Philippine Guidelines for trafficked children

Statement of the IACAT on the Philippine Guidelines for the
Protection of Trafficked Children

The Inter Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) is pleased to announce the completion of the proposed Philippine Guidelines for the protection of trafficked children, a pioneering instrument to ensure the protection of the rights of children survivors of trafficking, by providing the minimum standards to be considered in all stages of care and handling of children survivors of trafficking.

The IACAT, together with other government agencies including the Council for the Welfare of Children, non-government organization and other stakeholders, initiated the formulation of the guidelines in line with its commitment to uphold the welfare of the children and ensure the effective and expedient handling of their cases.

The guidelines underwent rigorous consultations with government agencies, non-government organizations and other stakeholders, including the children survivors of trafficking whose inputs were gathered in accordance with the principle of child participation.

The final version of the guidelines is ready by adoption by the IACAT and will be on hand for publication. It is hoped that it will be an effective and helpful instrument for all stakeholders in protecting the children survivors of trafficking.