Guyana commits to further strengthen legislation to fight trafficking in persons

Guyana joined the international community today in observing World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, with the Government reaffirming its commitment to preventing and combating human trafficking, protecting victims and survivors, and ensuring that those who profit from human suffering are brought to justice. In a statement, Minister of Home Affairs, Oneidge Walrdond said human trafficking is among the gravest violations of human rights, which robs individuals of their dignity, freedom and security through forced labour, sexual exploitation, domestic servitude and other forms of abuse. It is a crime that exploits vulnerability and preys on hope, she said, nothing that no nation is immune, and no society can afford complacency. The Minister admitted that Governments alone cannot eradicate trafficking in persons, and success depends on strong partnerships among law enforcement, government agencies, civil society, the private sector, faith-based organizations, international partners and, critically, an informed and vigilant public. She said Guyana has been strengthening the legislative framework to combat the trafficking of persons and explained that the country continues to reinforce its national response. "We have expanded victim-centred services, intensified public education campaigns, strengthened intelligence-led enforcement, enhanced regional and international cooperation, and invested in the training of frontline officers to improve prevention, identification and prosecution efforts", Minister Walrdond said. It was noted that although Guyana has been acknowledged for its continued commitment to meeting the highest international standards in combating the trafficking of persons, the achievement is not an endpoint. It was explained that this year, the Home Affairs Ministry completed the full digitalization of immigration and visa applications and payments, making legitimate migration pathways more accessible while reducing opportunities for exploitation through informal channels. Public awareness campaigns to reach 51 communities across six administrative regions have been launched benefiting more than 4,000 persons. On the issue of migrants, the Minister appealed to them and other vulnerable groups, encouraging them to seek employment only through legitimate channels and safeguard their identity documents. She said they should also know your rights, and report any attempt at coercion, deception or exploitation. The Government of Guyana intends to continue to strengthen laws, and modernize the country's institutions to tackle the problem of trafficking in persons. Anyone with information regarding suspected cases of trafficking in persons is encouraged to report it to the nearest police station, contact the Ministry of Home Affairs’ Ministerial Taskforce on Trafficking in Persons Secretariat, or call the 24-hour hotlines 623-5030, 227-4083, or 624-0079 (Spanish). All reports will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.