In July 2022, the Task Force on Planning and Preparedness convened two virtual Policy Experts Gatherings to review the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on irregular migration and to discuss the particular vulnerabilities of women and children. Both sessions were well attended, with around 70 participants joining from 20 member and observer entities. Representing Bali Process members were officials from co-chairs Australia and Indonesia, Bangladesh, Hong Kong, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, the Maldives, New Zealand, Samoa, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Tonga, and Viet Nam, as well as representatives from UNHCR, IOM, and UNODC. Observers included UNDP, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the International Federation of the Red Cross, and Canada. The Co-Managers of the Bali Process Regional Support Office (RSO) also participated.
Day One: Participants focused on lessons learned in managing irregular migration during pandemics. Discussions covered:
- Trends in irregular migration observed during the pandemic
- The experiences of survivors, with a focus on the unique vulnerabilities of migrant workers
- National policy objectives and plans of action
- Integrity of travel documents, including new challenges arising from the pandemic, such as fraudulent health documentation and vaccine certificates
Health experts and civil society representatives also shared insights on the challenges faced by irregular migrants during the pandemic. Several members highlighted temporary policies implemented to regularise the status of stranded migrants and provide visa certainty. A key conclusion was that inclusive policies for vaccinations and other health needs of migrants led to better outcomes. Participants suggested that the Bali Process could develop guidance and recommendations on managing migrant health, potentially including a common set of standard operating procedures.
Day Two: The focus shifted to addressing the particular vulnerabilities of women and children in irregular migration. Experts from UNHCR and the ASEAN-Australia Counter-Trafficking Program emphasised the importance of a gender-sensitive, victim-centred approach to managing irregular migration and supporting victims of trafficking.
A presentation from UNHCR highlighted the specific challenges faced by Rohingya women and children departing Cox’s Bazar by boat. Between 2020 and 2021, five boats carrying 700 Rohingya arrived in Indonesia; 45% were women, 29% were children, and 65% of the children were unaccompanied. Participants noted widespread issues of trauma, child marriage, and violence against women both at sea and in refugee camps.
Indonesia’s National Agency for Witness and Victim Protection (LPSK) presented on its work in protecting, supporting, and empowering trafficking victims, including the provision of psychosocial support, skills development, and collaboration with law enforcement to encourage restitution payments from perpetrators to victims. The RSO highlighted the importance of victim-centred and gender-sensitive approaches in all its workshops, referring participants to the RSO Practitioner Guide Series, which provides practical guidance on the identification and protection of trafficking victims. The RSO also highlighted its UNHCR toolkit and mobile application for screening and referral, designed to assist border officials in identifying individuals with specific needs.
The inclusion of civil society representatives as guest speakers on both days was welcomed by participants and generated ideas for future engagement in Bali Process activities, particularly in relation to victims and survivors of trafficking.
Following the gatherings, the Task Force on Planning and Preparedness issued a Co-Chairs Statement in the form of a report to the Ad Hoc Group of Senior Officials (AHG SOM) on 6 December 2022.
