• Today: October 19, 2026

Brunei underscores whole-of-nation approach to combat trafficking

Brunei Darussalam’s whole-of-nation and whole-of-government approach to combating trafficking in persons was underscored by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Haji Azree bin Haji Abd Manaf (as the Chairman of the Working Committee on Trafficking in Persons) delivering Brunei Darussalam’s statement at the country presentation session of the 4th Regional Meeting of Southeast Asian National Anti-Trafficking Committees in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, the Philippines from October 12-16, 2026.

He noted that labour trafficking remains the predominant trend. He also expressed appreciation to the government of the Philippines for the close cooperation between both countries, and reaffirmed Brunei Darussalam’s commitment to regional cooperation in combatting trafficking in persons.

The meeting continued with the development of a Regional Campaign, during which ASEAN member states converged on the regional campaign message ‘One ASEAN, One Action: Stop the Digital Trap. Break the Chains of Human Trafficking’, focusing on preventing trafficking through deceptive online recruitment and technology-facilitated exploitation.

The meeting concluded with a plenary session reflecting on its key insights, in which ASEAN member states identified commitments, areas for bilateral and multilateral cooperation, and opportunities to sustain the networks and cooperation established through the Regional Meeting.

The delegation from Brunei Darussalam was led by ACP Haji Azree, joined by a senior officer from the Prime Minister’s Office.

The meeting was convened by the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) of the Philippines under the theme ‘From Shared Concerns to Regional Action: Advancing Awareness and Advocacy Against Trafficking in Persons’ in conjunction with the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairmanship in 2026.

The Regional Meeting is an annual platform for direct, informal and sustained engagement among the national anti-trafficking committees of ASEAN member states, complementing existing ASEAN mechanisms under the ASEAN Convention Against Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children (ACTIP). Building on the outcome of the previous three meetings, this year’s meeting focused on strengthening regional awareness and advocacy, and identifying practical areas for continued cooperation.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Haji Azree bin Haji Abd Manaf (as the Chairman of the Working Committee on Trafficking in Persons) speaks at the meeting. PHOTO: PMO
Assistant Commissioner of Police Haji Azree bin Haji Abd Manaf (as the Chairman of the Working Committee on Trafficking in Persons) during the meeting. PHOTO: PMO

 

SOURCE/AUTHOR : BORNEO BULLETIN

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