The Asia Foundation

This study assesses Nepal’s policies and laws that address the trafficking of women and children in terms of effectiveness, human rights, international obligations, and the relationship between trafficking and HIV. Through both formal...

This study assesses Nepal’s policies and laws that address the trafficking of women and children in terms of effectiveness, human rights, international obligations, and the relationship between trafficking and HIV. Through both formal and informal methods utilizing primary and secondary data, the study reviewed policies and laws related to trafficking, HIV/AIDS, labor and foreign employment, foreign travel and migration, gender, and children’s issues. The study evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of the Nepal’s policies and laws and offers recommendations for improving them.

The objective of this report is to “document and analyze current intervention models for the prevention of trafficking and the care and support of trafficked persons in Nepal. This research aims to understand current perceptions of...

The objective of this report is to “document and analyze current intervention models for the prevention of trafficking and the care and support of trafficked persons in Nepal. This research aims to understand current perceptions of trafficking and identify the assumptions that explicitly or implicitly inform intervention approaches. A comparative analysis of different intervention approaches (including their content and process) was made using a human rights framework. Issues of feasibility, coverage, effectiveness and sustainability were considered. Finally, lessons learned are highlighted.

This study is a collaborative effort between The Asia Foundation (Kathmandu) and the Horizons Project of the Population Council (New Delhi). The objectives and related research questions of the study are: To assess the policy context that...

This study is a collaborative effort between The Asia Foundation (Kathmandu) and the Horizons Project of the Population Council (New Delhi). The objectives and related research questions of the study are: To assess the policy context that underpins intervention activities for the prevention of trafficking and the care and support of trafficked persons; To document and analyze current intervention models for the  prevention of trafficking, and the care and support of trafficked persons; To assess the features and determinants of vulnerability of girls and women to trafficking, as part of the larger problems of gender-based violence, migration for economic reasons and labor exploitation; To conceptualize the links between trafficking and HIV/AIDS; To recommend approaches to strengthen interventions to prevent trafficking and provide care and support to trafficked persons, and propose supporting rese arch and evaluation activities.

It is estimated that one in four women in Cambodia is a victim of domestic violence. To address this serious problem, The Asia Foundation’s Global Women in Politics (GWIP) program supported street theater productions to raise awareness...

It is estimated that one in four women in Cambodia is a victim of domestic violence. To address this serious problem, The Asia Foundation’s Global Women in Politics (GWIP) program supported street theater productions to raise awareness about violence against women and women’s legal rights in Cambodia.

In recent years, Nepal has attracted a lot of attention for its growing problem of trafficking in women and children. At present there is scarce information to support and inform efforts to both combat trafficking and reduce women’s and...

In recent years, Nepal has attracted a lot of attention for its growing problem of trafficking in women and children. At present there is scarce information to support and inform efforts to both combat trafficking and reduce women’s and girl’s vulnerability to HIV/AIDS. To address this gap the Asia Foundation, Kathmandu and Horizons/Population Council, New Delhi undertook a field-based study to identify perceptions, knowledge and attitudes of community members about the roles and opportunities ascribed to women, the need and benefits of migration, the existence of trafficking and determinants of vulnerability to trafficking. At the same time this study also examines attitudes and practices related to reintegration of trafficked persons.

Thousands of Nepali women and girls are trafficked within and outside of Nepal
every year. Sabina was one of them. Now she is at a center run by ABC/Nepal, an
Asia Foundation supported-NGO, providing shelter and counseling services...

Thousands of Nepali women and girls are trafficked within and outside of Nepal
every year. Sabina was one of them. Now she is at a center run by ABC/Nepal, an
Asia Foundation supported-NGO, providing shelter and counseling services to
trafficking survivors. She has renewed hope for a better life. This is her story.

Success Story: Maya

Maya is only 12 years old. Like thousands of young girls living in rural Nepal, she was lured to the city by a trafficker with promises of a better life. Through the efforts of The Asia Foundation-supported Center...

Success Story: Maya

Maya is only 12 years old. Like thousands of young girls living in rural Nepal, she was lured to the city by a trafficker with promises of a better life. Through the efforts of The Asia Foundation-supported Center for Legal Research and Resources Development (CeLRRd), she was rescued and is back with her parents, and receiving literacy training. Her counselor at CeLRRd tells her story.

The Asia Foundation supported the establishment and construction of the first women’s shelter in the Lao PDR—opening in January 2006—to serve the needs of victims of human trafficking and domestic violence. The establishment...

The Asia Foundation supported the establishment and construction of the first women’s shelter in the Lao PDR—opening in January 2006—to serve the needs of victims of human trafficking and domestic violence. The establishment of the shelter, a direct result of growing awareness of these problems in Laos and the passage of the 2004 Development and Protection of Women Act, was made possible by the dedicated work of the Lao Women’s Union (LWU), which has been supported by the Foundation for more than a decade.

On December 15, 2005, a court trial was held in Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam, to prosecute a human trafficking case. A 20-year-old girl named Thuy, herself a former victim of trafficking, was accused of trafficking 27 women and children. Four...

On December 15, 2005, a court trial was held in Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam, to prosecute a human trafficking case. A 20-year-old girl named Thuy, herself a former victim of trafficking, was accused of trafficking 27 women and children. Four victims from Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province escaped and were rescued, and subsequently served as witnesses testifying against the accused trafficker. The trafficker was convicted and sentenced to 24 years of imprisonment, and was ordered to compensate the victims for the mental and physical trauma endured.

The Asia Foundation has engaged in a wide range of programs to help Afghan women and
girls expand their opportunities and strengthen their rights. These initiatives provide women
and girls with the skills, tools, awareness, and...

The Asia Foundation has engaged in a wide range of programs to help Afghan women and
girls expand their opportunities and strengthen their rights. These initiatives provide women
and girls with the skills, tools, awareness, and knowledge they need to improve their lives. The
Foundation has ensured the active participation of women in Afghanistan’s political process
through education and technical support to the Afghan elections process. These initiatives began in 2002 when the Foundation re-established its office in Kabul, and built upon the Foundation’s history of working with Afghan educational institutions for women since 1954.

Enkhjargal began working at the National Center Against Violence (NCAV) 10 years ago as a volunteer while finishing her law degree. Motivated by a traumatic childhood event and her mother’s strength, she became an outspoken advocate for...

Enkhjargal began working at the National Center Against Violence (NCAV) 10 years ago as a volunteer while finishing her law degree. Motivated by a traumatic childhood event and her mother’s strength, she became an outspoken advocate for peoples’ rights. And now, she is the driving force behind the NCAV, a human rights organization dedicated to protecting women and children against violence.

In Mongolian

Enkhjargal began working at the National Center Against Violence (NCAV) 10 years ago as a volunteer while finishing her law degree. Motivated by a traumatic childhood event and her mother’s strength, she became an...

In Mongolian

Enkhjargal began working at the National Center Against Violence (NCAV) 10 years ago as a volunteer while finishing her law degree. Motivated by a traumatic childhood event and her mother’s strength, she became an outspoken advocate for peoples’ rights. And now, she is the driving force behind the NCAV, a human rights organization dedicated to protecting women and children against violence.

In 2005, The Asia Foundation, in partnership with Center for Human Rights and Development, began to define the origins of trafficking by documenting a series of trafficking case studies through interviews with victims of trafficking and human...

In 2005, The Asia Foundation, in partnership with Center for Human Rights and Development, began to define the origins of trafficking by documenting a series of trafficking case studies through interviews with victims of trafficking and human rights lawyers and law enforcement officials. The Foundation is now developing an anti-trafficking benchmarking tool to identify the incidence of trafficking within, to, and from Mongolia. The first benchmarking study will be completed by August 2006.

In 2005, The Asia Foundation, in partnership with Center for Human Rights and Development, began to define the origins of trafficking by documenting a series of trafficking case studies through interviews with victims of trafficking and human...

In 2005, The Asia Foundation, in partnership with Center for Human Rights and Development, began to define the origins of trafficking by documenting a series of trafficking case studies through interviews with victims of trafficking and human rights lawyers and law enforcement officials. The Foundation is now developing an anti-trafficking benchmarking tool to identify the incidence of trafficking within, to, and from Mongolia. The first benchmarking study will be completed by August 2006.

In late 2004, with support from Give2Asia, a U.S. non-profit organization established by The Asia Foundation, Byatshandaa and the MWFA constructed a poultry-training center to complement and strengthen MWFA’s vegetable training center....

In late 2004, with support from Give2Asia, a U.S. non-profit organization established by The Asia Foundation, Byatshandaa and the MWFA constructed a poultry-training center to complement and strengthen MWFA’s vegetable training center. Over the last year and a half, MWFA has trained more than 500 families in sustainable vegetable farming and poultry rearing. As a result, many families, like Doljin’s, have started their own small-scale chicken farming businesses, which can generate over $100-$180 dollars a year in extra income with as few as 10 chickens.

In late 2004, with support from Give2Asia, a U.S. non-profit organization established by The Asia Foundation, Byatshandaa and the MWFA constructed a poultry-training center to complement and strengthen MWFA’s vegetable training center....

In late 2004, with support from Give2Asia, a U.S. non-profit organization established by The Asia Foundation, Byatshandaa and the MWFA constructed a poultry-training center to complement and strengthen MWFA’s vegetable training center. Over the last year and a half, MWFA has trained more than 500 families in sustainable vegetable farming and poultry rearing. As a result, many families, like Doljin’s, have started their own small-scale chicken farming businesses, which can generate over $100-$180 dollars a year in extra income with as few as 10 chickens.

The Asia Foundation is a leader in the fight against trafficking in persons in Asia, one of the most egregious human rights abuses in the region. In Vietnam, women and children are trafficked to China, Cambodia, Taiwan, and South Korea for...

The Asia Foundation is a leader in the fight against trafficking in persons in Asia, one of the most egregious human rights abuses in the region. In Vietnam, women and children are trafficked to China, Cambodia, Taiwan, and South Korea for sexual exploitation, forced marriages, labor in sweatshops, and/or domestic servitude; and the number of trafficking victims increases annually. Even when these victims manage to return to Vietnam, they face tremendous difficulty in reintegrating into their communities. Stigmatized by society and traumatized by their experience, they generally do not have the education and skills necessary for gainful employment. These women are at a high risk of being re-trafficked.

This report looks back at a decade of trafficking-related research in Cambodia. It systematically reviews what the available information can—and cannot—tell us about the patterns, extent and consequences of trafficking in Cambodia...

This report looks back at a decade of trafficking-related research in Cambodia. It systematically reviews what the available information can—and cannot—tell us about the patterns, extent and consequences of trafficking in Cambodia (and in relation to its neighboring countries). This also involves a critical assessment of the major approaches, perspectives and debates that have guided the research; the ways in which the studies were conducted; and the extent to which specific research findings can be generalized to Cambodia as a whole, taking into account the limits of the targeted groups, sectors and locations.

On March 21, 2006 The Asia Foundation and the Ministry of Social Welfare and Labor organized a consultative meeting for government, NGO’s and donors over launching a new nationwide effort to fight trafficking in persons (TIPS). The...

On March 21, 2006 The Asia Foundation and the Ministry of Social Welfare and Labor organized a consultative meeting for government, NGO’s and donors over launching a new nationwide effort to fight trafficking in persons (TIPS). The meeting rallies government commitment to strengthen efforts to prevent TIPS by improving coordination between domestic and international Law enforcement agencies.

In Mongolian -

On March 21, 2006 The Asia Foundation and the Ministry of Social Welfare and Labor organized a consultative meeting for government, NGO’s and donors over launching a new nationwide effort to fight trafficking in...

In Mongolian -

On March 21, 2006 The Asia Foundation and the Ministry of Social Welfare and Labor organized a consultative meeting for government, NGO’s and donors over launching a new nationwide effort to fight trafficking in persons (TIPS). The meeting rallies government commitment to strengthen efforts to prevent TIPS by improving coordination between domestic and international Law enforcement agencies.

Everyday across Asia men, women, and children are deceived, lured across borders and exploited. Mongolia is not immune to this crime. Cases have been recorded, but the scope and number of Mongolian victims is unknown. A partnership between...

Everyday across Asia men, women, and children are deceived, lured across borders and exploited. Mongolia is not immune to this crime. Cases have been recorded, but the scope and number of Mongolian victims is unknown. A partnership between government, civil society organizations and law enforcement officials is forming to prevent and prosecute trafficking, and to protect victims. On April 26 and 27, The Asia Foundation and USAID’s regional trafficking advisor organized a seminar to strengthen the capacity of government, civil society and police to counter trafficking, and improve prevention, protection and prosecution under Mongolian and international law.

People are bought and sold as commodities and held in bondage all around the world today. Human trafficking is the forced movement of persons across international borders for the purpose of forced prostitution and labor, and this crime is...

People are bought and sold as commodities and held in bondage all around the world today. Human trafficking is the forced movement of persons across international borders for the purpose of forced prostitution and labor, and this crime is increasing worldwide and in Mongolia. The numbers of trafficked victims is growing rapidly in Mongolia: Two victims were reported in 2000; 30 – 40 known victims have been reported in the first half of 2006. Disadvantaged by poor economic conditions, most of these Mongolian women are lured and deceived by false newspaper advertisements that promise lucrative jobs abroad and educational scholarships in foreign countries.

Mongolian version

People are bought and sold as commodities and held in bondage all around the world today. Human trafficking is the forced movement of persons across international borders for the purpose of forced prostitution and...

Mongolian version

People are bought and sold as commodities and held in bondage all around the world today. Human trafficking is the forced movement of persons across international borders for the purpose of forced prostitution and labor, and this crime is increasing worldwide and in Mongolia. The numbers of trafficked victims is growing rapidly in Mongolia: Two victims were reported in 2000; 30 – 40 known victims have been reported in the first half of 2006. Disadvantaged by poor economic conditions, most of these Mongolian women are lured and deceived by false newspaper advertisements that promise lucrative jobs abroad and educational scholarships in foreign countries.

Across Asia, there is a growing commitment to
democratic principles of governance and citizen
participation. However, in many Asian countries,
women still face serious cultural, social, and legal
barriers that constrain...

Across Asia, there is a growing commitment to
democratic principles of governance and citizen
participation. However, in many Asian countries,
women still face serious cultural, social, and legal
barriers that constrain their full participation in
democratic processes. The Asia Foundation works
with local partners across the Asia-Pacific region
to increase the number of women voting; improve
the quality of women’s votes; encourage that elections
are free and fair and ensure that women’s
votes are counted; and help women to enter politics
and become candidates and leaders themselves.

This report entitled "Human Trafficking in Mongolia: Risks, Vulnerability and Trauma" presents the results of a survey conducted by the Mongolian Gender Equality Center (GEC) with financial and technical support from The Asia Foundation, and...

This report entitled "Human Trafficking in Mongolia: Risks, Vulnerability and Trauma" presents the results of a survey conducted by the Mongolian Gender Equality Center (GEC) with financial and technical support from The Asia Foundation, and which was made possible by a grant from the United States Department of State. The nationwide survey assessed the scope and incidence of human trafficking within, through, and from Mongolia. The survey was conducted from June - August 2006 in provincial centers and eleven corresponding villages across the country. In addition, the survey examined eight Ulaanbaatar districts, and three of the main border points: Bulgan village in Khovd, Khavirga village in Dornod, and Zamiin-Uud village in Dornogobi.

The Asia Foundation provided a grant to the Mongolian Women Farmers’ Association (MWFA) which now trains 500 poor households every year to raise vegetables and poultry, and thereby generate income. This effort is intended to reduce...

The Asia Foundation provided a grant to the Mongolian Women Farmers’ Association (MWFA) which now trains 500 poor households every year to raise vegetables and poultry, and thereby generate income. This effort is intended to reduce poverty, inspire micro-entrepreneurship, build stronger communities and neighbourhoods, and discourage social ills such as alcoholism, and domestic violence against women and children.

Mongolian version

The Asia Foundation provided a grant to the Mongolian Women Farmers’ Association (MWFA) which now trains 500 poor households every year to raise vegetables and poultry, and thereby generate income. This effort...

Mongolian version

The Asia Foundation provided a grant to the Mongolian Women Farmers’ Association (MWFA) which now trains 500 poor households every year to raise vegetables and poultry, and thereby generate income. This effort is intended to reduce poverty, inspire micro-entrepreneurship, build stronger communities and neighbourhoods, and discourage social ills such as alcoholism, and domestic violence against women and children.

In September 2006, The Asia Foundation (TAF) Mongolia launched a major research effort to assess the impacts of its partner and grantee, the Mongolian Women Farmers’ Association (MWFA). The research seeks to evaluate whether the...

In September 2006, The Asia Foundation (TAF) Mongolia launched a major research effort to assess the impacts of its partner and grantee, the Mongolian Women Farmers’ Association (MWFA). The research seeks to evaluate whether the Association is reaching its objectives in empowering women through financial independence and increased household income, and it is a monitoring and evaluation tool that will be adopted by the MWFA.