21 October 2015 - The Philippine Embassy in Warsaw held a Pulongbayan on the issue of human trafficking on October 04 at the chancery.

First Secretary and Consul Maria Alnee A. Gamble discussed the definition of trafficking in persons under Philippine and Polish laws, and highlighted the essential elements and dimensions that define human trafficking. She also discussed the difference between trafficking in persons, illegal recruitment, and people smuggling. She also highlighted the topic of forced labor and its indicators.

On the other hand, Attaché Evelyn Vega gave a presentation on the rights of workers in Poland, as well as on measures that may be taken by a victim of human trafficking or by anyone who has witnessed a human trafficking situation

At the conclusion of the forum, Consul Gamble answered questions from the audience. Many of the questions were on work-related concerns, such as questions on salary and the minimum wage, tax payments and ZUS contributions. The Embassy promised to organize another Pulongbayan that will address these specific concerns.

The forum was held so that the Embassy could share to the Filipino community in Poland the knowledge gained by Embassy officials at the Regional Workshop against Trafficking in Persons organized by the Department of Foreign Affairs in Vienna, Austria last March. END