The appointment of a Commission of Inquiry (COI) to investigate human trafficking here “will only result in duplication of efforts and a waste of resources,” according to the Ministerial Task Force on Trafficking in Persons.
“The government has moved beyond mere talk…,” the Task Force said in a statement issue by the Home Affairs Ministry, while adding that the administration has in effect “allocated resources to fund programmes” to do precisely what the parliamentary motion for the COI’s establishment seeks.
The National Assembly recently approved the motion, brought by opposition leader David Granger, for the appointment of a COI to inquire into allegations of human trafficking, to determine the extent of the situation and to make recommendations for the suppression and abolition of the unlawful trade. The opposition APNU and AFC used their one-seat majority to pass the motion, in the face of resistance by government, which said that an inquiry was not needed. It is left now to be seen if President Donald Ramotar will move to set up a COI.
Responding to an APNU press release on the COI, the Task Force reiterated the position of the government, which it said has recognised the security-development nexus and has prioritised social sector spending targeted at removing factors that can contribute to trafficking in persons.
It said that “annually, since 2008 government has published reports based on robust assessments of the prevalence of trafficking in persons in Guyana as well as its responses in combating the scourge. Those who call for a Commission of Inquiry will find that if they immerse themselves in the contents of these Reports they will arrive at the inescapable conclusion that their request is superfluous and self-serving particularly for those who claim they want to help.”
According to the statement, the opposition was calling for an inquiry into what is already known, since the government continues to strive to implement programmes to strengthen capacity to detect and investigate human trafficking matters and offer assistance to victims.
It said that the government, with support from NGOs, is in the process of implementing programmes to combat trafficking in persons through prosecution, prevention, protection, reintegration and public awareness.
It cited the government’s track record in focusing on the social sector where a number of programmes are being implemented to complement initiatives aimed at tackling trafficking in persons. These programmes include: the Citizen Security and the Justice Reform Programmes, the USAID “Ruling Justly” programme, programmes such as skills training for the poor and disadvantaged, the Single Parent Assistance Programme and Women of Worth micro-credit programme for women.
“The Ministerial Task Force on Trafficking in Persons remains open to constructive suggestions and supporting joint efforts to continue the fight against any expression of Trafficking in Persons, it will not however pander to un-substantiated views nor erroneous conclusions locally or externally about the extent to which TIP exists in Guyana,” the statement added.
