Thursday, September 25, 2008
I am learning so much everyday--it's overwhelming, but in a good way. And it's the type of learning that I could never hope to get from a book, or from a lecture by one of my fabulous professors at UCSB. It's a more personal education, I would say. Talking to my brothers and sisters at the shelter has allowed me to get up-close and personal with what it is to be human, to struggle, to love, to sacrifice. I constantly feel like I want to write down everything they are saying, but that would be quite impossible. There are so many great stories, personal journeys, instances of defeat and triumph; I don't know what else to say, but that this is the best learning experience I have ever had, and, it's not over yet. I was telling a friend how being here, working in a shelter for victims of trafficking and labor exploitation and other types of inhumane treatment, affords many opportunities for existential crises. I guess what I'm trying to say is that listening to the life experiences of the people here, I constantly wonder why I am where I am in life. Why am I living in beautiful and sunny Santa Barbara completing my graduate education when my roommate could only dream of completing high school? Suddenly all the things that I worry and stress out about seem so unimportant. Really, why is life so random and unfair?
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Hello VietACT supporters!
This is Vanessa, VietACT Intern - Summer 2006. I want to applaud Caroline for the great work she is doing for the human trafficking survivors in Taiwan as well as the great writing and updates she is providing for VietACT locally here in the States and worldwide. For those California-based VietACT supporters, please see the following note from Van Le at VietACT:
Senator Lou Correa's Office, The Women's Transitional Living Center and VietACT are hosting an Evening of Awareness for Human Trafficking.
The event will take place on October 2nd at 6pm-8pm at the Westminster Rose Center.
The program will include a documentary film, testimonials from 3 human trafficking survivors, a discussion panel..and hopefully other VietACT talents such as Spoken word or singing...
Please contact vanle@vietact.org if you are interested in volunteering for the event! We'll see you there!
Peace, love and freedom
Vanessa
This is Vanessa, VietACT Intern - Summer 2006. I want to applaud Caroline for the great work she is doing for the human trafficking survivors in Taiwan as well as the great writing and updates she is providing for VietACT locally here in the States and worldwide. For those California-based VietACT supporters, please see the following note from Van Le at VietACT:
Senator Lou Correa's Office, The Women's Transitional Living Center and VietACT are hosting an Evening of Awareness for Human Trafficking.
The event will take place on October 2nd at 6pm-8pm at the Westminster Rose Center.
The program will include a documentary film, testimonials from 3 human trafficking survivors, a discussion panel..and hopefully other VietACT talents such as Spoken word or singing...
Please contact vanle@vietact.org if you are interested in volunteering for the event! We'll see you there!
Peace, love and freedom
Vanessa
Hello! Apologies for the lack of updates. I just returned from a visa-run to Thailand--it was quite beautiful by the way. I'm now back in the office and it feels busier than ever. Anyway, I neglected to post this before, but here are some of my notes on the Public Hearing on Workers' Rights in Taipei in early July:
11 July 2008
There was a public hearing with Taiwanese legislators, labor organizations, scholars, activists, etc., at the parliament building in Taipei. The topic of the day would be the issue of home-care workers’ rights especially in terms of time off. Currently foreign migrant laborers in home-care have no legal protections. There were several organizations present, including the Taiwanese International Workers Association (TIWA) and the Migrant Workers Alliance. From our organization, those present were Cha Hung, Chi Loan, Chen-Chen and some ladies from the shelter. There was a pamphlet given out concerning the protection for workers’ rights and interests and a comparative analysis between labor practices in Taiwan and other Asian countries/regions such as Hong Kong. I was very lucky to have Chen-Chen there for a portion of the hearing to translate for me. It was an open forum for discussion about any and all issues concerning the rights of these workers.
What is currently happening in Taiwan is that there is a substantial amount of elderly people relative to young people in the country. Of concern also is the disabled population. Families are thus increasingly becoming reliant on foreign laborers, especially women to fulfill the role of care-taker. Most of the time, workers are required to work on an average of 9.5-13 hours/day with no days off because these individuals need this type of constant care. The issue of protecting these workers have been talked about in the same way for the past several years without any real gains on changing policy. The strong sentiment present that day called for state intervention as the best and only solution in solving these problems. These workers are merely asking for basic legal protections and the right to time off. There are approximately 160,000 total foreign home care workers (“modern-day slaves”) in Taiwan.
Cha Hung also spoke at the hearing. He notes that brokerage companies suck money out of workers and that they have no basic freedoms. Their papers and legal documentation are confiscated by their brokers. Taiwan is mostly seen as a modern democracy, but its track record in the human rights department leaves much to be desired. He told the story of a woman who killed her employer and then tried to kill herself because the situation was so bad. This woman was not covered under any labor laws.
There is also the issue of local domestic workers. They cannot find jobs and blame this on foreign workers.
Long working hours have been an issue for quite a while. What kept being emphasized by those opposed to new legislation was that home-care workers/employers have different needs and thus cannot be ruled under the same laws and regulations as other types of jobs. With issues of labor regulation/exploitation, ENFORCEMENT is a big issue. Many of the times, workers are made to do things that they simply did not sign up for. A particularly salient question is: How do we go about monitoring these unjust practices?
It was nice seeing the great solidarity among the workers and proponents of social justice gathered in a forum to voice their rights and concerns, although it was unclear what kind of headway in terms of potential policy change was made that day.
11 July 2008
There was a public hearing with Taiwanese legislators, labor organizations, scholars, activists, etc., at the parliament building in Taipei. The topic of the day would be the issue of home-care workers’ rights especially in terms of time off. Currently foreign migrant laborers in home-care have no legal protections. There were several organizations present, including the Taiwanese International Workers Association (TIWA) and the Migrant Workers Alliance. From our organization, those present were Cha Hung, Chi Loan, Chen-Chen and some ladies from the shelter. There was a pamphlet given out concerning the protection for workers’ rights and interests and a comparative analysis between labor practices in Taiwan and other Asian countries/regions such as Hong Kong. I was very lucky to have Chen-Chen there for a portion of the hearing to translate for me. It was an open forum for discussion about any and all issues concerning the rights of these workers.
What is currently happening in Taiwan is that there is a substantial amount of elderly people relative to young people in the country. Of concern also is the disabled population. Families are thus increasingly becoming reliant on foreign laborers, especially women to fulfill the role of care-taker. Most of the time, workers are required to work on an average of 9.5-13 hours/day with no days off because these individuals need this type of constant care. The issue of protecting these workers have been talked about in the same way for the past several years without any real gains on changing policy. The strong sentiment present that day called for state intervention as the best and only solution in solving these problems. These workers are merely asking for basic legal protections and the right to time off. There are approximately 160,000 total foreign home care workers (“modern-day slaves”) in Taiwan.
Cha Hung also spoke at the hearing. He notes that brokerage companies suck money out of workers and that they have no basic freedoms. Their papers and legal documentation are confiscated by their brokers. Taiwan is mostly seen as a modern democracy, but its track record in the human rights department leaves much to be desired. He told the story of a woman who killed her employer and then tried to kill herself because the situation was so bad. This woman was not covered under any labor laws.
There is also the issue of local domestic workers. They cannot find jobs and blame this on foreign workers.
Long working hours have been an issue for quite a while. What kept being emphasized by those opposed to new legislation was that home-care workers/employers have different needs and thus cannot be ruled under the same laws and regulations as other types of jobs. With issues of labor regulation/exploitation, ENFORCEMENT is a big issue. Many of the times, workers are made to do things that they simply did not sign up for. A particularly salient question is: How do we go about monitoring these unjust practices?
It was nice seeing the great solidarity among the workers and proponents of social justice gathered in a forum to voice their rights and concerns, although it was unclear what kind of headway in terms of potential policy change was made that day.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
"Running away evokes the era of slavery; You leave your job, but you run away only when enslaved," (Haddad in "A Modern-Day Slave Trade: Sri Lankan Workers in Lebanon.")
A few weeks ago, we had two ladies come into the office after hours at around 10:00 pm. They were only able to come at this time because they worked 15-hour shifts and this was the only open slot in their schedules. I was able to sit in on their meeting with Cha Hung where they told him that they worked in a convalescent home and were put in charge of the fifty people on their floor. This being the case, there was ALWAYS something to do, and they barely had time to breathe. Their employer also forced them to administer injections to the patients, procedures of which can only be done by medical professionals (this is another legal infringement in itself and a whole other story).
The women desperately wanted to find a new job because this one was clearly exploitative. They also mentioned that their supervisor was extremely verbally abusive and they could no longer tolerate working under such miserable conditions. Luckily they were able to video record the working condtions on their cell phones and so we have clear evidence of the labor exploitation that they had to endure. As they were telling their stories, I could hardly believe that anyone could put up with such treatment. I am realizing more and more that these people who have come here to work and make an honest living are some of the most strong-willed and courageous people I have ever encountered. They sacrifice so much and are pushed to the breaking point.
Again, this is but one of the MANY cases that is being handled at the VMWBO. And as much as the office is doing, we have to think of the people who have not been lucky enough receive help and guidance. It is only the tip of the iceberg in battling modern-day slavery.
A few weeks ago, we had two ladies come into the office after hours at around 10:00 pm. They were only able to come at this time because they worked 15-hour shifts and this was the only open slot in their schedules. I was able to sit in on their meeting with Cha Hung where they told him that they worked in a convalescent home and were put in charge of the fifty people on their floor. This being the case, there was ALWAYS something to do, and they barely had time to breathe. Their employer also forced them to administer injections to the patients, procedures of which can only be done by medical professionals (this is another legal infringement in itself and a whole other story).
The women desperately wanted to find a new job because this one was clearly exploitative. They also mentioned that their supervisor was extremely verbally abusive and they could no longer tolerate working under such miserable conditions. Luckily they were able to video record the working condtions on their cell phones and so we have clear evidence of the labor exploitation that they had to endure. As they were telling their stories, I could hardly believe that anyone could put up with such treatment. I am realizing more and more that these people who have come here to work and make an honest living are some of the most strong-willed and courageous people I have ever encountered. They sacrifice so much and are pushed to the breaking point.
Again, this is but one of the MANY cases that is being handled at the VMWBO. And as much as the office is doing, we have to think of the people who have not been lucky enough receive help and guidance. It is only the tip of the iceberg in battling modern-day slavery.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Apologies for the lack of visuals in previous posts, so here you go--a smattering of photos which will hopefully give you a tiny glimpse of life at the VMWBO:
Also, I am technologically inept so instead of having the captions right above the photos I will describe them here: 1. Students hard at work, 2. Making "ruoc" (shredded and dried pork), 3. Bbq to welcome Cha Cuong back from the States, 3. & 4. The men made a beautiful bamboo cot which sits in our patio
Also, I am technologically inept so instead of having the captions right above the photos I will describe them here: 1. Students hard at work, 2. Making "ruoc" (shredded and dried pork), 3. Bbq to welcome Cha Cuong back from the States, 3. & 4. The men made a beautiful bamboo cot which sits in our patio
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Four of our brothers left last week because they were able to find new jobs. It was a happy day for them, but also bittersweet as we shared some good times and talks and now I probably will never see them again. As they were getting ready to leave with their backpacks and roll-away luggage, the rest of us stood to bid them goodbye with hugs, handshakes, and high-fives. I wish them the very best--it's the least they deserve.
Last Tuesday, one of our case workers had to go to a police station to translate for four men (boys, really) because they were confined by their employer and now were being detained . When we got there, they were essentially being held in prison although they had done nothing wrong. I saw no reason for that kind of treatment. To be fair, before these men had worked at their current employer, they had "escaped" from their previous employer because their contract was not met. This is considered illegal under Taiwanese law, but at the same time it is against the law to not fulfill a binding contract. I'm no lawyer, but I'm pretty sure this is illegal. If I paid inordinate amounts of money to a broker, then later became exploited and abused, I would also leave that situation. I can't blame these people for doing what they did. They were defrauded. Anyway, one of the police officers spoke some English and he actually asked me what I thought of human rights in Taiwan. A very general question, but I gave him a candid answer based on the people I've spoken with and my experiences thus far. Obviously I was being put on the spot, but I thought I gave a very civil, yet honest answer. He agreed with me that the broker system needed to be fixed. It was an interesting conversation. Also I must say that people took their time around that office. We didn't get home until 5am. A long night, indeed, but I learned a lot.
Classes are fun. We started dance classes with the Cha-cha-cha. I have two left feet myself so I watched a bunch of YouTube videos. We sure worked up a sweat and had lots of laughs. So far in English classes, we've gone over general introductions, numbers, talking about family, colors, days, months, and birthdays, etc. I try to incorporate games whenever I can and always have treats as incentive to participate. Candy always helps! Everyone is pretty great at being open to learning. We also have six new computers at the shelter now and I am currently trying to link them to the internet--I wish I was more IT savvy.
Also, sorry for the lack of pictures...they will be up soon!
Last Tuesday, one of our case workers had to go to a police station to translate for four men (boys, really) because they were confined by their employer and now were being detained . When we got there, they were essentially being held in prison although they had done nothing wrong. I saw no reason for that kind of treatment. To be fair, before these men had worked at their current employer, they had "escaped" from their previous employer because their contract was not met. This is considered illegal under Taiwanese law, but at the same time it is against the law to not fulfill a binding contract. I'm no lawyer, but I'm pretty sure this is illegal. If I paid inordinate amounts of money to a broker, then later became exploited and abused, I would also leave that situation. I can't blame these people for doing what they did. They were defrauded. Anyway, one of the police officers spoke some English and he actually asked me what I thought of human rights in Taiwan. A very general question, but I gave him a candid answer based on the people I've spoken with and my experiences thus far. Obviously I was being put on the spot, but I thought I gave a very civil, yet honest answer. He agreed with me that the broker system needed to be fixed. It was an interesting conversation. Also I must say that people took their time around that office. We didn't get home until 5am. A long night, indeed, but I learned a lot.
Classes are fun. We started dance classes with the Cha-cha-cha. I have two left feet myself so I watched a bunch of YouTube videos. We sure worked up a sweat and had lots of laughs. So far in English classes, we've gone over general introductions, numbers, talking about family, colors, days, months, and birthdays, etc. I try to incorporate games whenever I can and always have treats as incentive to participate. Candy always helps! Everyone is pretty great at being open to learning. We also have six new computers at the shelter now and I am currently trying to link them to the internet--I wish I was more IT savvy.
Also, sorry for the lack of pictures...they will be up soon!
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
Doing research and speaking with people who are directly dealing with the issue of human trafficking in Taiwan has been saddening, yet thoroughly interesting. In Taiwan especially, the issue of trafficking is strongly tied to issues of labor exploitation, specifically in regards to the broker system. It is a systematic yet complex web that involves the exploitation of the economically marginalized, deceit, and abuse. These brokers (both Vietnamese and Taiwanese) charge obscenely large fees to laborers who are already financially disadvantaged, and then subsequently put them in sub-standard work environments which were not specified in the contracts. Also, these individuals end up being paid less than what the contracts specified, or not given enough work to do, which places them in an especially precarious situation as they all have lingering debts to pay. Many times, laborers do not work in one single place but are transported (read: trafficked) to multiple work sites depending on where labor is needed.
So far, through talking with many people here, it is the debt (and the interest which continually accruing) which is particularly worrisome and a great source of psychological stress for these individuals. People here at the shelter are obviously not making an income while they are here, and everyday they think about the money they could be and should be making. The whole situation makes me extremely sad for my fellow brothers and sisters, and it makes me extremely angry at humanity. I consider myself a relatively optimistic and hopeful person, but when people knowingly deceive and exploit others, I can't help but be frustrated and cynical. How can a human being treat another human being in such a manner? That is the question of the day, and perhaps, many days to follow.
So far, through talking with many people here, it is the debt (and the interest which continually accruing) which is particularly worrisome and a great source of psychological stress for these individuals. People here at the shelter are obviously not making an income while they are here, and everyday they think about the money they could be and should be making. The whole situation makes me extremely sad for my fellow brothers and sisters, and it makes me extremely angry at humanity. I consider myself a relatively optimistic and hopeful person, but when people knowingly deceive and exploit others, I can't help but be frustrated and cynical. How can a human being treat another human being in such a manner? That is the question of the day, and perhaps, many days to follow.
Friday, August 01, 2008
My days have been very full (and fulfilling). Planning for classes, teaching, visiting the detention centers, and weekly meetings with Cha Hung have comprised the weekly routine for me. However, every day is different and exciting. Currently, I am starting a research project (it is definitely in its infant stages) that will utilize a database we have on victims, along with interviews and narratives from individuals in our own shelter to come up with a report that will gauge/challenge the Taiwanese government in its engagement with aspects of prevention, protection, and prosecution as they relate to human trafficking. Although the VMWBO is a non-profit organization seeking to help these individuals at the grassroots level, anything we can do to possibly affect change at the policy level would be a crucial step forward in eradicating this heinous human rights abuse. And even if we were only able to shed some more light on the issue and make more people aware, we will have made progress. I must say, research projects are hard, especially when there are so many angles from which we can tackle the issue, but I'm sure we wouldn't be dealing with this problem if there was an easy solution.
On a lighter note, I tried stinky tofu (Taiwan's national snack food) for the first time with one of my sisters here at the shelter. Frankly, I don't care too much for the flavor (although I did have three pieces)...maybe it will grow on me. However, I do fear that I've become a boba addict and I should stop now before the problem gets out of hand. It's just so satisfying at the end of a hot day (and it's so cheap--1USD for a huge cup!). Last week, I went four times, every time with different people.
I feel very fortunate to have made these new friends. I am learning so much from them (and I can only hope they are learning from me as well). And although a main component of this internship is for me to get to know the victims and retell their stories so as to spread awareness, when I talk to them, we don't always talk about their problems as pertaining to the issue of trafficking (thank God), but we talk about sports, their childhoods, their families, their hobbies, their hopes. I guess what I am trying to say is that these people are not just names in file folders or living specimens that I get to observe and interact with, but they are human beings and also my friends and I will have to say that this is what is most important.
Dance classes have been postponed until next week because of scheduling conflicts. Now, who remembers the Macarena?
On a lighter note, I tried stinky tofu (Taiwan's national snack food) for the first time with one of my sisters here at the shelter. Frankly, I don't care too much for the flavor (although I did have three pieces)...maybe it will grow on me. However, I do fear that I've become a boba addict and I should stop now before the problem gets out of hand. It's just so satisfying at the end of a hot day (and it's so cheap--1USD for a huge cup!). Last week, I went four times, every time with different people.
I feel very fortunate to have made these new friends. I am learning so much from them (and I can only hope they are learning from me as well). And although a main component of this internship is for me to get to know the victims and retell their stories so as to spread awareness, when I talk to them, we don't always talk about their problems as pertaining to the issue of trafficking (thank God), but we talk about sports, their childhoods, their families, their hobbies, their hopes. I guess what I am trying to say is that these people are not just names in file folders or living specimens that I get to observe and interact with, but they are human beings and also my friends and I will have to say that this is what is most important.
Dance classes have been postponed until next week because of scheduling conflicts. Now, who remembers the Macarena?
Sunday, July 27, 2008
The office is a bit quiet today as there is a massive storm throughout the country and thus the government has issued a day-off for (all?) workers. Currently, the wind gusts and rain are furious and the news says that it will continue for the next two days or so. This is all very new to me. On the bright side, it is a little cooler now (but still sticky).
Last week I went to the Sansia Detention Center with Cha Hung. We rode up the elevator to where the detainees were staying and I was genuinely shocked to find that these people were behind metal bars--treated as if they were criminals. I was not expecting this at all, but this is precisely how the government is treating these individuals because they have no legal documentation, or escaped from their employers (I don't blame them). These people are victims of deceit, abuse, and exploitation, and yet they are further being victimized by the system.
I was able to talk to some of the victims individually and one woman cried to me about how she has kidney problems and it is very painful for her to even get out of bed, eat, etc., but she is not being properly treated for her condition. I tried to fight back tears as she told me her story about she was over-worked by her employer and basically did not get any time off. She was treated horribly--for example, she explained that she was only given the left-overs of what the family had already eaten, and most of the time they were just fish bones or other things that were inedible. She was not even considered a human being to these people. At this point, I could no longer hold back my tears and I reached for her hand through the metal bars.
Another women I spoke to was telling me how she was cheated of her wages and was waiting to get the money that she deserved. She also expressed that she would rather stay in the detention center than go home (to Vietnam) empty-handed. She had accrued a huge amount of debt in order to get to Taiwan, and (through tears) told me there was no way for her to go back if she did not make the money to repay these loans. She tells me she misses her family immensely and it pains her that she can't go back home.
I remained silent on the car ride back to the office.
Last week I went to the Sansia Detention Center with Cha Hung. We rode up the elevator to where the detainees were staying and I was genuinely shocked to find that these people were behind metal bars--treated as if they were criminals. I was not expecting this at all, but this is precisely how the government is treating these individuals because they have no legal documentation, or escaped from their employers (I don't blame them). These people are victims of deceit, abuse, and exploitation, and yet they are further being victimized by the system.
I was able to talk to some of the victims individually and one woman cried to me about how she has kidney problems and it is very painful for her to even get out of bed, eat, etc., but she is not being properly treated for her condition. I tried to fight back tears as she told me her story about she was over-worked by her employer and basically did not get any time off. She was treated horribly--for example, she explained that she was only given the left-overs of what the family had already eaten, and most of the time they were just fish bones or other things that were inedible. She was not even considered a human being to these people. At this point, I could no longer hold back my tears and I reached for her hand through the metal bars.
Another women I spoke to was telling me how she was cheated of her wages and was waiting to get the money that she deserved. She also expressed that she would rather stay in the detention center than go home (to Vietnam) empty-handed. She had accrued a huge amount of debt in order to get to Taiwan, and (through tears) told me there was no way for her to go back if she did not make the money to repay these loans. She tells me she misses her family immensely and it pains her that she can't go back home.
I remained silent on the car ride back to the office.
Monday, July 21, 2008
A typhoon passed through Taoyuan last week--it was really rainy and windy, but very welcomed as a short reprieve to the heat. I also met the Turtle which apparently comes by every time it rains. I've actually met a whole host of animal friends this past week including beetles, frogs, and puppies. Last Friday, we also had a bbq to welcome Cha Cuong back from the US. It was great fun, the people here sure know how to cook! And the feasting was followed by none other than a volleyball tournament.
Yesterday, after lunch, I had some time to talk to one of the ladies here who I haven't really gotten to know yet. She told me about how her broker had confiscated her papers, lied to her, and made her do more work than she was supposed to do. Apparently, when this broker served as the interpreter between her and the employer, he just conveyed whatever he wanted to and did not communicate what the employer would say. We sat and talked for about half an hour before I had to get back to the office. I could see in her eyes and the way she told her story that she was trying to fight back tears, and I kept thinking how brave she was to have come here to give her family a better life--she noted that her son is now at university and is a computer whiz. She spoke very highly of him and you could tell that she was a proud mom. It's nice to know that her efforts and sacrifices are being put toward a better life for her children. She is hoping to learn more about computers also (actually most people here are very enthusiastic about them), so our weekly class on the basics is something they look forward to.
A recurring sentiment I've been hearing is the fact that although these women have been abused, mistreated, cheated, exploited, etc., they do not want to go back to Vietnam empty-handed. First of all, they have made so many sacrifices coming here--paying the fees, leaving their loved-ones etc., and to not have anything to show for it when they get home is just more than they can bear. So most of them hope to be able to switch employers and just find a decent job.
What is so frustrating and infuriating about these situations is that these brokers/employers prey on these people's vulnerabilities and take advantage of them because they cannot speak the language and do not know what their rights are. These brokers cannot legally confiscate papers for indefinite amounts of time. I can hardly imagine if I was in the same type of situation--coming to new country, not knowing the language, and just wanting to make an honest wage to feed my family at home. It is disheartening that these innocent people are being exploited in this manner. Cha Hung teaches a weekly class called luat lao dong (which roughly translates to 'labor laws') to inform people on their rights as workers. It is just one more way that these people are becoming increasingly empowered.
On the agenda tomorrow: a visit to a detention center with Cha Hung.
Yesterday, after lunch, I had some time to talk to one of the ladies here who I haven't really gotten to know yet. She told me about how her broker had confiscated her papers, lied to her, and made her do more work than she was supposed to do. Apparently, when this broker served as the interpreter between her and the employer, he just conveyed whatever he wanted to and did not communicate what the employer would say. We sat and talked for about half an hour before I had to get back to the office. I could see in her eyes and the way she told her story that she was trying to fight back tears, and I kept thinking how brave she was to have come here to give her family a better life--she noted that her son is now at university and is a computer whiz. She spoke very highly of him and you could tell that she was a proud mom. It's nice to know that her efforts and sacrifices are being put toward a better life for her children. She is hoping to learn more about computers also (actually most people here are very enthusiastic about them), so our weekly class on the basics is something they look forward to.
A recurring sentiment I've been hearing is the fact that although these women have been abused, mistreated, cheated, exploited, etc., they do not want to go back to Vietnam empty-handed. First of all, they have made so many sacrifices coming here--paying the fees, leaving their loved-ones etc., and to not have anything to show for it when they get home is just more than they can bear. So most of them hope to be able to switch employers and just find a decent job.
What is so frustrating and infuriating about these situations is that these brokers/employers prey on these people's vulnerabilities and take advantage of them because they cannot speak the language and do not know what their rights are. These brokers cannot legally confiscate papers for indefinite amounts of time. I can hardly imagine if I was in the same type of situation--coming to new country, not knowing the language, and just wanting to make an honest wage to feed my family at home. It is disheartening that these innocent people are being exploited in this manner. Cha Hung teaches a weekly class called luat lao dong (which roughly translates to 'labor laws') to inform people on their rights as workers. It is just one more way that these people are becoming increasingly empowered.
On the agenda tomorrow: a visit to a detention center with Cha Hung.
Monday, July 14, 2008
We have a new young brother at our shelter now who is seriously ill. I don't know the full details, and even if I did, I would not be able to share them on this blog, but the situation is devastating to say the least. This individual is younger than I am, has been working in Taiwan for more than a year, and his brokers want to send him back to Vietnam even though he will have zero or no chance of getting treatment as he would not be able to afford it. We would like to take him to the doctor here in Taoyuan, but since his brokers have his papers and documentation, it will be a challenge to seek out the proper medical care. It is truly saddening, and I feel so helpless. It is instances like these--the actions of people like these heartless brokers that makes one slowly lose faith in humanity. But on the other hand, it is people like those in this office, and those fighters for social justice and peace around the world that are slowly tipping the balance.
Last night, at dinner, Cha Hung received a phone call on his cell phone from an individual who had been fired from her employer and then subsequently taken in by her broker and handcuffed for 4 days. She eventually was able to call Cha Hung, and he is now busy trying to mediate the situation. I believe the police are involved now, but who knows how this case will end up? At the end of the day, Cha Hung told me that he was tired, and this is a strong statement coming from him.
Last night, at dinner, Cha Hung received a phone call on his cell phone from an individual who had been fired from her employer and then subsequently taken in by her broker and handcuffed for 4 days. She eventually was able to call Cha Hung, and he is now busy trying to mediate the situation. I believe the police are involved now, but who knows how this case will end up? At the end of the day, Cha Hung told me that he was tired, and this is a strong statement coming from him.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
I can't believe it is already my third day in Taiwan; time flies when there is so much to do. I think I've gotten to know most everyone's names--I just hope I can remember them. I feel like I see a new person at the shelter everyday. I find it amazing that given the situations they are in, the majority of them are very cheerful and are eager to talk to me. I've gone on some excursions with a few of them by happenstance, and they were all delightful adventures. One day I went to Taipei with a sister to buy a cd, and yesterday I went with three people to check out laptop computers. They all seem to be very fun and eager to have a good time.
On Friday, Cha Hung, Chi Loan, Chen Chen, a few of the sisters at the shelter, and I attended a public hearing with Taiwanese legislators and other government officials concerning the lack of protections afforded to migrant laborers--specifically those engaged in home-care. It seems the government has been "all talk and no action" for the past several years on the issue, and this hearing was a forum for any and all to voice their frustrations with the current system. As the discussion was obviously in Mandarin, I am extremely grateful to Chen-Chen for being my personal interpreter...you are the best! There were also many labor-rights organizations present and it was a great sight to see the solidarity that was present that day. My notes are currently at home so I will post more on this topic in a subsequent entry.
I start officially teaching next week and am a bit nervous, but I think it will be fun. Getting to the shelter, I was actually surprised to find that there are about an equal amount of men and women here so I want to incorporate activities that are gender-neutral. I think dance lessons will be fun (the ladies had a blast with your lesson, Anthony!), and I'm eager for yoga (maybe when the weather is not so unbearable), and cooking lessons. I also look forward to nightly volleyball (although I am terrible), and just chilling on the couch. Just a side note: Cha Hung sure is a jack-of-all trades--he does acupuncture for family members nightly and also teaches them reflexology (which I am eager to learn!) Seriously, what can't he do?
Sorry if this entry was a bit convoluted, but I just wanted to get everything down before dinner. I also have to try and tackle this MS ACCESS problem we are having and am HIGHLY frustrated with it right now.
On Friday, Cha Hung, Chi Loan, Chen Chen, a few of the sisters at the shelter, and I attended a public hearing with Taiwanese legislators and other government officials concerning the lack of protections afforded to migrant laborers--specifically those engaged in home-care. It seems the government has been "all talk and no action" for the past several years on the issue, and this hearing was a forum for any and all to voice their frustrations with the current system. As the discussion was obviously in Mandarin, I am extremely grateful to Chen-Chen for being my personal interpreter...you are the best! There were also many labor-rights organizations present and it was a great sight to see the solidarity that was present that day. My notes are currently at home so I will post more on this topic in a subsequent entry.
I start officially teaching next week and am a bit nervous, but I think it will be fun. Getting to the shelter, I was actually surprised to find that there are about an equal amount of men and women here so I want to incorporate activities that are gender-neutral. I think dance lessons will be fun (the ladies had a blast with your lesson, Anthony!), and I'm eager for yoga (maybe when the weather is not so unbearable), and cooking lessons. I also look forward to nightly volleyball (although I am terrible), and just chilling on the couch. Just a side note: Cha Hung sure is a jack-of-all trades--he does acupuncture for family members nightly and also teaches them reflexology (which I am eager to learn!) Seriously, what can't he do?
Sorry if this entry was a bit convoluted, but I just wanted to get everything down before dinner. I also have to try and tackle this MS ACCESS problem we are having and am HIGHLY frustrated with it right now.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
The past few days have been a whirlwind of emotions, but I am Taiwan now, relatively settled and excited for the journey I am going to embark upon with the new friends I have met. Saying the flight here was long is a vast understatement, but once I got to the TPE I got a second wind. It was around 6:30 am when I landed and I could already feel the intense humidity. Spotted Cha Hung and we proceeded to drive back to the shelter. I was a little nervous about meeting him just because he is such a prominent individual, activist, fighter, superhero--the list goes on and on, but he was so warm and friendly that those feelings dissipated immediately.
Got to the shelter around 7, just in time for morning mass. I was there with a few of the women, and later sat down to breakfast of jam and bread with them. My Vietnamese was actually better than I anticipated (thank God) and it was a very pleasant experience. I then went to Cha Hung's office for a very informal 'orientation,'--he basically went over the nature of work at the office, what my responsibilities would be etc. Throughout our conversation, one thing in particular stood out to me, which is very simple, but still, I think, a very important thing to remember during my time here--that we are here to EMPOWER the victims, and not to shelter them. It will be my job to, in any way that I can, to instill a sense of confidence in these individuals, to let them realize that they can and should be fighters in these harsh circumstances they find themselves under. Cha Hung was concerned that I was tired and asked if I wanted to take the day off to rest, and I was tempted, but was very anxious to soak up as much of the culture of the office as I could on the first day.
I washed vegetables with some of the ladies, watched Taiwanese dramas, ate some delicious cooking, played volleyball...it was a very full and fulfilling day. Vanessa, Vinh, and Trinh, many of the victims talked about their experiences with you and went on about how great you all were and how appreciative they are about your time here--it just goes to show the great/difficult work we are engaged in, and that it is making a difference.
Now, my only complaint is the humidity...
Got to the shelter around 7, just in time for morning mass. I was there with a few of the women, and later sat down to breakfast of jam and bread with them. My Vietnamese was actually better than I anticipated (thank God) and it was a very pleasant experience. I then went to Cha Hung's office for a very informal 'orientation,'--he basically went over the nature of work at the office, what my responsibilities would be etc. Throughout our conversation, one thing in particular stood out to me, which is very simple, but still, I think, a very important thing to remember during my time here--that we are here to EMPOWER the victims, and not to shelter them. It will be my job to, in any way that I can, to instill a sense of confidence in these individuals, to let them realize that they can and should be fighters in these harsh circumstances they find themselves under. Cha Hung was concerned that I was tired and asked if I wanted to take the day off to rest, and I was tempted, but was very anxious to soak up as much of the culture of the office as I could on the first day.
I washed vegetables with some of the ladies, watched Taiwanese dramas, ate some delicious cooking, played volleyball...it was a very full and fulfilling day. Vanessa, Vinh, and Trinh, many of the victims talked about their experiences with you and went on about how great you all were and how appreciative they are about your time here--it just goes to show the great/difficult work we are engaged in, and that it is making a difference.
Now, my only complaint is the humidity...
Monday, July 07, 2008
Hello! My name is Caroline Le and I will be interning in Taiwan on behalf of VietACT this summer and fall. I feel truly humbled and blessed to be given this opportunity, and after a year of studying about issues such as human rights, globalization, public policy, etc., I am extremely excited to actually have a "hands-on" experience working with an issue of human rights violations, particularly one that has been consistently overlooked by the mainstream media and even the most globally-conscious citizens of the world. I feel as though I have gained a lot from my studies this year at UCSB, but am positive that this experience in Taiwan will teach me things that I will never be able to learn from a book or from listening to a lecture.
I am particularly looking forward to being able to interact with victims of trafficking and hear their stories. It is obvious that human trafficking is one of the worst forms of human rights abuses and is something that must be urgently addressed. One of the mantras of VietACT as articulated by Edmund Burke is: "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." Ever since I was young, I've wanted to change the world, but figuring out how I wanted to go about doing this was the challenge. Increasingly I have found that it starts with a group of concerned citizens working at the grassroots level. While eradicating human trafficking is an enormous feat, making small steps toward change and improving the lives of these victims and alleviating their suffering (strides which TaiwanACT and VietACT have made), is evidence that it can be done.
After finishing my classes in mid-June, I had a week or so to relax a bit and spend quality time with family and friends, and given the experience that I am about to embark upon, I just felt extremely lucky to be where I am in terms of my life circumstances. Perhaps I will never be able to fully relate to someone who has been trafficked, or someone who had to leave their country and their loved ones to find a job, but if I can do anything to help them--make them laugh, teach them something new--then it will be all worthwhile. I remembering hearing a quote (I'm full of them, but can never remember the exact lines), something to the effect of: "The character of human kind is judged upon how it treats its most vulnerable and marginalized," and I couldn't agree more. Here's to the cause.
And now it's time to finish packing. Taiwan here I come!
I am particularly looking forward to being able to interact with victims of trafficking and hear their stories. It is obvious that human trafficking is one of the worst forms of human rights abuses and is something that must be urgently addressed. One of the mantras of VietACT as articulated by Edmund Burke is: "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." Ever since I was young, I've wanted to change the world, but figuring out how I wanted to go about doing this was the challenge. Increasingly I have found that it starts with a group of concerned citizens working at the grassroots level. While eradicating human trafficking is an enormous feat, making small steps toward change and improving the lives of these victims and alleviating their suffering (strides which TaiwanACT and VietACT have made), is evidence that it can be done.
After finishing my classes in mid-June, I had a week or so to relax a bit and spend quality time with family and friends, and given the experience that I am about to embark upon, I just felt extremely lucky to be where I am in terms of my life circumstances. Perhaps I will never be able to fully relate to someone who has been trafficked, or someone who had to leave their country and their loved ones to find a job, but if I can do anything to help them--make them laugh, teach them something new--then it will be all worthwhile. I remembering hearing a quote (I'm full of them, but can never remember the exact lines), something to the effect of: "The character of human kind is judged upon how it treats its most vulnerable and marginalized," and I couldn't agree more. Here's to the cause.
And now it's time to finish packing. Taiwan here I come!
Sunday, June 01, 2008
Hey Everyone,
This is Vinh (Anthony), VietACT's Intern from Summer 2007. Wow, it's been a while since I wrote on this blog. I nearly forgot my password! >_<
As my predecessor, Vanessa Nguyen (VietACT's 2006 Intern), has done for me - I'd like to officially welcome and recognize Caroline Le as our 2008 Intern. Below is a brief bio on Caroline Le. She hopes to depart for Taiwan early July and plans to be in Taiwan for about three months or so (depending). Stay tune for upcoming entries by Caroline. Caroline - WELCOME TO THE FAMILY!
Caroline Le, VietACT 2008 Intern
Caroline is currently finishing her first year of graduate studies at The University of California, Santa Barbara in Global and International Studies. She graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in history and a minor in philosophy from UC Irvine. As part of her undergraduate experience, she was awarded a grant to conduct research on first and second generation Vietnamese immigrants. Her interest in immigration issues and human rights was, in large part, influenced by her own family’s experiences. She became interested in issues of human trafficking in early 2006, particularly through learning about the experiences of Vietnamese women in Taiwan. Her participation at an international conference on human trafficking further cemented her desire to learn more about and do something to curb these human rights abuses. When a friend introduced her to VietACT, she was determined to somehow get involved and contribute to the cause. Aside from human trafficking issues, her academic interests include refugee and women’s rights as well as sustainable economic development.
This is Vinh (Anthony), VietACT's Intern from Summer 2007. Wow, it's been a while since I wrote on this blog. I nearly forgot my password! >_<
As my predecessor, Vanessa Nguyen (VietACT's 2006 Intern), has done for me - I'd like to officially welcome and recognize Caroline Le as our 2008 Intern. Below is a brief bio on Caroline Le. She hopes to depart for Taiwan early July and plans to be in Taiwan for about three months or so (depending). Stay tune for upcoming entries by Caroline. Caroline - WELCOME TO THE FAMILY!
Caroline Le, VietACT 2008 Intern
Caroline is currently finishing her first year of graduate studies at The University of California, Santa Barbara in Global and International Studies. She graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in history and a minor in philosophy from UC Irvine. As part of her undergraduate experience, she was awarded a grant to conduct research on first and second generation Vietnamese immigrants. Her interest in immigration issues and human rights was, in large part, influenced by her own family’s experiences. She became interested in issues of human trafficking in early 2006, particularly through learning about the experiences of Vietnamese women in Taiwan. Her participation at an international conference on human trafficking further cemented her desire to learn more about and do something to curb these human rights abuses. When a friend introduced her to VietACT, she was determined to somehow get involved and contribute to the cause. Aside from human trafficking issues, her academic interests include refugee and women’s rights as well as sustainable economic development.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Trafficking of Migrant Laborers: The Onus on Source Governments*
*title taken from the 2007 TIP Report
Hi all. First off, apologies all around! It's Wed evening and my fist two weeks here in Taiwan have been hectic and filled with adventures!! Sincerest apologies all around for not updating in the first few days but I got caught up with work and traveling with Father Hung. I'll try to backtrack and fill you guys in. I'm not going to be able to update you guys every single day but I will try weekly since I'm on a regular schedule now. I promise this long, overdue update is well worth the time - so please please enjoy the read!
Sept 11 - Arrival after a long flight
I landed in Taiwan on September 11 at precisely 6am, randomly went to a carwash with Cha Hung, ate lots of oatmeal with the women at the shelter, and by 9am I was acclimated to the office. I had a wonderful pho lunch with all the women and men, and by 2pm, I was on my way out the door with Cha Hung and Cha Cuong to the Taoyuan Railway Station. We are taking an over-night trip to Su-ao in Yilan County as a stop-over before we visit the Yilan Detention Center. Here, we will meet with the local Catholic Priest, Cha Chin. He played host and took us to the Su-ao's fish habor, one of Taiwan's major ports. Su-ao is a cute, grubby, smelly little town with an amazing fish market at the end of the harbor. The town is particularly known for its availability of fresh seafood, especially yellowfin tuna, octopus, crabs, squids, hammerhead sharks just lying along the street.
Of particular interest: About three years ago, Su-ao and other ports along TW's coast was the site of massive exploitation of foreign fishermen. Many who sought well-paying fishing jobs (especially those from Mainland China, Viet Nam, the Philippines, Thailand) were subjected to beatings, food deprivation, on top of terrible working conditions. Recruited from poor communities, these men and sometimes-even children were exploited for up to four years. With their passports confiscated, physically and emotional abused, these men often times found it hard to escape as the boat served as a perfect prison and many were left without official passports or travel documents. Highly disposable, these men often died on the seas. Fortunately, three years, the Taiwanese government banned Vietnamese fishermen; but just in taking a brief tour of the harbor, I saw many Indonesians and Thai fishermen. It’s a bit daunting to think that they might also be exploited….
Sept. 12 - Yilan Detention Center
Taiwan's National Immigration Agency operates 5 Detention Centers in Yilan, Matsu, Hsinchu, Sansia, and Kinmen. The NIA is a fairly new development for TW's government; just last year, illegal migrant workers who were picked up by the authorities would be crammed into local police stations until they were repatriated back to their countries. Along with Fathers Chin, Cuong, and Hung, chi My-Nga, VMWBO's director of policy and planning, we went to visit the Yilan Detention Center in Luodong. The Director himself escorted us to the Yilan Detention Center; he has much to prove because of recent outbreaks from the detention center. Read more here! It's a really interesting string of events. About seven women escaped the center using only a smoldering iron! Being spoiled by American standards, I am still surprised by the lack of attention women receive upon official introductions. Taiwan, being socially more advanced than mainland China, is still primarily a patriarchal society and thus fairly often disregards women in an official setting.
First Impressions of the Yilan Det. Center
What a quick way to get my feet wet! In just my second day in Taiwan, I was able to get a first hand account of the conditions of the detention centers. When the police arrest illegal migrant workers, most will spend their time in these detention centers until they can be repatriated back to their home country. In the eyes of the Taiwanese governments the many who have left their employers (many due to abuse – explained below) are criminals. For those who came to Taiwan under a legal work permit, they find themselves working unreasonable hours, physically and physiologically abused by their employers, confined, withheld wages, have their passports and travel documents confiscated, or threatened with repatriation. These migrant workers are victims of exploitative practices. It is no wonder many flee their abusive environment to find a better working and living situation. Now illegal and undocumented, these migrant workers work petty jobs and are labeled as criminal groups by government officials. For the many who do bring their complaints to the brokers or employers, they are rebuffed and threatened of deportation back to their home countries.
The UN TIP (Trafficking In Persons) Protocol supports the victim-centered approach at the core of the international community's anti-trafficking efforts. To this end, there is a human rights principle that victims and survivors of trafficking, debt bondage, forced-labor, and slave-like practices be provided with services and be protected from further trauma. In just my first day of observation, I am saddened to say that the men and women are not receiving these services. It is still too early to make a definite statement about the conditions of the shelter but there obvious concerns. These detainees are treated like criminals, wearing prison garb, not allowed phone calls. Some are obvious victims of physical abuse, whether it is from their employer or further abuse from center's guards. The concern is whether or not the Taiwanese government is offering any services to address such issues or would they allow NGOs and other organizations to come in and assist victims of trafficking.
The women’s center has no women guards and it is scary to think that for those who have been sexually or psychologically abuse, they are further traumatized. The look on these women faces is unforgettable. Many of the women began to cry when Cha Hung described the work that the office does. It is hard to look out into the crowd and not see my mother or eldest sister, or perhaps my many, many aunts and cousins still in Viet Nam - many of whom wish to leave to find better jobs. Many of the men that we met also shed tears when we left. Wearing prison garb, looking thin, scarred, and scared, these men and women left a burning image.......
Also of concern are the Vietnamese brides. Those who come to marry local men (either for fake marriages to work or for real matches) often find themselves in abusive situations. Read more.
There are some in Yilan who fit this category.
While looking at improving the conditions in these centers, I hope to focus particularly on the reasons why these people were forced to leave their legal employers. Labor trafficking happens when there is a blatant abuse of contracts (longer working hours than stated, employer abuse, confinement, etc) and local laws as well as a cruel cycle of debt bondage placed on these workers. For those who had to borrow money or pay a “privilege fee” to work in Taiwan (this is illegal by international standards), they have to work to pay back their initial debt and through initial threats, physical abuse, etc they are forced into continued service. To protect migrant workers from labor exploitation, there has to be a bilateral effort between Vietnam and Taiwan. Source countries such as Vietnam must take the responsibility to protect its workers by demanding that labor agencies and brokers abroad are prosecuted.
Vietnam should support direct hiring services (instead of brokerages), and require rights of these workers be protected. The Taiwan government has to actively investigate employee’s complaints and use a victim-centered approach for the victims of labor trafficking in the detention centers. Of course, this is all talk from me. What is theoretical does not always translate to daily realities of what is happening here in Taiwan. In the next couple of months, VMWBO hopes to have widespread policy changes in the National Immigration Agency to further protect migrant workers and victims of human trafficking. What is reality are the cases of abused migrant workers and trafficked victims that seek shelter at Cha Hung’s office and other NGOs. And of course, I am only talking specifically of the Vietnamese people here in Taiwan. If I were to talk and observe the Filipinos, Thai, or Indonesian workers, no doubt that I will also find these same issues and concerns.
Sept. 17 - Coalition Meeting, the Holy See, and Wipha! Another exciting day as Typhoon Wipha makes its way towards the island. Cha Hung, Chi My-Nga and I go to a meeting with Hope Workers' Center, and TIWA to the Migrant Empowerment Network of Taiwan (MENT) coalition meeting. Gathered in a small office, this collation of labor rights’ groups and anti-trafficking NGOs works together to. I’ll be working with several people to address the conditions in the detention center…..
Sept. 18 - TYPHOON, day of rest! Being a true Texan, I was highly prepared and a little bit curious about my first ever typhoon ...what with tornadoes, hailing storms, and mass flooding a common incidence for me. With such urgency last night amongst the local, I was surprised to wake up to mild winds and rain. Schools and government buildings are closed, so my scheduled anti-trafficking meeting at the NIA is cancelled; no complaints here as I get my first day of rest……to take a look at case files.
*****************
Three weeks into my stay in Taiwan and already there are so many issues and topics to be addressed!! Of particular concern is the detainees in all the detention center. I’ll be focusing particularly on this issue, as well as the relationship between debt and forced labor in taiwan and of course, daily life at the shelter. I have much to learn from the men and women here.
Until next time! :-p Trinh Nguyen
*title taken from the 2007 TIP Report
Hi all. First off, apologies all around! It's Wed evening and my fist two weeks here in Taiwan have been hectic and filled with adventures!! Sincerest apologies all around for not updating in the first few days but I got caught up with work and traveling with Father Hung. I'll try to backtrack and fill you guys in. I'm not going to be able to update you guys every single day but I will try weekly since I'm on a regular schedule now. I promise this long, overdue update is well worth the time - so please please enjoy the read!
Sept 11 - Arrival after a long flight
I landed in Taiwan on September 11 at precisely 6am, randomly went to a carwash with Cha Hung, ate lots of oatmeal with the women at the shelter, and by 9am I was acclimated to the office. I had a wonderful pho lunch with all the women and men, and by 2pm, I was on my way out the door with Cha Hung and Cha Cuong to the Taoyuan Railway Station. We are taking an over-night trip to Su-ao in Yilan County as a stop-over before we visit the Yilan Detention Center. Here, we will meet with the local Catholic Priest, Cha Chin. He played host and took us to the Su-ao's fish habor, one of Taiwan's major ports. Su-ao is a cute, grubby, smelly little town with an amazing fish market at the end of the harbor. The town is particularly known for its availability of fresh seafood, especially yellowfin tuna, octopus, crabs, squids, hammerhead sharks just lying along the street.
Of particular interest: About three years ago, Su-ao and other ports along TW's coast was the site of massive exploitation of foreign fishermen. Many who sought well-paying fishing jobs (especially those from Mainland China, Viet Nam, the Philippines, Thailand) were subjected to beatings, food deprivation, on top of terrible working conditions. Recruited from poor communities, these men and sometimes-even children were exploited for up to four years. With their passports confiscated, physically and emotional abused, these men often times found it hard to escape as the boat served as a perfect prison and many were left without official passports or travel documents. Highly disposable, these men often died on the seas. Fortunately, three years, the Taiwanese government banned Vietnamese fishermen; but just in taking a brief tour of the harbor, I saw many Indonesians and Thai fishermen. It’s a bit daunting to think that they might also be exploited….
Sept. 12 - Yilan Detention Center
Taiwan's National Immigration Agency operates 5 Detention Centers in Yilan, Matsu, Hsinchu, Sansia, and Kinmen. The NIA is a fairly new development for TW's government; just last year, illegal migrant workers who were picked up by the authorities would be crammed into local police stations until they were repatriated back to their countries. Along with Fathers Chin, Cuong, and Hung, chi My-Nga, VMWBO's director of policy and planning, we went to visit the Yilan Detention Center in Luodong. The Director himself escorted us to the Yilan Detention Center; he has much to prove because of recent outbreaks from the detention center. Read more here! It's a really interesting string of events. About seven women escaped the center using only a smoldering iron! Being spoiled by American standards, I am still surprised by the lack of attention women receive upon official introductions. Taiwan, being socially more advanced than mainland China, is still primarily a patriarchal society and thus fairly often disregards women in an official setting.
First Impressions of the Yilan Det. Center
What a quick way to get my feet wet! In just my second day in Taiwan, I was able to get a first hand account of the conditions of the detention centers. When the police arrest illegal migrant workers, most will spend their time in these detention centers until they can be repatriated back to their home country. In the eyes of the Taiwanese governments the many who have left their employers (many due to abuse – explained below) are criminals. For those who came to Taiwan under a legal work permit, they find themselves working unreasonable hours, physically and physiologically abused by their employers, confined, withheld wages, have their passports and travel documents confiscated, or threatened with repatriation. These migrant workers are victims of exploitative practices. It is no wonder many flee their abusive environment to find a better working and living situation. Now illegal and undocumented, these migrant workers work petty jobs and are labeled as criminal groups by government officials. For the many who do bring their complaints to the brokers or employers, they are rebuffed and threatened of deportation back to their home countries.
The UN TIP (Trafficking In Persons) Protocol supports the victim-centered approach at the core of the international community's anti-trafficking efforts. To this end, there is a human rights principle that victims and survivors of trafficking, debt bondage, forced-labor, and slave-like practices be provided with services and be protected from further trauma. In just my first day of observation, I am saddened to say that the men and women are not receiving these services. It is still too early to make a definite statement about the conditions of the shelter but there obvious concerns. These detainees are treated like criminals, wearing prison garb, not allowed phone calls. Some are obvious victims of physical abuse, whether it is from their employer or further abuse from center's guards. The concern is whether or not the Taiwanese government is offering any services to address such issues or would they allow NGOs and other organizations to come in and assist victims of trafficking.
The women’s center has no women guards and it is scary to think that for those who have been sexually or psychologically abuse, they are further traumatized. The look on these women faces is unforgettable. Many of the women began to cry when Cha Hung described the work that the office does. It is hard to look out into the crowd and not see my mother or eldest sister, or perhaps my many, many aunts and cousins still in Viet Nam - many of whom wish to leave to find better jobs. Many of the men that we met also shed tears when we left. Wearing prison garb, looking thin, scarred, and scared, these men and women left a burning image.......
Also of concern are the Vietnamese brides. Those who come to marry local men (either for fake marriages to work or for real matches) often find themselves in abusive situations. Read more.
There are some in Yilan who fit this category.
While looking at improving the conditions in these centers, I hope to focus particularly on the reasons why these people were forced to leave their legal employers. Labor trafficking happens when there is a blatant abuse of contracts (longer working hours than stated, employer abuse, confinement, etc) and local laws as well as a cruel cycle of debt bondage placed on these workers. For those who had to borrow money or pay a “privilege fee” to work in Taiwan (this is illegal by international standards), they have to work to pay back their initial debt and through initial threats, physical abuse, etc they are forced into continued service. To protect migrant workers from labor exploitation, there has to be a bilateral effort between Vietnam and Taiwan. Source countries such as Vietnam must take the responsibility to protect its workers by demanding that labor agencies and brokers abroad are prosecuted.
Vietnam should support direct hiring services (instead of brokerages), and require rights of these workers be protected. The Taiwan government has to actively investigate employee’s complaints and use a victim-centered approach for the victims of labor trafficking in the detention centers. Of course, this is all talk from me. What is theoretical does not always translate to daily realities of what is happening here in Taiwan. In the next couple of months, VMWBO hopes to have widespread policy changes in the National Immigration Agency to further protect migrant workers and victims of human trafficking. What is reality are the cases of abused migrant workers and trafficked victims that seek shelter at Cha Hung’s office and other NGOs. And of course, I am only talking specifically of the Vietnamese people here in Taiwan. If I were to talk and observe the Filipinos, Thai, or Indonesian workers, no doubt that I will also find these same issues and concerns.
Sept. 17 - Coalition Meeting, the Holy See, and Wipha! Another exciting day as Typhoon Wipha makes its way towards the island. Cha Hung, Chi My-Nga and I go to a meeting with Hope Workers' Center, and TIWA to the Migrant Empowerment Network of Taiwan (MENT) coalition meeting. Gathered in a small office, this collation of labor rights’ groups and anti-trafficking NGOs works together to. I’ll be working with several people to address the conditions in the detention center…..
Sept. 18 - TYPHOON, day of rest! Being a true Texan, I was highly prepared and a little bit curious about my first ever typhoon ...what with tornadoes, hailing storms, and mass flooding a common incidence for me. With such urgency last night amongst the local, I was surprised to wake up to mild winds and rain. Schools and government buildings are closed, so my scheduled anti-trafficking meeting at the NIA is cancelled; no complaints here as I get my first day of rest……to take a look at case files.
*****************
Three weeks into my stay in Taiwan and already there are so many issues and topics to be addressed!! Of particular concern is the detainees in all the detention center. I’ll be focusing particularly on this issue, as well as the relationship between debt and forced labor in taiwan and of course, daily life at the shelter. I have much to learn from the men and women here.
Until next time! :-p Trinh Nguyen
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Greetings! My name is Nguyen Quoc Trinh and I am representing VietACT to TaiwanACT. I'll be in Taiwan from September through late December working in Father Hung's Vietnamese Migrant Workers and Brides Office.
Before I start any of my journaling and blogging, I want to give a HUGE thank you to the Dai Hoi family - Tammy, Lilly, Van, My-Nhung, Anh Bao, Tu Do, Viet, Vanessa, Vinh and especially Anh Phong who drove me to LAX..and any other OC people that I happened to leave out. You made my 5-day layover in California particularly memorable, educational, exciting, and overall an exceptionally great induction to the VietACT family.
To Becky Bavinger of the Emancipation Network - you've been my partner in arms; I've learned and experienced so much from you. Stay the course in India. And of course to my many global friends and family - you all who you are. I'll miss you so please keep in contact.
My introduction to human trafficking came rather serendipitously during my first trip back to Viet Nam in 2001. While in Saigon, I came across a 1997 report from the Global Alliance Against Trafficking in Women (GAATW) in a cafe that painfully went into detail about the STIs and sexual abuse that existed amongst the women and children trafficked from Cambodia and Vietnam to Thailand. Alarming was the rate of victims who were children (13-33%). Never could I imagine the words sex slaves and human trafficking in this day and age.
Beyond getting mad and frustrated, I tried to absorb as much information as possible about modern-day slavery. Since then, I became better aware of the expansive, convoluted, and many times complicated world of modern-day slavery - where at the root is oppression of the worst kinds. Consider these numbers: 27, 1000, 12. 27 million is the estimated number of enslaved people in the world, 1000 is the average USD price for a human being, and 12 is the average age of a person who is sold. My exposure to Father Hung’s work came through the 2006 TIP report and with my most recent trip last spring to Vietnam. Talking with Vietnamese UNICEF, IOM, and AFESIP employees, I slowly began to peel back the many layers of sex and labor trafficking that exists, as well as the crisis of Vietnamese migrant workers in Taiwan. A mere fact-finding trip, my time in Vietnam last March left me with more questions than answers about the relationship and conditions of the trans-state actors involved with the Vietnamese trafficking issue.
I think the public needs to be overwhelmed by the gravity of modern-day slavery. It is wholly a global problem and affects everyone. It is a global immigration issue, a threat to public health, a human rights violation, a threat to all countries' national security because it feeds on organized crime. We've put a price on our brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers by saying it is OK to turn a commercial profit on human life; the demand is constantly there. So be overwhelmed and then learn more and join the fight to stop modern-day slavery.
That brings me right up to the work that I'll be doing at Cha Hung's office. For the women there, they are hardly a statistic. They are all survivors of a horrible tragedy and a constant reminder that while freedom may not be free, it is definitely worth fighting for. I am incredibly humbled to be chosen for VietACT. I am ready to work, ready to learn, and ready to be a part of the fight to stop global slavery.
If you're reading this, you're obviously already an interested anti-trafficker, if not already a dedicated abolitionist. Many cheers to you!
Trinh
P.S.
Please make sure to check out these incredible links and books:
Disposable People: New Slavery in the Global Economy by Kevin Bales
Ending Slavery: How We Free Today's Slaves by Kevin Bales
The Natashas: Inside the New Global Sex Trade by Victor Malarek
Trade - a new movie that opens this month about the global sex trade
2007 TIP (Trafficking in Persons) Report from the US State Department
Along with VietACT, please check out these amazing organizations who each are involved are all involved in the protection, prevention, and prosecution of human trafficking
Polaris Project
Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons
The Emancipation Network
ECPAT International
Before I start any of my journaling and blogging, I want to give a HUGE thank you to the Dai Hoi family - Tammy, Lilly, Van, My-Nhung, Anh Bao, Tu Do, Viet, Vanessa, Vinh and especially Anh Phong who drove me to LAX..and any other OC people that I happened to leave out. You made my 5-day layover in California particularly memorable, educational, exciting, and overall an exceptionally great induction to the VietACT family.
To Becky Bavinger of the Emancipation Network - you've been my partner in arms; I've learned and experienced so much from you. Stay the course in India. And of course to my many global friends and family - you all who you are. I'll miss you so please keep in contact.
My introduction to human trafficking came rather serendipitously during my first trip back to Viet Nam in 2001. While in Saigon, I came across a 1997 report from the Global Alliance Against Trafficking in Women (GAATW) in a cafe that painfully went into detail about the STIs and sexual abuse that existed amongst the women and children trafficked from Cambodia and Vietnam to Thailand. Alarming was the rate of victims who were children (13-33%). Never could I imagine the words sex slaves and human trafficking in this day and age.
Beyond getting mad and frustrated, I tried to absorb as much information as possible about modern-day slavery. Since then, I became better aware of the expansive, convoluted, and many times complicated world of modern-day slavery - where at the root is oppression of the worst kinds. Consider these numbers: 27, 1000, 12. 27 million is the estimated number of enslaved people in the world, 1000 is the average USD price for a human being, and 12 is the average age of a person who is sold. My exposure to Father Hung’s work came through the 2006 TIP report and with my most recent trip last spring to Vietnam. Talking with Vietnamese UNICEF, IOM, and AFESIP employees, I slowly began to peel back the many layers of sex and labor trafficking that exists, as well as the crisis of Vietnamese migrant workers in Taiwan. A mere fact-finding trip, my time in Vietnam last March left me with more questions than answers about the relationship and conditions of the trans-state actors involved with the Vietnamese trafficking issue.
I think the public needs to be overwhelmed by the gravity of modern-day slavery. It is wholly a global problem and affects everyone. It is a global immigration issue, a threat to public health, a human rights violation, a threat to all countries' national security because it feeds on organized crime. We've put a price on our brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers by saying it is OK to turn a commercial profit on human life; the demand is constantly there. So be overwhelmed and then learn more and join the fight to stop modern-day slavery.
That brings me right up to the work that I'll be doing at Cha Hung's office. For the women there, they are hardly a statistic. They are all survivors of a horrible tragedy and a constant reminder that while freedom may not be free, it is definitely worth fighting for. I am incredibly humbled to be chosen for VietACT. I am ready to work, ready to learn, and ready to be a part of the fight to stop global slavery.
If you're reading this, you're obviously already an interested anti-trafficker, if not already a dedicated abolitionist. Many cheers to you!
Trinh
P.S.
Please make sure to check out these incredible links and books:
Disposable People: New Slavery in the Global Economy by Kevin Bales
Ending Slavery: How We Free Today's Slaves by Kevin Bales
The Natashas: Inside the New Global Sex Trade by Victor Malarek
Trade - a new movie that opens this month about the global sex trade
2007 TIP (Trafficking in Persons) Report from the US State Department
Along with VietACT, please check out these amazing organizations who each are involved are all involved in the protection, prevention, and prosecution of human trafficking
Polaris Project
Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons
The Emancipation Network
ECPAT International
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Hi All,
I left Taiwan on the 30th and as of now, miss the folks there very much! My last week in Taiwan went by very fast. So much has happened: from the hurricane/storm effect- to the trip to Danshui - Taipei Zoo - and even a Puppet Museum. Let's not forget tea time with Chen Chen and friends and the day I made an afternoon snack for the people at the shelter.
The trip to Danshui (a beautiful beach-side in Northwest of Taiwan) was on the 25th, followed by the trip to Taipei Zoo on the 26th. During these two days, I bonded even closer with the women. One began telling me how this was the first time she went anywhere since working in Taiwan. Her last two years was nothing but work. Another woman added that she worked 6 consecutive years for a family and never once set foot outside the gates of the house. It was pretty depressing to hear such stories - but I'm glad they are NOW able to enjoy the outdoors!
Cha Hung left for a religious retreat to Penghu (my birthplace) on the 28th and on that same day, I cooked for the women. It was hard to find what I needed (the ingredients that is), but in the end - I managed to whip up some potato salad, a different form of "taco", and some regular salad with thousand islands dressing (the women here LOVE that dressing)!!! Thanks Chen Chen for your help!!!
The day I left the shelter was very hard. I remember walking out of the office, heading down the stairs, being trailed by 30+ people. Some helped with the luggages, some held me tightly, others wanted to take a final picture, etc. It went by so fast. Three women got permission to personally escort me to the airport. It was an even harder goodbye later on... I've made some special friends here at the shelter. I hope to reunite with them all one day ... hopefully in Vietnam when they reunite with their OWN family!
I thought A LOT about my experience in Taiwan while heading back to the U.S. Although the duration in time was short, that moment in time has changed my life forever. I'm fortunate to have had the opportunity to help at the shelter. I managed to learn a lot about human trafficking, about Vietnam/Taiwan, about the situation, about others, and about ME!
Til this very day, the women will call me at very wierd hours. One would call at 3am, 5am, etc. They have no idea what the time difference is - so they call whenever they are free. Luckily, due to my jet lag problem, I am able to answer their call. Once I'm back to normal with the sleeping cycle I hope the early morning phone calls will be post poned until 9am or something. Haha!
I've been receiving emails from the women daily! I keep in touch with all of them as though they were my own sisters. My Vietnamese (in terms of reading and writing) is not as proficient - so its really hard to read and reply, but I'm doing my best.
Alright. More updates later!
I left Taiwan on the 30th and as of now, miss the folks there very much! My last week in Taiwan went by very fast. So much has happened: from the hurricane/storm effect- to the trip to Danshui - Taipei Zoo - and even a Puppet Museum. Let's not forget tea time with Chen Chen and friends and the day I made an afternoon snack for the people at the shelter.
The trip to Danshui (a beautiful beach-side in Northwest of Taiwan) was on the 25th, followed by the trip to Taipei Zoo on the 26th. During these two days, I bonded even closer with the women. One began telling me how this was the first time she went anywhere since working in Taiwan. Her last two years was nothing but work. Another woman added that she worked 6 consecutive years for a family and never once set foot outside the gates of the house. It was pretty depressing to hear such stories - but I'm glad they are NOW able to enjoy the outdoors!
Cha Hung left for a religious retreat to Penghu (my birthplace) on the 28th and on that same day, I cooked for the women. It was hard to find what I needed (the ingredients that is), but in the end - I managed to whip up some potato salad, a different form of "taco", and some regular salad with thousand islands dressing (the women here LOVE that dressing)!!! Thanks Chen Chen for your help!!!
The day I left the shelter was very hard. I remember walking out of the office, heading down the stairs, being trailed by 30+ people. Some helped with the luggages, some held me tightly, others wanted to take a final picture, etc. It went by so fast. Three women got permission to personally escort me to the airport. It was an even harder goodbye later on... I've made some special friends here at the shelter. I hope to reunite with them all one day ... hopefully in Vietnam when they reunite with their OWN family!
I thought A LOT about my experience in Taiwan while heading back to the U.S. Although the duration in time was short, that moment in time has changed my life forever. I'm fortunate to have had the opportunity to help at the shelter. I managed to learn a lot about human trafficking, about Vietnam/Taiwan, about the situation, about others, and about ME!
Til this very day, the women will call me at very wierd hours. One would call at 3am, 5am, etc. They have no idea what the time difference is - so they call whenever they are free. Luckily, due to my jet lag problem, I am able to answer their call. Once I'm back to normal with the sleeping cycle I hope the early morning phone calls will be post poned until 9am or something. Haha!
I've been receiving emails from the women daily! I keep in touch with all of them as though they were my own sisters. My Vietnamese (in terms of reading and writing) is not as proficient - so its really hard to read and reply, but I'm doing my best.
Alright. More updates later!
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Last week, I taught the women various terms of the human body: head, ears, etc. Following the lesson, I taught them how to make Worry Dolls - emphasizing on the words we all just learned. Vanessa taught this (terms of the human body) last summer and made sock monkeys with the women - I'm doing Worry Dolls instead! I believe Worry Dolls originate from Guatemala. Legend has it that when you go to bed at night, you tell one "worry" to each doll - place them under your pillow - and when you wake up, the dolls will take THAT worry away. I thought the project was very appropriate and therefore, decided to execute it during the week of learning human body part terminology.
Here are images of the Worry Dolls / Hinh Nhan Lo Lang:
The middle one (pink/gray) was the best! I think recognizing her skills via posting on this blog is A MUST! Good Job!!! 
Lots of Gashapon places!
Various fruits at the market place. This one is Sour Sop [I believe?]
I believe we just call this the star fruit?
This is what I play at night! It's call "Ka-Ro". I'm still a beginner - its a very intensive game. Sort of like a complex Tic-Tac-Toe, but you need five in a row. It's fun though~!
Last but not least, this past Sunday was Happy Valentine's Day in Taiwan, Le Tinh Nhan.
Here are images of the Worry Dolls / Hinh Nhan Lo Lang:
The middle one (pink/gray) was the best! I think recognizing her skills via posting on this blog is A MUST! Good Job!!!
Status at the shelter...
One of the women here is very fraustrated with everything - she obviously needed some fresh air. I told her I needed a hair cut, so asked if she could take me to the barber shop. She was more than happy too. While walking, I began to asked her, whats going on, etc. She vented her problems and I encouraged her to let it all out. Although I only know her for 3 weeks or so now, I understand her personality very well. I gave her my advice and told her not to mind what other people say or think, etc. After awhile, I started to put my wise [crack] jokes to use. She started to laughed again and soon we were at the shop. After my hair cut, we got some Boba and she told me she felt much better. She told me she can't find anyone here like me that she can talk to about her problems. Sure there's Cha Hung and the rest of the staff here, but I guess its less intimidating to talk to me? Well, she's definitely much better now... lets hope there's no more problems!!!
About a week or so left in Taiwan. Time flies by so quickly. Anywho, here are some random pictures of Taiwan!
KFC fries with cheese sauce and rice cracker? Very interesting!
Lots of Gashapon places!
Various fruits at the market place. This one is Sour Sop [I believe?]
I believe we just call this the star fruit?
This is what I play at night! It's call "Ka-Ro". I'm still a beginner - its a very intensive game. Sort of like a complex Tic-Tac-Toe, but you need five in a row. It's fun though~!
Last but not least, this past Sunday was Happy Valentine's Day in Taiwan, Le Tinh Nhan.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Its a bittersweet moment when people leave the shelter. You miss them but you're also happy for them because they will reunite with their family. A group of five girls and another girl all recently left this week. I am very happy for them and pray that their journey was safe and sound! Perhaps I can meet up with them next summer, should my family visit Vietnam! Here are their final words:
Translate: Thank You Father (Hung) and Elder Sisters for helping, caring, and comforting us all this past few [weeks] (or past short moment in time). Today we return to Vietnam already. We wish everyone at the shelter to have what they want (or have things their way anytime they want).
*Much apologizes if my Vietnamese terminology is not correct.
English class this morning dealt with the human body. Each person took turn drawing ONE body part: nose, two ears, etc. This is the final Masterpeice! I'm going to enlarge it and hang it in my room!
There's a new class at that shelter! Daily 7:00-10:00 PM Dance Class! I currently teach it! To start off, I taught them the infamous "Electric Slide". The women here love it!!!!!
Translate: Thank You Father (Hung) and Elder Sisters for helping, caring, and comforting us all this past few [weeks] (or past short moment in time). Today we return to Vietnam already. We wish everyone at the shelter to have what they want (or have things their way anytime they want).
*Much apologizes if my Vietnamese terminology is not correct.
English class this morning dealt with the human body. Each person took turn drawing ONE body part: nose, two ears, etc. This is the final Masterpeice! I'm going to enlarge it and hang it in my room!
There's a new class at that shelter! Daily 7:00-10:00 PM Dance Class! I currently teach it! To start off, I taught them the infamous "Electric Slide". The women here love it!!!!!
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