The Counter-Trafficking in Persons Unit (C-TIPU) has rescued 43 victims of human trafficking between January and July 2020.
The Ministry of Social Protection said of the 43 victims, there were eight males and 35 females; all were foreign nationals.
According to the Ministry, the Unit received 22 reports of suspected human trafficking of which eight were confirmed cases.
Coordinator of the Unit, Tanisha Williams – Corbin was quoted saying that “the common forms [of human trafficking] prevalent in Guyana are forced labour, sexual exploitation and domestic servitude.”
Williams – Corbin also acknowledged the critical role of the public in arresting the problem even as the unit continues to develop and disseminate educational materials to the general populace on the phenomenon of human trafficking.
“It is important to engage the community as victims often do not self-identify. Most of them never come forward to the authorities. We encourage you to report any suspicious activities to the 24 hours hotline numbers 227-4083 or 623-5030. Your calls are treated with the strictest confidentiality”, she added.
Blue balloons were released earlier on Monday in recognition of survivors and victims of human trafficking both locally and internationally, to launch a week of activities to observe World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on July 30.
Representatives from the C-TIPU and the Ministerial Task Force on Trafficking in Persons converged at the Georgetown Seawalls to release the balloons.
Prior to the balloons’ release, the team observed a moment of silence in solace with survivors and victims of trafficking in persons globally.
This year’s theme is “Embracing Diversity, Reducing Vulnerabilities, Promoting Safe Migration.”
