Dear Editor,
I applaud the recent successful work of the law officers, who were able to report that a total of 44 female foreign nationals were rescued, following a Trafficking in Persons (TIP) operation at a popular nightclub along Robb Street, Georgetown. The news elaborated that “The women were reportedly taken into protective care, and an investigation has been launched into the alleged acts of TIP and other forms of exploitation and abuse.” I need to remind people that “World Day Against Trafficking in Persons 2023” has the theme, “Reach every victim of trafficking, leave no one behind.” This means that discrimination, nationally or otherwise, must not be tolerated.
So, I am quite elated that our authorities were relentless in rescuing these 44 ‘female foreign’ nationals. It is a testimony to professionalism and hard work.
Editor, I also remind people that, according to the United Nations (and common sense actually), “Displacement and socio-economic inequalities are impacting millions of people worldwide, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation by traffickers. Those who lack legal status, live in poverty, have limited access to education, healthcare, or decent work, face discrimination, violence, or abuse, or come from marginalized communities are often the primary targets of traffickers.” For example, in recent times, and still on-going, many Venezuelans came to our country, and from a national standpoint, Guyana fared well, and is still doing so, in terms of ensuring these ‘refugees’ and ‘escapees’ be protected.
And yet another reminder is that worldwide, national responses, particularly in developing states, appear to be deteriorating. In fact, detection rates fell by 11% in 2020 and convictions plummeted by 27%, thus illustrating a worldwide slowdown in the criminal justice response to trafficking. What is also of concern is that around 41% of the victims who managed to escape their ordeal and then reached out to the authorities did so on their own initiative. This is a blow to what is deemed the ‘Fight against TIP’ and is another clear sign that anti-trafficking responses are falling short.
For sure, we are not where we can be and even though, according to that latest UN report, the “Guyana Government met the minimum standards” it could have done more, and I feel certain that the slack will be taken up. In fact, prior to the release of the 2023 report, the Government had taken an aggressive approach towards ending the scourge of human trafficking, with the passing of the Combating of Trafficking in Persons Bill 2023 in the National Assembly. This Bill received extensive work from local and international bodies, as well as wide consultations. What we need to do as worthy citizens, and without fear of being known, is to act if we suspect someone is being trafficked. We can utilise social media, call, or email etc. In this era, ‘spreading news’ is most easy, and no trafficker likes publicity.
Sincerely,
HB Singh
