As reported over the last five years, Guyana is a source and destination country for men, women, and children subjected to sex trafficking and forced labour.
However, Guyana has made significant strides in relation to stamping out Trafficking in Persons (TIP), according to the 2017 report from the US Department of State which noted that Guyana fully meets the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking.
The report stated that the government made key achievements during the reporting period; therefore, Guyana was upgraded to Tier 1.
The achievements included approving the 2017-2018 national action plan for combating trafficking in persons; increasing the number of investigations, prosecutions, and convictions; and identifying and assisting more victims for the second year in a row.
However, it was outlined that although the government meets the minimum standards, it did not increase protection and services for victims outside the capital or provide adequate protection and shelter for child and male victims.
Several recommendations were made for further improvement including funding for specialized victim services, including those offered by NGOs.
Authorities are also urged to vigorously investigate and prosecute sex and labor trafficking cases and hold convicted traffickers, including complicit public officials; train law enforcement, judiciary officials, and front-line responders—especially those working outside the capital—on victim identification and referral procedures; finalize the written identification procedures to better guide law enforcement officials; provide additional protection for victims to enable them to testify against traffickers in a way that minimizes re-traumatization; record the number of cases reported to the trafficking hotline to promote a rapid investigative and victim assistance response; and provide training for diplomatic personnel on human trafficking.
Guyana’s assessment can be accessed by clicking here.
