A Regional Dialogue on the Nexus between Transnational Crime and Human Rights was successfully convened in Bangkok on 13–14 May 2026 under the auspices of the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) Thailand in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and with support from the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC). The dialogue brought together representatives of governments, law enforcement agencies, human rights institutions, international organizations and civil society groups to address the growing challenge of forced criminality linked to online scam compounds and transnational trafficking networks across the region.

The discussions focused on strengthening regional cooperation to combat online scam operations and related human trafficking activities while ensuring the protection of victims through human rights-based and survivor-centre approaches. Particular attention was paid to enhancing consular assistance mechanisms for victims of human trafficking and forced criminality, dismantling illicit online scam networks, addressing financial crimes including mule accounts, and improving cross-border coordination among relevant authorities. Participants also highlighted the importance of shifting from traditional enforcement approaches towards victim-sensitive frameworks that prioritize rehabilitation, protection and reintegration of affected individuals.

The ASEAN Chiefs of Police (ASEANAPOL) Secretariat actively contributed to the dialogue and highlighted the role of the ASEANAPOL Scam Combat Task Force (ASCOT) as a key regional mechanism for intelligence-sharing and coordinated responses to cyber-enabled transnational crimes. ASEANAPOL reiterated its commitment to strengthening regional cooperation against emerging security threats, including online scams, human trafficking and cybercrime.

Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to Thailand, H. E. Wijayanthi Edirisinghe participated as a panelist at the third session titled “Consular Assistance in Practice.” During the discussion, the Ambassador shared Sri Lanka’s experience in extending consular assistance to nationals affected by human trafficking and scam-related forced criminality in the region. She emphasized the importance of timely intervention by diplomatic missions, close coordination with host governments and law enforcement agencies, and the need for effective regional information-sharing mechanisms to facilitate the identification, protection and safe repatriation of victims. The Ambassador further highlighted the importance of awareness-raising initiatives to prevent vulnerable individuals from falling prey to deceptive recruitment schemes and underscored the need for stronger regional cooperation to address the evolving nature of transnational organized crime.

The dialogue reaffirmed the collective commitment of regional stakeholders to strengthen cooperation in addressing the complex intersection between transnational crime and human rights, while promoting practical and sustainable regional responses to emerging threats in Southeast Asia.

Embassy and Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka

Bangkok

18 May 2026