Labour Migration and Human Trafficking in Southeast Asia

This article looks at debates over human trafficking by considering the linkages between federal funding, media myths, and non-governmental organization (NGO) activities and by examining the textual and visual content of NGO websites. By highlighting the ways in which NGOs echo government communication strategies, we argue that these debates are constrained not only by the current political terrain, but also by an ingrained and problematic anti-trafficking discourse. Further, we interrogate the language and emotive appeals of NGOs that receive federal funding for anti-trafficking programming through the exploration of counter-discourses developed by both scholars and independent organizations that are critical of dominant narratives and policies. We conclude by suggesting that alternative narratives and media strategies are needed for the development of more nuanced and authentic conceptions of labour, migration, and sex work.Cet article examine les débats sur la traite des personnes en considérant des liens entre le financement fédéral, les mythes des médias, et les organisations nongouvernementales (ONG) et en examinant le contenu textuel et visuel des sites web des ONG. En analysant la façon dont les activités des ONG reflètent les stratégies de communication du gouvernement, nous soutenons que ces débats sont limités non seulement par le terrain politique actuel, mais aussi par un discours anti-trafic enraciné et problématique. En outre, nous interrogeons le langage et les appels émotifs des ONG qui reçoivent des fonds du gouvernement fédéral pour la programmation pour la lutte contre la traite à travers l’exploration de contre-discours développés par les universitaires et les organisations indépendantes critiques de récits et politiques dominants. Nous concluons en suggérant que les récits alternatifs et des stratégies médiatiques sont nécessaires pour le dévelopment des conceptions plus nuancées et authentiques du travail, de la migration, et du travail du sexe.

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HUMAN TRAFFICKING AND HUMAN SECURITY IN SOUTHEAST ASIA: A CASE STUDY OF BANGLADESHI FOREIGN WORKERS IN MALAYSIA

Journal of Nusantara Studies (JONUS) ◽

10.24200/jonus.vol6iss1pp136-155 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 6 (1) ◽

pp. 136-155

Author(s):

Norliza Dolhan ◽

Zarina@Zairina Othman ◽

Nor Azizan Idris

Keyword(s):

Southeast Asia ◽

Human Trafficking ◽

Human Security ◽

Policy Formulation ◽

Foreign Workers ◽

Study Approach ◽

Interview Session ◽

Universal Approach ◽

Illegal Activities

Background and Purpose: In the modern globalisation epoch, security threats no longer concern the state’s hostilities, military operation, or nuclear proliferation. It involves non-traditional menaces like human trafficking, which is believed to escalate quickly. The goal of this research is to identify human trafficking activities and to reveal the experiences of victims in the Southeast Asia region, particularly in Malaysia. Methodology: This study used a qualitative method through a case study approach. It involved an in-depth interview session with five primary informants (represented as Cases 1 to 5) who were the victims of human trafficking from Bangladesh, a government officer from related agency, two local academicians and a representative of Bangladesh foreign workers’ vending system company. Findings: The study discovered that human trafficking crimes produce detrimental effects on the survival of the victims, especially on the economic and individual security aspect. Their wages are not fully paid and their freedom to socialize is restricted. Contribution: This study calls for policy formulation and policy implementation to protect the interest and security of people despite their citizenship which is considered the most trustworthy, relevant and universal approach in rectifying these illegal activities within Southeast Asia region especially in Malaysia. Keywords: Bangladesh, labour migration, human security, human trafficking. Cite as: Dolhan, N., Othman, Z., & Idris, N. A. (2021). Human trafficking and human security in Southeast Asia: A case study of Bangladeshi foreign workers in Malaysia. Journal of Nusantara Studies, 6(1), 136-155. http://dx.doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol6iss1pp136-155

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The Global Labour Market: International Labour Migration in Southeast Asia since the 1980s

Wage Labour in Southeast Asia since 1840 ◽

10.1057/9780230511132_9 ◽

2004 ◽

pp. 197-230 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Amarjit Kaur

Keyword(s):

Southeast Asia ◽

Labour Market ◽

Labour Migration ◽

International Labour Migration

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