Dr Bilesha Weeraratne Moderates a Panel Discussion on implementation of the Global Compact for Migration and the Colombo Process in South Asia at the South Asia Consultation on Promoting Safe Migration to Combat Trafficking

17 February 2025

IPS Research Fellow and Head of Migration and Urbanisation Policy Research Dr Bilesha Weeraratne moderated a high-level discussion on “Progress and Challenges of Implementing the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration and the Colombo Process in South Asia in the Context of Preventing, Combatting, and Eradicating Trafficking in Persons,” at the South Asia Consultation on Promoting Safe Migration to Combat Trafficking.

The discussion focused on global and regional migration policies, highlighting progress and challenges in ensuring safe migration and reduced trafficking, and provided a crucial platform for experts, policymakers, and advocates from across South Asia to deliberate strategies to enhance migration governance and combat trafficking in the region. Dr Weeraratne engaged with distinguished panelists to explore progress, challenges, and collaborative solutions to counter trafficking in persons.

The session featured insights from prominent experts, including Prof. Binod Khadria, President of the Global Research Forum on Diaspora and Transnationalism; Mr. Insaf Nizam, Specialist on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work at the International Labour Organisation (ILO) DWT for South Asia; Mr. Navaraj Sapkota of the National Human Rights Commission Nepal; Ms. Deepika Naruka from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC); and Ms. Bijaya Kumari Shrestha, Executive Committee Member of the Migrant Forum in Asia (South Asia).

This consultation meeting was organised by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), Just Rights for Children, and the Association for Voluntary Action. The meeting was hosted in New Delhi, India.