Combating Transnational Organized Crime in the Greater Mekong Subregion: Government of Australia Policy Response

[Photo credit: Global Alms]

Today, DT Institute releases “Combatting Transnational Organized Crime in the Greater Mekong Subregion: Government of Australia Policy Response,” the second report in a two-part series focusing on Transnational Crime in the Mekong Region. DT Institute, DT Global, Charles Sturt University, Ropes and Gray (Hong Kong Office), and Global Alms again join forces to explore the Government of Australia’s (GoA) policy and operational response to transnational organised crime (TNOC). This report includes relevant Australian Public Sector (APS) agencies’ responses to drug and human trafficking in the Greater Mekong Subregion, namely Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos.

TNOC originating in the Greater Mekong Subregion severely undermines Australia’s regional stability and economic development. Drug trafficking (primarily methamphetamines and heroin) and human trafficking are the most prevalent crimes and, arguably, the most dangerous to regional stability and Australian social and fiscal security.

Although the actual number of people trafficked into Australia is unknown, the country is a major destination for persons trafficked for sexual exploitation and labour, particularly from Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam.

This report also identifies questions for future research that could improve policymaking. Our assessment builds from the GoA National Drug Strategy 2017-2026; the National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking and Slavery 2020-2025; the Bali Process on People Smuggling, Trafficking in Persons, and Related Transnational Crime; the Australian legal code; and emerging information.

To read the report, please visit: 

Mekong: Government of Australia Policy Response

About the DT Institute

DT Institute is a non-profit specializing in strategic research and development assistance through cooperative agreements and grants. Serving as both a funder and implementer focused on co-creation, co-investment, measurable impact, and sustainability, DT Institute drives innovation and strengthens communities and leaders.

About DT Global 

DT Global, built on more than 50 years of experience from AECOM International Development, Development Transformations, and the Global Peace and Development (GPD) Charitable Trust, applies ingenuity, evidence, and passion to everything we do. Grounded in decades of technical expertise and leadership around the world, we incorporate rigorous learning and assessment in our program design process to ensure that we stay on the cutting edge of thought leadership. Our technical experts work in partnership with communities and institutions to deliver innovative, data-driven solutions that create sustainable change and improve people’s lives.

Charles Sturt University

Charles Sturt University, an Australian university with a global reputation as a leading provider of specialist professional programs in policing, law, criminology, security, emergency management, customs and excise studies, and border management

Ropes and Gray, LLP

Ropes & Gray LLP is a global law firm with 11 offices located in the United States, Asia and Europe. The firm has more than 1,400 lawyers and professionals worldwide, and its clients include corporations and financial institutions, government agencies, universities, and health care organizations.

Global Alms

Global Alms Incorporated is an Australian not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the elimination of trafficking, sexual exploitation and the physical abuse of men, women and children.