Oceania

Australian Migration Agents Allegedly Aided in Sex Trafficking

By Brittney Hodnik
Impunity Watch Reporter, Oceania

CANBERRA, Australia – Authorities in Australia report that legal migration attempts are turning into sex trafficking, specifically in Sydney and Melbourne.  Today, the Sydney Morning Herald linked two migration agents to aiding in illegal sex slavery.  Most typically, the women come from Asia or Eastern Europe and are often looking for visas to migrate legally to Australia; before they know it, they are pushed into a world of human trafficking and illegal brothels.

Xu Xu Li, a migration agent in Sydney, is under investigation for her role in alleged sex trafficking. (Image courtesy of the Sydney Morning Herald)

The Sydney Morning Herald reports that Xu Xu Li and Yasmin Bao are under investigation for their role in the illicit sex trade.  Both women are licensed migration agents from Sydney and Melbourne, respectively.  They supposedly arrange student visas for women seeking them before forcing them to work as sex slaves.  Li denies her involvement with the whole thing, stating that she never met or communicated directly with the victims, but rather all contact was made through “people in the middle,” she told the Sydney Morning Herald.

Authorities have linked two brothels in Sydney and Melbourne to international human traffickers, according to Voice of America News (“VOA News”).  Reportedly, the gangs lure Asian women most frequently to Australia by promising a college education.  Instead, women are forced to have sex with men to repay their airfare and accommodation debts to the traffickers.

Because brothels are legal in some parts of Australia, the state has been slow to act.  Women are not being protected from illegal sex trafficking because of some of the leniency toward legal brothels and prostitution.  According to the Sydney Morning Herald, crime within the sex industry has not been deterred whatsoever by the regulation.

Project Respect works to help women in the sex industry, both those who have been forced into the industry and those who have not; it has found that abhorrent violations of human rights continue.

Sex trafficking is a very difficult crime to get accurate estimates for.  VOA News reports that the authorities have far underestimated the amount of trafficking cases in Australia.  Worldwide, sex trafficking is a multi-billion dollar business.

Christine Sykes, the chief executive of the Migration Agents Registration Authority told the Sydney Morning Herald “no agents in the past 10 years had been sanctioned over allegation of sex slavery or trafficking.”

Home Affairs Minister, Brendan O’Connor told MSN that Australia will continue its investigation into these two migration agents and other illegal sex trafficking.  “The law enforcement agencies in this country work closely and have to continue to work ever more closely,” he told MSN.

For more information, please visit:

The Sydney Morning Herald — Visa to Vice: Migration Agents Linked to Sex Workers — 12 Oct. 2011

MSN — Sex Slaves a Long-Term Investigation — 11 Oct. 2011

The Sydney Morning Herald — Sex Slavery Even in Licensed Brothels — 11 Oct. 2011

Voice of America — Sex, Human Trafficking Thriving in Australia — 10 Oct. 2011

The Wall Street Protests: Grabbing the bull by the horns?

By Ryan T. Elliott
Impunity Watch Reporter, North America/Oceania

New York City, United States – The group “Occupy Wall Street” is credited with organizing the protests that are currently under way in lower Manhattan. The protests began on September 17, when hundreds of protestors gathered at Bowling Green Park in Manhattan, home of the famous charging bull located in New York’s Financial District. Protestors gathered at this symbolic location and prepared for days, or possibly even months, of protest. According to statements on Occupy Wall Street’s website, the movement was generated by the pervasive attitude of “profit over and above all else,” which, they believe, has negatively affected American society and culture. The website also stated that the other “thing [protestors] have in common is that We Are The 99% that will no longer tolerate the greed and corruption of the 1%.”

Protesters gather at the charging bull in New Yorks Financial District (Photo Courtesy of Spencer Platt/Getty Images North America)
Protesters gather at the charging bull in New York's Financial District (Photo Courtesy of Spencer Platt/Getty Images North America)

The protest, evolved from a network of individuals and groups who were purportedly inspired by the demonstrations in Egypt. On its website, Occupy Wall Street describes itself as a “leaderless resistance movement” drawn from people of all backgrounds and political beliefs. Reports on the protesters in lower Manhattan seem to verify this statement, describing the demonstrators as a group of people who are expressing concerns ranging from: greed, poverty, war, and even the death penalty.

While the number of protestors varies at any one point, as the protesters are constantly drifting in and out of the park, there are approximately a hundred people who are sleeping in the park every night. Meanwhile there are other protestors who live in and around the area and attend the demonstrations for a few hours a day or week. Many commentators on the protest have stated that the protest is reached a metaphorical “crossroads” where it must either define its demands or face the possibility of becoming irrelevant.

While the protestors have yet to tackle this issue, they have, at the very least, developed an internal organization to deal with day-to-day realities. For instance, the group has a created committees that are responsible for: finance, food and comfort. There are also daily meetings where protestors make important announcements. These announcements are made all the more difficult due to a ban on bullhorns. So protestors have harnessed the power of the crowd to simultaneously repeat a single message, which circumvents the need for bullhorns, and allows nearly everyone within earshot to hear the group’s messages.

Although this demonstration was organized through social media outlets such as Twitter and Facebook, that is, arguably, where the comparisons to the “Arab Spring” end, for two reasons. The first is that the Wall Street demonstrations have only assembled a few hundred protestors, which is a far cry from those numbers seen in Athens or Cairo. Second, there is the practical concern that a group who fails to clearly define its objectives will have any success in achieving them. This skepticism is widely shared,  a blog featured on the Economist’s website had this to say about the demonstration:

“[T]he protest looked less like Tahrir Square than the remnants of an urban Burning Man. The ranks of the demonstrators had dwindled to what looked like 100, yet twice as many people milled around the 3,000-square-foot plaza to observe the spectacle of disillusioned 20-somethings and a smattering of baby-boomers acting out a haphazard blend of activism, exhibitionism, idealism and performance art.”

Most of the media coverage that originally dismissed the demonstration, however, has taken a renewed interest. This may be because the protest has gained attention from celebrities and institutions. But the more likely explanation is the disturbing images captured after the arrests of eighty or so people last weekend. These arrests were largely for disorderly conduct and disrupting traffic, but amateur video footage showed protesters being handled and dealt with in an unusually aggressive manner by the NYPD. In fact, one video account has already led to a positive identification of NYPD Deputy Inspector, Anthony Bologna, who can be seen discharging pepper spray on a number of peaceful protesters and innocent bystanders. Many have said that these policing tactics may very well constitute excessive force.

These jarring images, contrasted by “Wall Streeters” who show every sign of mocking the protesters, has created a powerful backdrop for news outlets to address the varied concerns of the protestors. And these concerns are, indeed, varied. It is reported that the protesters have voiced concerns ranging from the environment to U.S. military presence in foreign countries, and even the recent execution of Troy Davis. But economic concerns seem to loom large. The most visible signs of outrage seem to be over the Wall Street banks and bankers who weren’t held accountable after the financial meltdown. Accordingly, James Downie of the Washington Post, posited the following theory on what may be a unifying factor for young protestors:

“[D]emonstrators are protesting not only for a cause but for themselves… Three years after Wall Street crashed the economy, youth unemployment stands at 18 percent, double the national rate, while youth employment is at its lowest level since the end of World War II. And because the graduate who spends a year unemployed will still make 23 percent less than a similar classmate a decade later, the young unemployed will feel these effects for years. The average college graduate now carries over $27,000 in debt at graduation; not surprisingly, then, more than 85 percent of the Class of 2011 moved back into their parents’ home, the highest number on record.”

Whatever the cause, one thing is clear: the protest is moving beyond the parks and streets of lower Manhattan where it began on September 17, 2011. There are now several other events either under way or planned, which indicates that this protest may remain relevant despite criticism leveled against it. In fact, there are currently demonstrations in cities around the United States, including Los Angeles, Chicago and Boston, and another demonstration is scheduled for October 6th in Washington D.C.

Yet many commentators can’t resist raising doubts about the groups longevity if it fails to find a unified focus, or alternatively, unless it partners with an institution. While the group is unlikely to define itself or its objectives, it has already received support from many institutions, including: the Air Line Pilots Association, the Transit Workers Union Local 100, MoveOn.org and the Service Employees International Union. Time will reveal what this support will mean for the budding movement, if anything. But, so far the movements strength has been its broad platform, and this will likely fracture under political pressure to clearly define itself and its demands.

For more information, please see:

‘Occupy Wall Street’ Only Growing Stronger — 30 September 2011

Occupy Wall Street Protesters Settle In, Despite Weather And Police Clashes –29 September 2011

The Revolution will not be Liberalised — 28 September 2011

‘Occupy Wall Street’ Protesters get Boost from Filmmaker Michael Moore — 27 September 2011

NYPD Pepper-Spaying Caught on Camera — 26 September 2011

Why ‘Occupy Wall Street’? — 26 September 2011

‘Occupy Wall Street’ Protests Turn Violent; Video Shows Police Macing Women — 25 September 2011

Australia To Send Asylum Seekers to Malaysia and Papua New Guinea

By Brittney Hodnik
Impunity Watch Reporter, Oceania

CANBERRA, Australia – The High Court in Australia has recently halted a program known as “The Malaysia Plan.”  The Australian government signed the Malaysia Plan in May to send asylum seekers – more commonly known as “boat people” – to Malaysia to be reviewed and processed.  The government hopes it will deter asylum seekers from going to Australia and overwhelming the already inundated system.  Now, Australia has reached an agreement with Papua New Guinea as well.

Over 6,500 asylum seekers sought refuge in Australia in 2010. (Image Courtesy of The Daily Telegraph)
Over 6,500 asylum seekers sought refuge in Australia in 2010. (Image Courtesy of The Daily Telegraph)

As of August 16th, 800 asylum seekers will be sent to Malaysia as “test cases” for the new program.  Historically, Malaysia has not treated refugees kindly, but claims it has “made a significant conceptual shift about its treatment of asylum seekers,” according to The Sydney Morning Herald.

But Anna Burke, a Labor MP from Victoria disagrees.  She believes that sending these refugees to a third country is worrisome.  “I’m very concerned that we can’t really guarantee the safety of the individuals, the 800 who will be sent there,” Burke told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

According to UPI, Australia has been pushing for Papua New Guinea to sign an agreement similar to the Malaysia Plan.  Under both plans, Australia pays for the opening of the centers and the other expenses that come along with receiving and processing the boat people.

Questions concerning human rights issues are still being debated.  Australian government officials believe that the new policy will deter future boat people from seeking asylum in Australia, knowing that they will be sent to the more dilapidated countries of Malaysia or Papua New Guinea.  The Australian Human Rights Commission is especially concerned about the minors who are facing deportation.  As reported by UPI, 50 minors are in the middle of the situation, including a 16-year-old unaccompanied boy.

Yet another reason why Australian officials are leaning toward this policy is to adjust to the recent influx of asylum cases flooding the system.  In November 2010, the High Court extended the right of judicial review to asylum seekers on Christmas Island, as reported by The Australian.  By processing many of the refugees in outside countries, hopes are that the system will face less pressure.

The Sydney Morning Herald reports that Australian citizens are largely opposed to the new policies even though both political parties are promoting them.  More than 50% of Australian citizens believe that asylum seekers should land and be processed in Australia rather than a third country.  Of the 50% of citizens who feel refugees should remain in Australia, 55% believe that they should be held in detention while 41% believe they should be allowed to live in the community.

According to UPI, Australia’s Department of Immigration reported that 134 boats carrying 6,535 people arrived in 2010.  Australian officials are continuing to work toward an effective agreement.

For more information, please visit:

The Daily Telegraph — First 800 Asylum Seekers Will Test Compassion Level — 16 Aug. 2011

The Sydney Morning Herald — Voters Reject Refugee Plans of Both Parties — 16 Aug. 2011

The Australian — Asylum Case Overloading Legal System — 15 Aug. 2011

UPI — Papua New Guinea in Aussie Refugee Deal — 15 Aug. 2011

No end to extrajudicial killings in the Philippines

By Brianne Yantz
Impunity Watch Reporter, Oceania

MANILA, Philippines – On July 18, Human Rights Watch (HRW) published a report entitled, “‘No Justice Just Adds to the Pain’: Killings, Disappearances, and Impunity in the Philippines.” According to HRW’s accompanying press release, the report concludes that the Philippine government has failed “to investigate and prosecute extrajudicial killings” since President Benigno Aquino III took office on June 30, 2010.

President Benigno Aquino III addresses a large crowd of students and government officials during the celebration for his first year in office. (Photo Courtesy of AP)
President Benigno Aquino III addresses a large crowd of students and government officials during the celebration for his first year in office. (Photo Courtesy of AP)

Such inaction has further fueled the military abuses that have taken place across the Philippines for the past decade, the 98-page report alleges. To support this claim, HRW presents strong evidence of military involvement in the seven killings and three enforced disappearances of leftist activists that have taken place during the Aquino administration.

Prior to his election, Aquino had campaigned against the violence that plagued the Philippines and pledged to bring it to an end. As Ishaan Tharoor, a blogger for TIME, reported “the culture of impunity and rank injustice that seemed to permeate some of the country’s state institutions were things Aquino vowed to stamp out.”

Yet, Tharoor has been highly critical of Aquino, stating that he “has made slow progress forging a dent in that ‘endemic’ corruption” as “court cases against known corrupt officials of the previous Arroyo administration have been only sparsely lodged.”

Tharoor further noted that the HRW report “adds to the chorus of criticism.”

The HRW report, however, presents the most overwhelming evidence of Aquino’s inaction.  It details over 80 interviews, conducted across 11 provinces, with victims of abuses, their family members, witnesses, and police and military officials.

In one account from the report, Mary Dejos recalls finding the bodies of her husband and son after they were killed on February 27, 2011 in Davao del Sur province. Her husband Roderick “was lying with open wounds on his chest and neck” and her son, Rudyric, had “bullet wounds on his back with exit wounds on his upper chest.”

Dejos’ account is one of many, all of which indicate that Aquino has broken his promise to the people. Elaine Pearson, the deputy Asia director at HRW, illustrated how nothing has changed under the Aquino regime. According to Pearson, “activists are being gunned down in the street, while implicated soldiers walk free.”

Pearson went on to comment, “the Philippines can only bring an end to these horrific abuses if it is clear that anyone who orders or commits them will be jailed and their military careers will be over.”

For more information, please see:

The Philippine Star – Phl still fails to address extra judicial killings – July 21, 2011

BBC News – Philippines extrajudicial killings continue, says HRW – July 19, 2011

TIME – Extrajudicial Murders Are a Blot on Noynoy Aquino’s Year in Power in the Philippines – July 19, 2011

Human Rights Watch – Philippines: New Killings as Impunity Reigns – July 18, 2011

Australian Citizen Confesses to Burma War Crimes

By Brittney Hodnik
Impunity Watch Reporter, Oceania

CANBERRA, Australia– Htoo Htoo Han has come forward claiming that he is responsible for hundreds of deaths in his native land of Burma.  Han claims that he was commander of the so called, “death squad” during the pro-democracy uprisings in the late 1980s where about 6,000 people were killed.  He now tells the Sydney Morning Herald that eight of the men in his regime are currently living in Australia.

Htoo Htoo Han holds up an image showing him as a lieutenant in Burmas military regime and posing as a student activist. (Image Courtesy of The Australian)
Htoo Htoo Han holds up an image showing him as a lieutenant in Burma's military regime and posing as a student activist. (Image Courtesy of The Australian)

The Australian government says that they will look into Han’s claims to determine if he is telling the truth.  A spokeswoman for the Burma Campaign Australia told the news source, The Australian, “Whilst these claims are serious they should not be taken as verbatim, and a thorough investigation into the validity of these claims is required.”

Han is an Australian citizen who came from Burma as a refugee in 1996.  Ironically enough, he has been involved in campaigns aimed at highlighting human rights abuses in Burma, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.  He lives in Brisbane with his wife and three children.  Even his wife does not believe his recent confessions.  Han is aware that he may never see his children again, but he hopes that they understand.

Han claims that he wants to go to the International Criminal Court (“ICC”) because “[his story] is very complicated,” as reported by The Australian.  However, the ICC can only prosecute offenses that took place after its creation in 2002.

Han admits to executing at least 24 individuals himself, and further claims that others were killed under his direct command.  As reported by the Sydney Morning Herald, Han appears to be taking full responsibility for many of the atrocities committed 23 years ago.  “Maybe they kill 100 or 150 because I order them to do that.  It’s not their fault, my fault.  If they didn’t kill, they get killed too,” he said.

So far, Han has not released the names of the eight other men who worked under his control.  He has told authorities that two of the men are in Sydney, four are in Melbourne, one in Perth, and one is in Queensland.  None of the other men have come forward publicly.

After 23 years, Han is coming forward because of his guilty conscience.  “I did it, I am a war criminal,” Han said, “now I want to release what I carry inside for 20 years,” according to the Democratic Voice of Burma.

As of now, Australia is taking Han’s confession seriously and an investigation is underway.

 For more information, please see:

The Australian — Burmese “Hitman” Htoo Htoo Han Seeks ICC Hearing — 20 July 2011

The Sydney Morning Herald — Death Squad Members in Australia, Refugee Says — 20 July 2011

Democratic Voice of Burma — Australia Police to Assess Burma ‘War Criminal’ — 18 July 2011

The Sydney Morning Herald — Australian Admits War Crimes in Burma — 18 July 2011