Human Trafficking

Slavery was abolished in Hong Kong through the application of the 1833 Slavery Abolition Act. Yet, Hong Kong is still home to an estimated 65,000 modern slaves. “Mui Tsais”, young girls trafficked for domestic servitude, is one of the oldest forms of trafficking in Hong Kong. Today, human trafficking manifests in other ways, including trafficking for: forced labour, sexual exploitation, forced criminal activities, forced marriage, and more. These individuals are often hidden from the public eye: they are Hong Kong’s construction workers, masseuses, street beggars, dishwashers, escorts, and drug mules. Many of these men, women, and children are ‘recycled’ through different uses as they are viewed by the perpetrators as ‘renewable resources’. It is time to end this rampant and insidious crime.

Our Client’s Stories

Featured
Hanh’s Story
Hanh’s Story

Hanh* was brought to Hong Kong at only 11 years old. Neglected and far away from his homeland, Hanh had a very challenging start to life.

Many years later, most of Hanh’s life has been marked by uncertainty and imprisonment. Having served a prison sentence Hanh was meant to be released three years ago.

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Marcel’s Story
Marcel’s Story

Marcel* is from Madagascar. For many years, he has worked as a mechanic as well as a bus and taxi driver to provide for his wife Ana and his two sons. In 2018, he began working in a neighbouring country for an employer known to him as Andre. Not too long after he started working for Andre, he was instructed to carry a suitcase of tortoises to Hong Kong…

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Binita’s Story
Binita’s Story

HKDI, together with counsel Albert Wong, Patricia Ho & Associates, and with students from the Refugee & Human Trafficking Clinic in the Faculty of Law at the University of Hong Kong, assisted Binita, a victim of trafficking, to prepare a judicial review to challenge the authorities’ decision not to classify her as a victim. On 24 March 2023, permission to launch a judicial review was granted (first stage) and the case is now pending judgment.

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Research & Publications

  • Traffickers and Victims: Opposite sides of the same coin?

    Drawing from first-hand testimonials of over 30 individuals we have assisted since 2019 and insight from our civil society partners, in this article, we outline our observations of traffickers and their modus operandi in three prevalent trafficking scenarios in Hong Kong.

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  • Seeking Protection: The Interplay of Human Trafficking and the Refugee Space in Hong Kong

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Academic Collaboration & Talks

  • HKU clinic Refugee & Human Trafficking Clinic

    With support from Swire’s TrustTomorrow

    Open to both under-graduate and post-graduate students of the Faculty of Law. The Refugee & Human Trafficking Clinic offers students a hands-on glimpse into the holistic multi-disciplinary approach HKDI offers.

  • Understanding How to Help Friends & Families Experiencing Forced Marriage or Domestic Violence

    On 5 July 2023, together with Withers law firm, we delivered a two hour workshop for clients, civil-society actors, researchers and lawyers to equip the group with tools to tackle forced marriage in Hong Kong. Learn More.

  • How Organized Crimes Operate Illegal Betting, Cyber Scams and Modern Slavery in Southeast Asia

    (ARF Counsel on Anti-illegal Betting and Related Financial Crimes)

  • World Day Against Trafficking in Persons: From Victim to Survivor

    On 29 July, HKDI delievered a talk in collaboration with STOP and Eden to educate the public on the realities and difficulties faced by victims of sex trafficking in Hong Kong, as well as the remedies available.

  • CUHK Model United Nations on Human Trafficking and Forced Migration

    HKDI was invited to give the keynote speech at the Chinese University of Hong Kong annual Model United Nations conference - focusing on Human Trafficking and Forced Migration

Are you facing exploitation, abuse, or discrimination?