Law student looks for human-trafficking solutions
Tulane Law School dual-degree candidate Shana Wamuhu, right, was among students who met with Thai officials, including Attorney General Trakul Winitnaiyapak, far left, who earned a Tulane LLM in 1975, during a February visit to the law school. During the summer, Wamuhu worked with the Thai attorney general"s office in Bangkok on human trafficking issues. (Photo by Ali Mansfield)
When Thai Attorney General Trakul Winitnaiyapak, who received a master of laws from Tulane University in 1975, returned to the law school in February, student Shana Wamuhu hoped to chat with him at a reception following his address on his country"s redoubled efforts to counter human trafficking.
But the line to greet him was long, so she talked to members of his delegation. Eventually, the delegation arranged a summer externship for Wamuhu with the Thai AG"s office in Bangkok.
Wamuhu is pursuing a joint law degree and a master"s through the graduate program in global development of the Payson Center at Tulane. The summer work at the Center Against International Human Trafficking in Bangkok allowed her to delve into law, policy and international issues surrounding exploitation.
She called it an “incredible learning experience” that introduced her to “amazing individuals who have broadened my perspective on law, education and life in general.”
Wamuhu attended a four-day meeting between Thailand and Myanmar on transnational crimes; took part in a regional event hosted by Microsoft on using technology in fighting human trafficking; accompanied a prosecutor to the interrogation of three accused robbers; and observed a hearing on compensation for sex-trafficking victims. She also researched possible solutions to the humanitarian crisis surrounding Rohingyas, ethnic Muslims who live in Myanmar but don"t have citizenship in that Buddhist-majority nation and have been seeking asylum in neighboring countries.
While Thailand has far to go, she said, the country has made significant progress, including prosecuting military officials involved in migrant-smuggling abuses and requiring all Thai boats to have licenses and satellite-based monitoring systems to help prevent illegal fishing and to stem labor trafficking.
In Bangkok, she said, she met role models “who are not only passionate about the fight against human trafficking but also emulate the values of honor and integrity.”
Linda P. Campbell is Tulane Law School"s director of communications.
