This collaborative project, which unites five OAS areas, aims to strengthen the abilities of seven OAS Member States (Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guyana, Panama, Peru and Trinidad and Tobago) to prevent and investigate human trafficking and migrant smuggling linked to the exploitation of Venezuelan refugees and migrants and to increase understanding of the particular security risks they face, especially for women and girls.

Additionally, the project aims to improve border control in the recipient nations to better detect unauthorized trade in both commodities and persons and to encourage the social integration of both victims and survivors.

The objectives of the discussion are to: strengthen the capacity of participating Member States to combat human trafficking and migrant smuggling; prevent and investigate organized crime linked to the exploitation of Venezuelan refugees and migrants; increase awareness by security, migration, and local authorities on the risks, vulnerabilities, and rights of migrants, refugees, and victims of human trafficking; and increase participant capacities in applying updated SOPs to detect irregular migration in the cargo stream, considering human rights and the needs of female and gender-diverse persons.

During the opening ceremony, Permanent Secretary Mr. Andre Ally, during his brief remarks, alluded to the fact that the fight against human trafficking and migrant smuggling is not a solo endeavor; it’s a collaborative one. Mr. Ally emphasized that collaboration is key, whether between governments, law enforcement agencies, civil society organizations, or international bodies, and that we must work together to enhance data sharing, intelligence sharing, and cross-border cooperation to dismantle criminal networks and prosecute perpetrators.

Furthermore, he indicated that protection and support for survivors were paramount, and the Government of Guyana and the Taskforce will continue to ensure that victims and survivors of human trafficking, as well as vulnerable migrants, receive the necessary physical and psychological care, legal and medical assistance, and social support to rebuild their lives.

This event saw representatives from the following Ministries and Agencies in attendance:

Ministry of Home Affairs;

Ministry of Amerindian Affairs;

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade;

Ministry of Labour;

Ministry of Legal Affairs and Attorney General’s Chambers;

Ministry of Natural Resources;

Ministry of Health;

Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development;

Ministry of Education;

Guyana Police Force;

Guyana Defense Force;

Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecution;

Food for the Poor Guyana Inc.

Help and Shelter and;

Guyana Revenue Authority.