Hidden Costs in the Global Economy: Human Trafficking of Philippine Males in Maritime, Construction and Agriculture

This project will build understanding of the trafficking of Philippine males for labor exploitation, by increasing the availability of information regarding the profile and circumstances of victims.  Research activities, over a two year period, will identify and document methods or circumstances that lead to or increase the likelihood of male vulnerability to trafficking and will focus on three sectors in the Philippines where there is a high risk of male trafficking (agriculture, construction, and maritime).   This increased body of knowledge will be made available to governments, nongovernmental organizations, corporations, unions and other stakeholders who, through their policy and programmatic initiatives, will be able to use this information in their efforts to reduce the incidence of male trafficking via targeted prevention programs, and mitigate the devastating impact to victims through appropriate services.

The project, implemented by Verité Southeast Asia based in the Philippines, will conclude with a symposium held during the summer of 2009 to present research results and review key recommendations developed through stakeholder engagements held throughout the project.

A report detailing findings and recommendations will be completed in the fall of 2009.