As part of a regional counter trafficking initiative for the
Caribbean, IOM will begin a series of trainings in Saint Lucia and
the Netherlands Antilles tomorrow aimed at helping government
officials and non-governmental organizations (NGO’s) learn
how to identify a victim of trafficking, provide direct assistance
and to develop a multi-agency referral network.

The training, which kicks off in Saint Lucia between the 18-19
October for about 30 participants, represents the next step in
counter-trafficking efforts in the two areas, which until now have
focused on research, and island-wide awareness raising information
campaigns.

With subsequent trainings on the Netherlands Antilles islands of
Curaçao, Bonaire and St. Maarten later on in the month, an
important step will have been taken in the development of a
framework for assisting victims of trafficking.

IOM’s counter-trafficking initiative for the Caribbean was
developed together with governments from the region to better
understand the potential impact of human trafficking there. 
IOM’s Exploratory Assessment on Trafficking in Persons in the
Caribbean Region (June 2005) found the presence of some level of
human trafficking in the areas of forced labour, sexual
exploitation, and domestic servitude, with the victims being men,
women, boys, and girls. 

All trainings and research are part of IOM’s Caribbean
Counter-Trafficking Initiative, supported by the US State
Department, Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration and the
Dutch Ministry of Justice, and in coordination with local
counter-trafficking coalitions.

Since 2004, the Organization has partnered with governments and
NGOs in 16 Caribbean countries through which trainings, research
and awareness raising activities have been carried out both on a
national and regional level to identify, assist and protect victims
of trafficking. 

For more information, please contact:

Erin Foster

IOM Washington

E-mail "mailto:efoster@iom.int">efoster@iom.int 

Counter-Trafficking Unit at IOM Washington

Tel +1 202 862 1826

E-mail "mailto:ctunitatmrfwashington@iom.int">ctunitatmrfwashington@iom.int 

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