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AIPJ and NTT government sign Statement of Commitment

The signing of this commitment was done by NTT Head of Bappeda Wayan Darmawa and AIPJ Team Leader Craig Ewers

On 22 January 2015, the Government of Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT) and AIPJ strengthened their relationship by signing a Statement of Commitment. The statement outlines the Government's and AIPJ's roles, particularly on freeing NTT from trafficking. In the statement, AIPJ and NTT's Bappeda also agree to find solutions to providing legal identity for children, protecting children in the justice system, providing legal assistance to the poor and persons with disabilities, and eliminating corruption from NTT.

The signing of this commitment was done by NTT Head of Bappeda Wayan Darmawa and AIPJ Team Leader Craig Ewers. Both signatories stated that AIPJ is not a donor but operated as a bilateral partnership. It is directed by both government partners and guided by provincial government priorities in NTT. The five commitments were identified by the local NTT government and were within the context of AIPJ’s program areas and target populations.

Ibu Lily, on behalf of Ibu Diani Sadiawati from Bappenas outlined how freedom from trafficking needed to be tackled in a broader development context. This would reduce pressures on women and girls to leave NTT in search of work. Bappeda and AIPJ gave presentations on human trafficking and the links to legal identity and corruption. In particular, they stressed the need to openly admit that the problem exists, and plan together to provide resources horizontally. Wayan Darmawa said that justice for NTT can be realised more quickly if all stakeholders build an integrated approach in development.

It is estimated that 50,000 NTT citizens go overseas illegally each year compared to 10,000 legally. However, there have only been 2 trafficking cases that have been finalised in the NTT courts. The total number of people trafficked is unknown. However, 80% of trafficking victims worldwide are women and girls. Research in villages suggests that a large number of girls have left their residences to go work overseas and have disappeared.

Although not a binding legal document, the Statement of Commitment exhibits a sincere intention by all signatories to tackle human trafficking and other issues in NTT.