AMMAN, Jordan – The International Labour Organization (ILO)/Better Work Jordan programme and the General Trade Union of Workers in Textile, Garment, and Clothing Industries (GTU) have partnered to organise a one-day training session on October 25 to raise awareness of anti-human trafficking efforts in Jordan’s garment industry.
This comprehensive training was tailored to equip 17 trade union representatives and staff with the necessary knowledge and tools to identify and combat human trafficking within the sector. Participants are now disseminating their learnings within their workplaces. According to the latest global estimates, 152 million children are engaged in child labour and 25 million adults and children are in forced labour, including in global supply chains.
During the training session, Major Mohammad Al Khlefat, head of the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit at Jordan’s Public Security Directorate, addressed key aspects of the fight against human trafficking.
He provided a detailed explanation of human trafficking, offering participants a comprehensive understanding of the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring, and receipt of individuals through force, fraud, or deception, with the intention of exploiting them for profit.
The participants gained valuable insights into the legal framework surrounding human trafficking and indicators that aid in the recognition of human trafficking within the garment sector.
Khlefat also outlined effective methods for identifying and reporting suspected cases of human trafficking, emphasising the importance of protecting victims and providing guidelines for this essential process.
“The workshop was remarkable, as everyone was eager to understand human trafficking and its indicators, as well as how to deal with victims.,” Dina AbuQudiri, GTU representative said.
Men, women and children of all ages and from all backgrounds can become victims of this crime, which is prevalent globally. The garment and textile industries are no exception as they are marred by forced labour concerns worldwide.
GTU President Fathallah Al Omrani and Khlefat have committed to strengthening their collaborative efforts to provide a swift and coordinated response to human trafficking cases in the garment sector, with a primary focus on safeguarding the rights and well-being of workers. They share the vision of eliminating human trafficking from the garment sector to ensure the safety, protection, and empowerment of every worker.
A GTU representative in Aqaba, Israa Al Masri, described the training as “a unique and truly enriching experience.”
“During this training, it became clear to me how crucial cooperation and coordination among relevant entities are to combat this complex crime. I understood how law enforcement and civil society can work together to detect cases of human trafficking and assist victims. Increasing awareness of the issue of human trafficking contributes to prevention and protection. I am committed to applying the knowledge and skills I have acquired to combat this crime and defend the rights of victims,” GTU representative said.
Abed Aljawad Alnatsheh, the coordinator of the Workers’ Voice project of Better Work Jordan, stressed the importance of raising public awareness of human trafficking, recognizing its signs, and focusing on prevention and protection. “The training will contribute to the development of inspection and investigation skills, ultimately saving the lives of victims.”