Submitted by
<BR> Lin Lap-Chew <BR> Foundation Against Trafficking in Women (STV) <BR> m.o. Global Alliance Against Traffic in Women (GAATW)   <BR>  <BR> 
(The material below is part two of  <A HREF = 
"LinLap.html">the former document </A> about Trafficking issues in the context of the Platform for Action.

<BR>  <BR> Lobbying at the Official Conference  <BR> However, during the Official Conference, 2 dominant approaches emerged. One, led by the Coalition Against Trafficking in Women, worked ostensibly on trafficking, but explicitly lobbied to include prostitution in the Platform for Action.  The other, coordinated by the Global Alliance Against Traffic in Women, and supported by members of prostitutes' organizations participating in the NGO Forum, places trafficking in a broader and human rights context, and attempted to avoid focussing on prostitution as the issue to be addressed. Their argument was that prostitution is one, among others, of the purposes for which women are trafficked. Both parties worked hard to convince delegates to support their viewpoint, formulating alternative texts and compromise language and presenting these to the delegates who would be negotiating with other delegates in small working groups. As can be seen from the above quoted paragraphs (230(o)), the broad human rights approach won the lobby! Where mentioned, prostitution is listed as one of the purposes of trafficking in women, which is the central issue. All strategies are aimed at eliminating trafficking in women (and children), but not prostitution per se. This is the beginning of the separation of the issues of trafficking and prostitution, which makes it easier to work on a better definition of trafficking which is not confused with abolitionistic sentiments, and which incorporates the other manifestations of trafficking.          <BR>  <BR> Conclusion <BR> GAATW and STV are reasonably satisfied with the results of their lobby in Beijing. Compared with the first draft of the Platform for Action the final document is a vast improvement in many areas, especially in the recommendations to empower women and girls at basic economic and social levels.  Trafficking is a complex issue, and addressing its causes and consequences requires action at many levels. Implementation of the whole Platform for Action is necessary if any real progress is to be made in the elimination of this form of violation of the rights of women.    <BR> The work to monitor and ensure the implementation of the Platform by national governments begins now at home for those who return from Beijing. <BR>  <BR>  <BR> Lin Lap-Chew <BR> Foundation Against Trafficking in Women (STV) <BR> m.o. Global Alliance Against Traffic in Women (GAATW)   <BR>  <BR>