Translators, Migrant Support Groups, Non- Governmental Organizations (NGOs) received Anti-Trafficking in Persons Training.
A total of twenty-three (23) translators, representatives from immigrant support groups and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the embassies of the Federative Republic of Brazil and the Republic of Suriname benefitted from a one (1) day Anti-Trafficking in Persons Training Course, facilitated by the Ministerial Taskforce on Trafficking in Persons (Ministry of Home Affairs), on Friday, February 3, 2022, at the Guyana Police Force Officers’ Training Centre.
The primary objective of this training course was to equip participants with the requisite knowledge on the indicators of trafficking in persons, or human trafficking, the psychosocial support needed for victims of human trafficking, and the national referral mechanism for reporting suspected acts of human trafficking.
Additionally, the Taskforce deems it imperative that a working partnership is strengthened between civil society, NGOs, and migrant support groups to effectively combat human trafficking in Guyana.
The Chairman of the Taskforce, Hon. Robeson Benn, M.P., noted during his feature address that there was a need for a deeper understanding and appreciation of the social, economic, and psychological nature of this crime and how more support can be provided to victims.
The chairman added that the Ministry will commence the construction of a modern, victim-centered transitional shelter in 2023. This facility, he said, will be used to voluntarily accommodate suspected victims of trafficking in persons while investigations are ongoing.
Additionally, more money has been allocated in the 2023 budget to address that crime.
Alluding to the issue of migrant smuggling and its impact on human trafficking, Mr. Benn noted that there must be close monitoring and activities such as these that are aimed at sensitizing various stakeholders on the issue and promoting a culture of reporting suspected acts of this crime.
While the government has managed to crackdown on a Haitian smuggling network, other networks are arising, making the fight against human trafficking even more complex.
However, we must not be derailed from our efforts, and we will continue to support the victims and prosecute perpetrators, Minister Benn asserted.
During the discourse, participants benefited from the following module topics:
- Defining and Understanding Trafficking in Persons and its Indicators;
- Victim identification, screening and the role of the Guyana Police Force – Trafficking in Persons Unit;
- Special considerations for handling and interviewing child victims;
- Talking to traumatized victims;
- Victim referral and assistance in Guyana and the role of the Counter-Trafficking in Persons Unit, Ministry of Human Services and Social Security;
- Migrant support services offered by IOM and the support for the return and reintegration of TIP victims and;
- Local Immigration Policy for Non-Nationals
The Ministry of Home Affairs remains committed to collaborating with stakeholders, both local and foreign, in combating the crime of human trafficking in Guyana through the pillars of prevention, protection, prosecution and partnership.
Further, we would like to encourage the general public to continue to report suspected instances of trafficking in persons, utilizing our 24-hour English and Spanish Hotline numbers -227-4083 /623-5030 (English) or 624-0079 (Spanish/ Espanol) or to the nearest police station.