Current projects
The UQ Trafficking in Persons Working Group is, at any one time, involved in a broad range of research activities on the many facets of the trafficking in persons phenomenon. This involves student-led short-term projects spanning over several months, Higher Degree by Research theses, and long-term studies involving staff and students on the criminology, methods, and perpetrators of trafficking in persons and on domestic and international laws and policies preventing and combating trafficking. This website outlines current research projects.
Trafficking in persons from Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Myanmar to Thailand
Andreas Schloenhardt with Johannes Eder and Colin Craig for UNODC Regional Office for Southeast Asia and the Pacific
This project examines trafficking in persons from Cambodia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR), and Myanmar to Thailand. It explores the circumstances that make Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Myanmar source countries for trafficking, the means and routes used to traffic persons to Thailand, the conditions of such trafficking, the profile of victims and perpetrators, the circumstances that make Thailand a destination for trafficking, and the exploitation of trafficked persons in Thailand.
Trafficking in persons in Vietnam
Janet E Collier
This project examines anti-trafficking prevention in Vietnam. It examines the state and non-state institutions and organisations responsible for anti-trafficking prevention and the ability of agents within these structures to negotiate change over time. Furthermore, it considers how the existing structures can provide a more holistic preventative response that addresses vulnerability to trafficking in persons and how this response is incorporated into the broader development agenda.
Indonesia’s anti-trafficking measures
Faisal Nurdin Idris
This project examines the politics of anti-trafficking in Indonesia. It examines the evolution of the state’s response to trafficking and the role of anti-trafficking advocacy networks in the national counter-trafficking field. The project investigates policy environments in which state organisations and key institutional actors have affected the capacity of collective action in anti-trafficking activism in Indonesia.
Online prostitution, exploitation, and trafficking
Amelia Bell
According to some sources, in many countries, including Australia, online prostitution constitutes a considerable part of the sex industry. Many of these activities occur in a legal grey area involving many persons who would not identify themselves as sex workers. This project explores the characteristics and dimensions of online prostitution and, in particular, the risks and evidence of exploitation and trafficking in this context.
Prostitution, exploitation, and trafficking in Nevada
Amye Fairbairn
Nevada, especially the areas outside Las Vegas, is one of the few and perhaps most notorious places in the United States where some forms of prostitution are de-criminalised. This research project examines the regulatory framework, the patterns of legal and illegal prostitution in Nevada, and allegations of exploitation and trafficking in this industry.
Identification of victims of trafficking in persons in Australia: methods, successes, obstacles
Sarah Hamid
The identification of victims of trafficking in persons and their cooperation in criminal proceedings are crucial for combatting trafficking effectively and for bringing perpetrators to justice. Many victims, however, do not wish to be identified or are in situations in which they have no opportunity to make contact to the authorities or seek outside help. Moreover, for a host of reasons, many victims are not inclined to assist investigators and prosecutors in criminal proceedings against their traffickers. This project explores the reasons for the unwillingness or inability of some victims to be identified and cooperate and examines the available measures in Australia to enhance victim identification and cooperation.
Victims of trafficking, cooperation with law enforcement, and visas
Mitchel Roetteler
In international law and best practice guidelines and in many domestic systems, victims of trafficking in persons can gain preferential treatment if they cooperate with law enforcement agencies, especially in proceedings against their traffickers. This project explores the question should victims of trafficking in persons who cooperate with law enforcement and prosecutors gain better protection (including better immigration status) than those who don’t?