Port of Spain, 2^nd August 2023: Last Sunday 30^th July, over 600 persons gathered at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port of Spain to  commemorate World Day Against Trafficking in Persons with a 5K Fun Walk featuring an Aerobics and Zumba Burnout and  exhibition booths from UN Partners, government agencies and civil society organizations. The Fun Walk hosted by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Counter Trafficking Unit (CTU) of the Ministry of National Security (MNS), sought to raise awareness of the plight of victims of trafficking in Trinidad and Tobago and empower the public with the knowledge and resources needed to report suspected cases of human trafficking.

World Day Against Trafficking in Persons is commemorated annually on 30^th  July and this year’s theme, “Reach every Victim of Trafficking. Leave No One Behind,” continues to call on governments, law enforcement, and civil society, to assess and enhance their efforts to strengthen the prevention of trafficking while identifying and supporting victims.

Speaking on behalf of the donor, the Migration Multi-Partner Trust Fund, Mexican Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, His Excellency Victor Hugo Moralez Meléndez noted that, “migrants around the world are highly vulnerable to human trafficking and in many cases they are subjected to exploitation,  forced labour and even slavery.” He however observed that it is encouraging that the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) prepared in 2018 contains specific resolutions to protect the rights of migrants.

The CTU, responsible for the identification of victims and witnesses, trafficking prevention, and prosecution of traffickers, was represented at the event by its Director, Dr. Samantha Chaitram, who stated that the CTU continues to work closely with all stakeholders involved in anti-trafficking efforts as the Ministry of National Security continues to build a collective response to transnational, organized crime.

For over 25 years, IOM has worked closely with governments, other UN agencies, international and non-governmental organizations, the private sector, as well as peace and development actors across humanitarian and development settings to counter trafficking in persons. For more information on the situational assessment of the victim care environment to support victims of trafficking in Trinidad and Tobago, click here.

For information on IOM and its work in Trinidad and Tobago, contact kserrant@iom.int.