In the past, photographers and other members of the media have unknowingly violated the right of AFESIP’s residents (many who are victims of human trafficking for sex slavery) to identity and protection, by photographing their faces and not concealing their identities. Similarly, visitors using smart phones, personal cameras, and social media too often run the risk of revealing the identity of victims without their knowledge or consent.

Facing this challenge, AFESIP held a workshop on Identity Protection, Photography, and Use of Images of human trafficking victims. According to the Policy and Minimum Standard for Protection of Rights of Victims of Human Trafficking, the right to Victim Identity and Protection is one of the victim’s eleven rights. The new policy was put into practice immediately following the workshop which was held on 18 May 2012. AFESIP then shared the newly implemented policy with partners and donors.

The workshop was organized and facilitated at AFESIP’s Main Office by Ms. Hayley Welgus, former Development Support Officer at AFESIP. The objective of the workshop was to further educate management staff at both AFESIP and the Somaly Mam Foundation-Southeast Asia of the vulnerabilities of beneficiaries who are survivors of human trafficking.

The new policies brought the implementation of the “Resident Release Form.” The form is intended for adult beneficiaries to consent to the use of their image in the media.The same policy applies for members of Voice for Change . A photographer is now required to inform the women of how he or she intends to use their images and each member of the team would need to individually sign the form. This release form only applies to adult beneficiaries—the identity of children is protected at all times.