Written by Mekong Institute

This report evaluates the 7th Regional Training Course. “Combating Human Trafficking in the Greater Mekong Sub-region.” The course was organized by the United Nations Inter-Agency Project (UNIAP), secretariat to COMMIT (Coordinated Mekong Ministerial Initiative against Trafficking) and the Mekong Institute. It was held at the Mekong Institute in Khon Kaen, Thailand from 5-13 November 2007. Twenty-three government officials, five personnel from UNIAP regional office and INGO staff from the six Greater Mekong Sub-region countries attended the course. The participants are middle to senior level government officials from various ministries in the GMS, who have a primary responsibility for combating human trafficking.

The Regional Training Programme curriculum comprises five modules: Module A: Introduction to Human Trafficking  

• Module B: Prevention of Human Trafficking
• Module C: Protection
• Module D: Prosecution
• Module E: Policy

The course not only exposed participants to the emerging trends and complexities of human trafficking issues, but also further fostered development of a network of GMS professionals committed to combating the problem.

The participants developed knowledge and skills through a wide range of course activities and learning methods. Course activities included presentations by facilitators, class discussions, group work/assignments, panel discussions, case studies, role-play, video presentations and course-related social and recreational activities. All participants indicated their overall satisfaction as excellent (54 percent) and good (39 percent) for the eight day course. The participants stated attained wth regard to professional skills development, including presentation and English communication. They also said that they had developed friendships and developed professional contacts and networks with others in the community.

Six resource personnel assisted the participants with knowledge and skills development as well as professional network formation. The participants confirmed that the resource staff were qualified and experienced, spoke with enthusiasm, gave clear explanations, employed participatory learning methods, provided good lecture notes, used a variety of learning actvtes throughout the course, and encouraged them to learn. The resource person received excellent or good ratings from the participants.

MI facilities and services were also assessed. The participants stated that intranet facilities, bed room facilities, reception desk, recreation facilities and other services such as laundry, post are good. The internet facilities and support of MI staff were rated excellent.

The report concludes that the Regional Training Programme was successful. The course participants, resource personnel and MIacademic department staff provided valuable recommendations on curriculum, learning activities and methods for future course offerings. These recommendatons are summarized in Section 5 of this report.