Church leaders, human rights advocates and social workers from across Asia have called for stronger child protection measures and closer cooperation to combat trafficking and exploitation, following an international consultation in Thailand.
The International Consultation on Strengthening Responses to Child Trafficking in Asia, organised by the Christian Conference of Asia (CCA), brought together regional representatives to examine the causes of child exploitation, share practical initiatives and discuss ways to improve protection for vulnerable children.
During a panel discussion on ecumenical advocacy and child protection, speakers stressed that churches must move beyond preaching and awareness campaigns to take practical responsibility for preventing abuse, supporting survivors and holding perpetrators accountable.
The Rev Sandipan Sinha, interim coordinator for the Anti-Human Trafficking Project and Children’s Ministry, outlined the work of the Church of North India’s Diocese of Durgapur in supporting vulnerable communities in West Bengal since 2011.
The diocese works mainly in South and North Dinajpur, where poverty, gender discrimination and the marginalisation of Dalit and tribal communities can increase the risk of trafficking.
Sinha highlighted St Michael Safe Home in Malda, which provides accommodation, care and education up to Class XII for girls who have survived trafficking or are considered at risk.
The diocese also works with vulnerable families to develop alternative sources of income, including bamboo crafts, tailoring and spice production, helping them become more financially independent.
He said effective prevention required cooperation between churches, government agencies and local communities to identify families at risk, protect children and provide long-term assistance to survivors.
Major Divinia Yaun of the Salvation Army in the Philippines, representing the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP), said awareness of child protection must lead to concrete action.
She described how NCCP member churches use training, advocacy and community engagement to equip church leaders, families and local communities to recognise and respond to abuse, exploitation and trafficking.
Drawing on cases involving trafficking, child labour and sexual abuse, Yaun called for clear safeguarding policies, reliable reporting procedures and accountability. She stressed that children must be heard without blame or judgement and that clergy, church employees and volunteers should receive regular safeguarding training.
She also urged churches to educate children, parents and communities about children's rights, preventing abuse and staying safe online. Stronger referral links with child protection specialists, schools, government bodies and civil society organisations were also needed, she said.
Yaun added that churches must work together because no single organisation can address every threat facing children.
Keiko Saito, secretary of the Japan Christian Women’s Organisation, known as Kyofukai, spoke about its longstanding efforts to defend the rights and welfare of women and children.
Founded in 1886, the organisation works to address sexual exploitation and human trafficking. Saito said an experience in her youth, when she witnessed what appeared to be an attempt to traffic a young girl from north-eastern Thailand, helped shape her commitment to combating the sexual exploitation of children in Japan.
She highlighted Kyofukai’s partnership with the Japan Network Against Trafficking in Persons to raise public awareness, strengthen cooperation and engage policymakers and government officials. However, she said limited funding and dependence on volunteers continued to restrict the work.
Saito also warned that exploited children often face stigma and blame, with misconceptions suggesting that they are responsible for what has happened to them. Such attitudes can discourage victims from seeking help and allow perpetrators to escape accountability.
She said organisations needed to share their experiences and strengthen cooperation to improve protection and advocacy.
Indonesian lawyer and human rights advocate John Izaac Minotty Pattiwael, a member of the Protestant Church in Western Indonesia and former coordinator of the CCA’s Asia Advocacy Network on Dignity and Rights of Children, examined weaknesses in international and national efforts to tackle trafficking.
He said the Palermo Protocol provides an international framework for preventing trafficking, protecting victims and prosecuting offenders, but argued that prevention and accountability still require greater attention.
Pattiwael identified several forms of child exploitation, including sexual abuse, forced labour, illegal adoption and forced begging. He also raised concerns about weak law enforcement, corruption and poor coordination between agencies.
He outlined safeguarding work undertaken by his church, including awareness programmes in congregations, specialist task forces, training, safe shelters and access to psychological and legal counselling.
He stressed that support for survivors must continue well beyond criminal investigations, with long-term rehabilitation and psychological care essential to helping them recover.
Drawing on the Christian understanding of ecclesia domestica, or the family as the domestic church, Pattiwael challenged churches to consider their responsibilities when families fail to protect children or become places of abuse and exploitation.
He urged churches to provide practical help, compassionate care and sustained support that restores survivors’ dignity and gives them hope.
Across the discussions, participants agreed that isolated interventions were not enough to address child trafficking. They said effective safeguarding, public awareness, survivor-centred support and cooperation between churches, governments, civil society groups and local communities were essential to protecting children.
On the third day of the consultation, the Rev Irma Balaba of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines led the morning prayer, calling on churches to defend children, support survivors and challenge the structures that allow exploitation to continue.
Reflecting on Jesus’ mission to comfort those who suffer and confront injustice, she urged churches to strengthen prevention efforts, uphold children’s rights and dignity, listen to their concerns and speak out for justice.
She also emphasised the need for ecumenical solidarity and partnerships across national borders to improve child protection and tackle trafficking throughout Asia.
Based on reporting by Matters India.
