KUALA LUMPUR, 2 July 2015 – ASEAN Ministers responsible for combating transnational crime met in Kuala Lumpur today to discuss concerted regional action to address the recent influx of irregular movement of persons in Southeast Asia.
The Emergency ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime discussed feasible regional solutions to deal collectively with this issue and to explore the possibility of setting up a Task Force to respond to similar crisis in the future. The Ministers also supported the establishment of a trust fund for humanitarian and relief efforts related to the irregular movement of persons in Southeast Asia.
In noting the link between irregular movement of persons and the crime of trafficking in persons and people smuggling, the Ministers resolved to strengthen law enforcement efforts through information and intelligence sharing. Other measures to address this issue include conducting analysis and studies, developing regional communication campaigns and strengthening cooperation with ASEAN Dialogue Partners and international organisations.
For Chairman’s Statement, click here.
