Strengthening capacities for counter-trafficking in Khyber Pukhtunkhwa Province

Pakistan is known to be a source, destination and transit country for "severe forms" of cross border trafficking. Several factors contribute to this problem including poverty, low literacy levels, discriminatory laws, lack of economic opportunities and ineffective law enforcement. CAMP received support from UNDP's Gender Justice and Protection Fund for a two year project to combat trafficking, which compliments CAMP's earlier project funded by the EU (2007-08). Building on that model, the Project is strengthening legal and policy framework, and institutional accountability and access to justice; research oriented advocacy and awareness to change attitudes; and brokering partnership and cross-sector alliances at all levels. Until December 2009, 100 stakeholders (journalists, lawyers and members of CSOs) have been trained on countering women trafficking techniques through specialized series of training. Moreover, for addressing the issue in coordination, a strong referral system at the provincial level has been established between the government and civil society organizations. CAMP has also established a thematic working group at provincial level comprised of media, lawyers, CSOs, policy makers and government departments: quarterly meetings are held for assessing the issue and recommending reforms in laws and policies regarding women trafficking.