Response to Singapore’s first labour trafficking conviction

21 February 2020

HOME is encouraged to note the first labour trafficking conviction under Singapore’s Prevention of Human Trafficking Act 2014 (PHTA).  

HOME welcomes the move towards a victim-centric approach to investigations. Addressing victims’ fears and needs is crucial to detection and successful prosecution of human trafficking.Our experience shows that victims’ reluctance to come forward may be partly due to fear of prosecution for offences they may have participated in, in the course of being trafficked. The fear of participating in a lengthy investigation with little social support is also a disincentive. The PHTA should address these concerns, including enshrining a victim’s right to adequate social support, such as the right to work, health care, and compensation.  

We also look forward to deeper capacity-building of frontline MOM, Police and Immigration officers: to recognise signs of human trafficking. These signs may be subtle: for example, psychological coercion through indebtedness. Sensitising frontline officers helps ensure that victims are encouraged to seek help; not deterred.

Finally, HOME remains committed to engaging with the authorities on preventing human trafficking.  We hope that this landmark conviction will not only provide closure for the victims in the case; but also better inform and attune all stakeholders, including civil society and law enforcement authorities, to the application of the law.  Multi-faceted, human trafficking is often embedded in broader types of exploitation.