The Ministry of Home Affairs, through the Ministerial Taskforce on Trafficking in Persons, conducted training between October 2 and 13, 2026, to equip frontline officers to recognise signs of human trafficking, identify potential victims and respond appropriately to suspected cases.
The sessions involved junior leaders of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), including Lance Corporals, Corporals and Sergeants, alongside operational and field officers from the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) and the GPF’s Narcotics Branch.
The training was delivered in collaboration with the Guyana Police Force, the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, the Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning, and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Participants examined trafficking in persons and migrant smuggling, the application of the Counter-Trafficking in Persons Act, 2023, and the indicators officers should look for when screening for possible exploitation. Sessions also addressed the identification of, and response to, suspected child labour and exploitation.
Particular attention was given to how officers engage with potential victims. Training covered trauma-informed approaches, ethical considerations, safe reporting, victim advocacy, and access to protection, care and assistance. These areas are intended to help officers respond sensitively while respecting the rights and dignity of those affected.
The sessions also clarified the responsibilities of participating agencies when suspected cases are identified, with emphasis on coordinating responses and securing protection and assistance for potential victims.
Members of the public are encouraged to remain alert to signs of human trafficking and report suspected cases to the nearest police station or the anti-trafficking hotlines on 623-5030 or 624-0079 (Spanish).
𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐀𝐟𝐟𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐬
𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫-𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐓𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐭
𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔