from its implementation it could be further developed and refined (by means of protocols etc) to cover trafficking in men as well as trafficking for additional purposes such as forced and exploitative labour which is a significant problem in the region. In addition, in contrast to the relatively weak provisions in the Trafficking Protocol on victim protection, the SAARC Convention in Article IX has mandatory provisions for the protection of victims, including the provision of legal advices, health care and protective shelters. It also explicitly recognises a role for NGOs in victim protection and rehabilitation. The SAARC Convention thus has a much stronger human rights focus than the Trafficking Protocol. Training programmes and research programmes should be initiated with the support of the Asia Pacific Forum and National Human Rights Institutions to further the purposes of the SAARC Convention and to ensure the evolution of this instrument into an effective weapon against trafficking and related exploitation. 18