The Ministry of Home Affairs is pleased to announce that a two-day training seminar on human trafficking, migrant smuggling, and child labour was successfully conducted from August 29th to 30th, 2024. This seminar, organized in collaboration with agencies under the Ministerial Taskforce on Trafficking in Persons, aimed to enhance the knowledge and skills of law enforcement officers in addressing these critical issues.

A total of forty-four (44) Constables and Lance Corporals from various departments and divisions of the Guyana Police Force participated in the training. The sessions covered a wide range of topics, including an understanding of the crimes of human trafficking and migrant smuggling, local legislation on trafficking in persons (TIP), victim support and care, immigration policy and regulation, Guyana’s labour laws, and the issue of child labour.

The training featured expert lectures from representatives of the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, the Ministry of Labour, the Guyana Police Force, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). These sessions were designed to provide officers with the necessary tools to recognize the signs of human trafficking and migrant smuggling, understand the complexities involved, and take appropriate action to protect and support victims.

The Ministry of Home Affairs remains steadfast in its commitment to combating human trafficking through continuous training and capacity-building initiatives. Our goal is to contribute to a future where all individuals are free from exploitation and abuse. We encourage the public to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases of trafficking in persons. Reports can be made via our 24-hour hotlines in English or Spanish at 227-4083 / 623-5030, or 624-0079 (Spanish/Español), or at the nearest police station.