5 years, Bart has provided the leadership and resource mobilization needed to turn the dream of Rancho ni Cristo into a reality. What was once a plot of land with 2 cottages is now a thriving campus that includes 5 homes, a staff house, and on-site school, cafeteria, library, clinic, and a small organic farm. Since it opened its doors in December 2015, Rancho has been “home” to 40 girls. It is one of the few OSEC-specific shelters in the Philippines today. 

Brittocia Franklin

Brittocia Franklin

Executive Director

Global Shepherds 

Bio

Brittocia Franklin serves as the Executive Director of Global Shepherds Berhad, a prominent civil society organization in Malaysia dedicated to combating human trafficking and supporting survivors. With over 30 years of experience in human rights and social justice, Ms. Franklin has focused her career on advocating for marginalized individuals. She has an extensive background in community organizing and has led numerous initiatives to empower vulnerable populations, including migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. Her work also includes advocating for policy changes to protect women and children. Ms. Franklin began her career as a social worker, where she supported women and children affected by gender-based violence, including survivors of human trafficking. This early experience ignited her passion for systemic change, propelling her into roles in policy development, public education, and organizational leadership. Under her leadership, Global Shepherds has expanded its programs nationally and regionally, emphasizing the application of trauma-informed approach when working with victims of
trafficking with a focus on developing survivor leadership. Ms. Franklin is a regular contributor to national policy discussions, offering insights on trafficking trends and effective intervention strategies and has strategically partnered with law enforcement agencies, government bodies, and other NGOs to enhance the support network for trafficking survivors. Brittocia Franklin regularly contributes at national and international conferences, sharing best practices in anti-trafficking efforts. Under her guidance, Global Shepherds has developed several training modules and reports advocating for survivor-centred and trauma-informed approaches when working with trafficked survivors. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Brittocia is known for her hands-on leadership style and commitment to empowering her team. Her vision is to create a world where everyone can live free from the threat of trafficking and exploitation. Based in Kuala Lumpur, she loves spending time with family, traveling, and cooking in her free time.

Adheen Raj Shakya

Adheen Raj Shakya

Senior Project Coordinator

READ Nepal 

Bio

I am a compassionate social worker with a strong background in Rural Development, dedicated to advocating for social justice and supporting marginalized communities. My expertise lies in GEDSI, where I focus on creating equitable opportunities and an inclusive environment at my work place as well as the communities we serve. 

Driven by empathy and a commitment to making a positive impact, I believe in human potential and have faith in community action to drive meaningful change. My work at READ Nepal uniquely positions me to engage communities in anti-slavery and anti-human trafficking efforts, empowering individuals and fostering resilient, aware, and proactive communities to combat exploitation and promote freedom of aspirant migrants. 

 Dr. Bhanuja Sharan Lal

Dr. Bhanuja Sharan Lal

Executive Director

MSEMVS

Bio

Bhanuja Sharan Lal is the Executive Director of Manav Sansadhan Evam Mahila Vikas Sansthan (MSEMVS) based in Varanasi. 

Around 1996, Bhanuja began to work directly on issues of anti-child labour, anti-human trafficking and child rights. On 16th December 1996, Supreme Court of India given a historical Judgment on child labour, the enforcement agencies speeded up their efforts to get the children out from hazardous work. A number of child labour rescued from carpet also without any effective mechanism of their rehabilitation. Bhanuja realized that in absence of proper rehabilitation the children would again be moved to work. He started to rehabilitate them through education and livelihood reintegration. Bhanuja is responsible for leading more than 200 frontline workers in the state of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan. Bhanuja and his team have enabled communities to progressively dismantle entrenched systems of child labour and human trafficking in many of the states. 

Mr. Bhanuja Sharan Lal awarded “TIP Hero 2014” by US Department of State for his tremendous work addressing Human Trafficking. Each year, the Department of State honors individuals around the world who have devoted their lives to the fight against human trafficking. 

Bhanuja is the Member of Standing Committee of NITY AYOG, Govt. of India for the sustainable engagement with CSOs. 

He also the active member of Task Force on Bonded Labour and Child Labour in Varanasi at district level and Member of Monitoring Committee “on Laws related to women and children i.e. Immoral Trafficking Prevention Act, Juvenile Justice Act, Adaptation Act etc.” at Commissioner Level of Varanasi. 

While directing MSEMVS, Bhanuja completed his Ph.D. on the issue of Child Trafficking along with Graduation in Law with Labour Laws. 

 

Presentation: Rebuilding Life After Exploitation- Long-term Support for Survivors
 Sreyna Sam

Sreyna Sam

Country Director

Hagar International Cambodia 

Bio

Sreyna Sam is the Country Director of Hagar Cambodia. She has been with the organization since September, 2005, working with women and children who are affected by trauma as a result of human rights abuse, trafficking and slavery. Part of her work centers around helping victims become resilient members of society. During her first 1.5 years at Hagar, she worked as a counselor in the Foster Home Program. From 2007-2010, she worked as the Aftercare Project and Community Group Homes Manager. From July 2010-May 2012, she worked as the Recovery Program Manager. From June 2012-May 2013, she worked as the Recovery and Transitional Care Program Manager. In June 2013, Sreyna was promoted to Operations Manager for Client Care, the position that she currently holds. Sreyna holds two Master’s Degrees in Business Administration and Social Work. Sreyna’s joy come from seeing the broken lives of women and children restored, so they can build dreams and have hope for the future. 

Sreyna was born in 1980 in a refugee camp located on the Cambodia and Thailand border. She has four siblings and is the oldest child in her family. Her family was repatriated to Cambodia in 1992; and, she remembers it as an exciting time coming back to her home country. Faith is very important to Sreyna, and she and all of her family members are Christians. Sreyna is married and has three children – 2 girls and 1 boy. 

Closing Remarks and Summary of Day 3
Nicholine Zaragosa

Nicholine Zaragosa

Voice of the Free

Bio

Nicholine Zaragosa, a former victim of child labor who has been profoundly transformed and empowered by the support of the Voice of the Free (VF) foundation.

Today, I am proud and truly blessed to give back by supporting other abused girls as their house sister in the same organization. As their sister and care provider, I am dedicated to providing not just care but compassion and love, ensuring that they feel a strong sense of belonging and empowerment in their battles.

I am also part of Buklod Laya, another initiative under VF. Its mission is to empower and  liberate survivors like me from oppression and abuse, to be free and to help free others.

2024 Asia Regional Forum Planning Committee

Dr Bhanuja Sharan Lal

Dr Bhanuja Sharan Lal

Executive Director, Manav Sansadhan Evam Mahila Vikas Sansthan (MSEMVS) 

Bio

In 1996, Bhanuja joined MSEMVS as an intern after completing ‘Masters in Social Work’, he was involved in women empowerment programmes in rural areas affected from human trafficking and labour exploitation. Bhanuja became the Director of MSEMVS in 2003 and he is responsible for leading more than 200 frontline community workers in the state of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Haryana. Bhanuja and his team have enabled communities to progressively dismantle entrenched systems of bonded labour at brick kilns, farms, rugs and quarries, etc. in Northern states in India. Bhanuja was awarded “TIP Hero 2014” by the US Department of State for his tremendous work addressing Human Trafficking. While directing MSEMVS, Bhanuja completed his Ph.D. on the issue of Child Trafficking along with Graduation in Law with Labour Laws.

Giang Thi Thu Thuy

Giang Thi Thu Thuy

Country Director, Hagar International in Vietnam

Bio

With over 25 years of experience in international development, Giang Thi Thu Thuy has collaborated extensively with government agencies, mass organizations, and non-profit groups. Her multifaceted expertise spans small business development, early childhood care and education, nutrition, water and sanitation, livelihoods, disaster risk reduction, community capacity building, and combating violence against children and human trafficking. Before joining Hagar International, Thuy spent 18 years at World Vision Vietnam, where she was driven by a deep passion for uplifting underprivileged women and children. Holding a Master of Business Administration from Southern Luzon State University and a Master’s in Psychology from the University of Social and Humanity Sciences, Thuy is keenly interested in applying trauma-informed, psychological approaches to development work. Her educational background also includes Bachelor’s degrees in Foreign Languages and Sociology.

Kranti Tamang

Kranti Tamang

Shanti Foundation

Bio

Ms. Kranti Tamang is a young activist currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in Social Work. Ms. Tamang is the daughter of a victim of sex trafficking living with HIV; in 1996, her mother, along with five hundred girls and women, were rescued from an Indian brothel. Both Ms. Tamang and her mother have transformed their trauma into a commitment to work on the issue of Trafficking in Persons. Ms. Tamang works to draw attention to the needs of many women who lack the education, confidence, and technical competencies necessary to avoid or overcome victimization. Ms. Kranti Tamang is the Organization Development Officer with the Shanti Foundation, an organization led by trafficking survivors living with HIV. She is also a 2024 participant in the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) with the U.S. Department of State, focusing on combating trafficking in persons. 

Md. Shariful Islam Hasan

Md. Shariful Islam Hasan

Associate Director, Migration Programme and Youth Platform, BRAC

Bio

Shariful has 20 years of experience in the migration, reintegration, and anti-trafficking sector. He is the Head of the Migration Programme at BRAC, the world’s largest non-government organization. Through rigorous advocacy and evidence, he is trying to ensure the rights of migrant workers and their families from the grassroots to the policy level. Under his leadership, BRAC has developed a comprehensive reintegration model, which has supported nearly 35 thousand migrants and survivors. Before joining BRAC, he was a renowned journalist in Bangladesh and wrote a series of investigative reports on migration and trafficking. He is also a member of the thematic group for Migration, Migrants Workers’ Rights, and Anti-Trafficking of the National Human Rights Commission of Bangladesh. Shariful has completed his Masters in Journalism, Media, and Communication.

Nicholine Zaragosa

Nicholine Zaragosa

Voice of the Free (Buklod Laya – Survivor Network)

Bio

Nicholine Zaragosa, a former victim of child labor who has been profoundly transformed and empowered by the support of the Voice of the Free (VF) foundation.

Today, I am proud and truly blessed to give back by supporting other abused girls as their house sister in the same organization. As their sister and care provider, I am dedicated to providing not just care but compassion and love, ensuring that they feel a strong sense of belonging and empowerment in their battles.

I am also part of Buklod Laya, another initiative under VF. Its mission is to empower and  liberate survivors like me from oppression and abuse, to be free and to help free others.

Ritz Lee B. Santos III

Ritz Lee B. Santos III

Executive Director of BALAOD Mindanaw,

Bio

Nolasco Ritz Lee B. Santos III or “Ritzlee” is a social activist and human rights defender.  He is the Executive Director at Balay Alternative Legal Advocates for Development in Mindanaw, Inc. (BALAOD Mindanaw), a legal resource, human rights and feminist institution based in Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao, working with the poor and marginalized sectors, identities and local communities particularly in Mindanaw.  After a three-year stint as member of the International Board of Amnesty International from 2019-2022, he was elected as Treasurer and Member of the Executive Committee (Board of Directors) of the Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) from 2022-present.  Since 2018, he has been the President and Chairman of Board of Trustees of Tanggol Kalikasan (Defense of Nature), a public interest environmental law group and currently the Vice-Chairperson of the Alternative Law Groups (ALG), a coalition of 20 legal resource organizations that adhere to the principles of developmental legal aid and Vice Chairperson of the NGOs for Fisheries Reform (NFR), a network of Philippine NGOs working on fisheries and aquatic resource management.

Rojisha Adhikari

Rojisha Adhikari

Treasurer, Shanti Foundation Survivor Network

Bio

Ms. Rojisha Adhikari is a resilient survivor who has become a powerful advocate for others facing similar challenges. As a Survivor Leader with the Shanti Foundation, she provides support and guidance to fellow survivors. Additionally, she serves as the Treasurer of the Bagmati Province Human Trafficking Survivor Network and leads critical interventions, significantly contributing to advocacy efforts with the government and the protection of trafficking survivors.

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