ASEAN Enhances Regional Cooperation To Combat Human Trafficking At 39th HSU Meeting

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 20 (Bernama) -- The 39th Meeting of ASEAN Heads of Specialist Anti-Trafficking Units (HSU), held in Penang on Tuesday, served as a key platform for ASEAN member states to enhance cooperation in tackling critical challenges in the fight against human trafficking across the region.

In a statement today, the Malaysian Ministry of Home Affairs said the meeting, held under the Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crime, focused on reviewing the HSU Work Plan for 2023–2024 and discussing the 2025–2026 plan, including updates to its terms of reference.

Chaired by Royal Malaysia Police, Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Division (D3) chief assistant director SAC Soffian Santong, the meeting was attended by 38 delegates from all 10 ASEAN member states, as well as representatives from the ASEAN Secretariat.

“In addition, representatives from ASEAN-Australia Counter Trafficking delivered a special presentation outlining their planned programmes to enhance investigative cooperation under the HSU mechanism in the ASEAN region.

“The presentation reflected ASEAN’s ongoing commitment to tackling emerging threats, such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and the effects of climate change, ensuring the region’s preparedness for future challenges,” the statement read.

The ministry stated that the meeting also directly supports ASEAN’s vision of enhancing regional security while promoting cooperation and building trust. 

“Malaysia’s commitment to the principles outlined in the United Nations Charter, ASEAN Charter, and international law ensures that initiatives are pursued in accordance with the rule of law.

“Furthermore, the discussions and outcomes of this meeting demonstrate ASEAN’s role in addressing both regional and global security challenges, including transnational crime, while remaining relevant in a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape,” the statement read.

The statement emphasised that the meeting marks a significant step in ASEAN’s collective efforts to combat human trafficking, strengthening regional cooperation and reaffirming its commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals.

“The meeting highlighted the strength of ASEAN's unity and collective commitment to addressing transnational crime, reinforcing the region’s shared vision of a safer and more secure future for all,” it stated.

-- BERNAMA