In partnership with the Government, private sector and civil society, the Migrant Protection and Assistance Unit (MPA) is responsible for providing policy analysis and technical guidance in the field of assisted voluntary return and reintegration, counter-trafficking activities and general assistance for stranded and vulnerable migrants, including unaccompanied minors. MPA supports our partners to develop and implement safe and dignified return and sustainable reintegration programmes for Filipinos returning home from abroad; supports the development and implementation of activities directed towards the prevention of abuse and exploitation of migrants; and provides direct assistance to Filipinos who have been trafficked or who may have experienced abuse or exploitation. MPA also provides relevant capacity-building to stakeholders, including government, CSOs, international organizations and others to promote better knowledge and establishment of necessary synergies.

Mainstreaming Protection and Counter Trafficking in Emergencies

From the experience during Super Typhoon Haiyan in mainstreaming protection in migration crisis operations, MPA has developed Protection and Counter-Trafficking (CT) Crisis modules and rapid assessment tools to promote the protection of vulnerable persons displaced by emergencies. Such modules and tools have been used in other natural disasters and conflict-affected communities.

Preventing Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA)

IOM stands united in our opposition to – and condemnation of – all forms of sexual exploitation and abuse of any beneficiary of humanitarian programs. As part of IOM’s global commitment to PSEA, MPA is the Chair of the PSEA task force in the Humanitarian Country Team in the Philippines. In this capacity, IOM is committed to building the capacity of our partners on PSEA.

CREST: Corporate Responsibility in Eliminating Slavery and Trafficking

Global estimates state that there are over 40 million victims of modern slavery with about 25 million in conditions of forced labour, with the highest prevalence in the Asia-Pacific Region. The majority are working in the private sector, making the clothes we wear, harvesting the food we eat and producing the goods we take for granted every day. Many victims are migrant workers, who leave their homes to travel to large cities, industrial zones and across national borders in search of better employment opportunities. The private sector has an important role to play in ending slavery. CREST is IOM’s new partnership initiative with the private sector to address exploitation in global supply chains, including modern slavery and human trafficking

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