Dear Editor,
The United States State Department’s 2022 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report found that Guyana has maintained its Tier 1 ranking after meeting the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking. This is a ranking that was first achieved in 2017, after substantial effort began being placed on TIP through the work of Civil Society, the Guyana Police, and the Government of Guyana. While Guyana has maintained this ranking over the past few years, there are systemic gaps that need a more robust approach.
While the minimum standards of tackling TIP are regularly met, there is much less success in the area of adequate service referrals, and a noticeable lack of adequate child and male victim screening provided. It was also noted that for the first time in four years, Guyana did not convict any traffickers. These gaps demonstrate the task that is at hand when it comes to addressing TIP, and the need for a consistent and holistic response.
There needs to be focused interventions particularly within remote areas, as the majority of TIP cases tends to occur within isolated communities across Guyana. Often, traffickers would force both physical and sexual labour in mining camps or construction sites that are isolated. Additional resources into social worker interventions within these areas are needed, in addition to continued awareness programmes for the wider public so that they can identify signs of TIP when they come across cases.
Trafficking in Persons is an issue that requires a lot more attention and effort beyond the scope of awareness days, and there needs to be sustained resources plugged into ensuring that those who are most vulnerable are provided the support they need.
Yours faithfully,
Akola Thompson
Communication Consultant,
ChildLinK
To report or seek counseling,
please call 914/227-0979/227-
2023/233-3500
