REACH FAQ

What is REACH?

The name REACH is used to reflect UNIAP’s attempt to “reach out” to the world to empower those interested in playing an active role in the solution to human exploitation and slavery. REACH is on one side a research initiative that allows UNIAP to collect relevant data and information about the trafficking situation of people coming from the Mekong Region in transit and destination countries. REACH’s second function is advocacy. The REACH teams can target local communities, local policymakers, local media, or whomever the REACH team determines to be the most appropriate target audience to learn more about human trafficking in general, and about the REACH data mining results specifically. The goal of REACH is to create global action linking together volunteers across the globe and the UN to combat human trafficking.

How does REACH work?

REACH is based on volunteer teams: researcher/student/activist teams in destination countries, linked with each other, and all linked to a UN regional counter-trafficking team based in Asia. REACH Volunteers will be connected to each other and to UNIAP through research and will exchange information on human trafficking using free internet networking softwares. The teams will be coordinated by a professor/supervisor who will be responsible of maintaining regular contact with UNIAP and providing UNIAP with the updates of the findings and data collected by the REACH teams. At the end of the volunteering period, a data sheet paper will be forwarded to UNIAP. The paper will be written in English and the REACH team’s local language.

Who can participate?

Teams of two or more can be formed by independent students/activists; part of a university club focused on human trafficking and/or human rights; or, formed by professors who will provide independent study or course credit to students doing REACH work. Individual participants can also join REACH. Please contact us for more details.

How long is my commitment to REACH?

Timeframes can range from three months, a semester or a year. The participation can be renewed once the data-sheet paper has been handed in to UNIAP.

What kind of data should I collect?

What we are interested in are facts and data – numbers and good references. As the information comes in, we will decide which measures should be taken to address trafficking of people from the Mekong Region in the REACH team members’ countries. Leads can be followed up by REACH teams to identify additional sources of information, with additional contacts from UNIAP as needed.

Why shall I join REACH?

People are profiting from the deception, control, and exploitation of other people, and this abhorrent crime must be stopped. Counter-trafficking sees successes every day, and victims are reached and assisted every day, but counter-trafficking responders are particularly challenged by cross-regional human trafficking: not enough information is being systematically collected, analyzed, and exchanged; and, language difficulties challenge intelligence gathering, networking, and communication and assistance to trafficked persons. With your contribution, you can make a difference in challenging modern slavery. The data that you will provide will be important in UNIAP’s counter-trafficking activity. By participating in the REACH initiative you will be provided by a letter of appreciation by UNIAP. The most outstanding REACH team members will be flown to Bangkok to present the results of their work to the Asia regional counter-trafficking community – including UN counter-trafficking personnel, international and local counter-trafficking NGOs, academics, the diplomatic community, policy makers, advocates, media, and others.

Ho do I get involved?

Read about REACH here, fill in the application form and send it to us at REACH@undp.org.