The Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security has denied that it failed to assist a victim of human trafficking and said that the pregnant woman who later gave birth never returned to the shelter after she left to make a purchase and efforts to locate her were futile.
The report carried by Capitol News on Monday implied that the Ministry failed to assist the woman, a statement from the Ministry yesterday said. “The person in question was indeed brought to the Ministry on April 22, 2013. At the time she was pregnant and the Ministry provided accommodation to her at a shelter, as well as clothing for herself and the expected child. The Ministry also facilitated her joining a prenatal clinic,” the statement said.
“Whilst at the women’s shelter, the alleged victim requested to visit a nearby shop on August 21, 2013 to make a personal purchase. This was allowed by the person in charge. However, the young woman never returned,” it added.
The Ministry said that subsequent efforts to contact and locate the woman proved futile. “The Ministry’s staff physically searched for her, but were unsuccessful in their efforts. The woman never contacted the Ministry, even after giving birth to her child nor did she indicate to the Ministry that she needed assistance once again,” the statement asserted.
The Ministry said that it is always willing to support victims or alleged victims of trafficking in persons. “In addition, the Ministry remains committed to supporting this individual and her child, and wishes to indicate that contact can be made via the TIP hotline number 623-5030, or via telephone number 227-4083,” the statement said.
