IOM helps RI women in Malaysia

The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Mon, 03/13/2006 8:05 AM

JAKARTA: Dozens of Indonesian female trafficking victims -- who sought refuge in Indonesia's consulate in Penang, Malaysia -- have been receiving help and counseling services from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), according to a press release Friday.

The IOM's counter-trafficking unit has begun the process of repatriating all the women and young girls. Last week a 15-member group of victims, including a 15-year-old girl, arrived in Jakarta.

All 47 of the women are ""victims of trafficking under current international standards.""

IOM has also begun assessing the cases of a further 20 Indonesian women who arrived at the Penang consulate in the past few days.

""Upon their return, they will receive comprehensive medical and psychological care at the IOM-supported recovery center for victims of trafficking located at the Indonesian National Police Hospital in Jakarta,"" the release sent to The Jakarta Post said.

""They are very traumatized by their experiences and want to return home as soon as possible, Fitriana Nur, the IOM counter-trafficking unit program officer, said.

The Indonesian government requested help from the IOM to assist the victims and return them home. -- JP

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