Xinhua News Agency - China Proposes Solutions to the UNHCR's Human Trafficking Crisis

By Erica Herchen

At the meeting of the UNHCR China has made a motion to create an international fund expressly for the purpose of eradicating sexual exploitation. China has also expressed a need for the fund to be accompanied by a bill that specifically addresses the needs of each country allowing their voice to be heard and working towards the target of total cohesion.

The delegation from Nigeria made a baseless supposition that the countries on the committee should guarantee participation in the cooperative effort as well as an obligation to contribute, regardless of their current financial position. China rightfully contradicted this suggestion as it

would be a violation of sovereignty and indeed contravenes the Charter of the United Nations. This would not be conducive to international cooperation.

The delegation of Hungary has suggested that the transparency of this bill demonstrates where the funding will be allocated in an effort to convince the other delegates.

Iran, Pakistan & Venezuela take the position these funds should be used for law enforcement training, the strengthening of the judicial system and educating populations vulnerable to this type of exploitation.

“We want to look beyond our borders, focusing on other countries and raising awareness and education.” Germany states, perhaps overlooking their own, very absolute, trafficking issues.

The heated discussion of the protection of sexually exploited children was also brought to the table, with myriad of solutions proffered.

Iraq advocates for the concept of a victim protection program promoting rehabilitation and reintegration.

Similar to the proposal of Iraq, Pakistan introduces implementation of rehabilitation shelters for those trafficked to attend and seek mental and physical aid.

The recommendation of the aid of NGOs as well as temporary visas are also submitted by Slovakia and South Korea.

China retards the rashly favoured idea of shelters being placed in every country, as they are extremely expensive and not feasible under current conditions. These are merely temporary solutions that do not eradicate the root cause.

“It’s not targeting the issue, but the people hurt by the issue.” Hungary rightfully sides with China on their interest in diminishing the problem as a whole.

In 2017, China solved 184 cases working anti-trafficking operations with Vietnam, with 290 suspects arrested and 207 Vietnamese women and one child rescued according to the MPS.

The debate is heightened when discussing protocols for investigating of traffickers, Germany and Nigeria advocate for increased federal border patrol.

A resolution is being worked on that is spearheaded by the honourable delegate from China. There appear to be a consensus on the importance of stricter border patrol and education to citizens via an internationally created education institution.