ASEAN adopts Guideline on implementation of the Non-Punishment Principle for protection of victims of trafficking in persons

ASEAN published an official Guideline on the Implementation of the Non-Punishment Principle for Protection of Victims of Trafficking in Persons (adopted ad referendum on 27 May 2025). The guideline provides ASEAN-level interpretive and operational recommendations on applying ACTIP Article 14(7), including suggestions for strengthening national legislation, improving victim identification/screening and decision-making through investigation/trial stages, and exploring post-conviction remedies (e.g., vacatur/expungement). While not a binding regulation itself, it is authoritative regional guidance that can drive national legal/operational changes and should be monitored by compliance functions involved in labor/modern slavery risk management, human rights due diligence, and engagement with law enforcement/judicial processes in ASEAN jurisdictions.