• Acting Chancellor calls for trauma-informed approach to trafficking cases

THE Judiciary of Guyana has renewed its call for greater public vigilance against human trafficking, warning that advances in technology are creating new avenues for traffickers to recruit and exploit vulnerable people through online job advertisements, social media platforms and messaging applications.

In a message marking World Day Against Trafficking in Persons 2026, Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary of Guyana, Justice Roxane George, said trafficking often remains hidden despite occurring in communities and workplaces across the country and region.

Observed annually on July 30, this year’s commemoration is being held under the theme, “Trapped Behind the Scam”, drawing attention to emerging forms of trafficking linked to online fraud, cybercrime and deceptive employment schemes.

The Judiciary joined the Guyana Association of Women Judges (GAWJ) and the international community in observing the day, which seeks to raise awareness of trafficking as a serious human-rights violation while reinforcing efforts to prevent exploitation, protect survivors and hold offenders accountable.

“Human trafficking is often described as an invisible crime because it frequently occurs in plain sight,” Justice George said, noting that victims may be found in restaurants, bars, mining communities, private homes, farms, construction sites and the commercial sex industry while their exploitation goes undetected.

She explained that promises of employment, education, romance or improved living conditions may conceal situations involving deception, coercion, violence and abuse.

Trafficking affects women, men and children across nationalities and social backgrounds and is often driven by poverty, inequality, displacement, vulnerability, demand for cheap labour and commercial sexual exploitation.

The Acting Chancellor also highlighted concerns raised by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) about the growing use of trafficking for forced criminality, including involvement in financial fraud operations, cybercrime, money laundering and corruption.

In some cases, victims are transported to illegal compounds and forced to participate in online fraud schemes. Others may be compelled to carry out romance scams, cryptocurrency fraud and other cyber-enabled crimes targeting people around the world.

Justice George noted that fraudulent job advertisements have also become a significant recruitment tool, with victims, including skilled professionals, being deceived by offers of legitimate employment abroad before being subjected to exploitation.

The increasing use of digital technology, she said, has made public awareness and vigilance more important than ever.

Guyana’s Combatting of Trafficking in Persons Act, Chapter 10:06, provides the legal framework for preventing trafficking, protecting survivors and prosecuting offenders.

Under the legislation, persons convicted of trafficking may face up to five years’ imprisonment on summary conviction or life imprisonment upon conviction on indictment.

The law also allows courts to order the forfeiture of property or proceeds obtained through trafficking and to require convicted offenders to provide restitution to victims for physical, psychological, emotional and financial harm resulting from their exploitation.

Justice George said a common misconception is that trafficking always involves kidnapping or physical restraint.

However, many victims initially agree to travel or accept employment after being misled by false promises. They may later face threats, intimidation, withheld wages, confiscation of identification documents or restrictions on their movement and communication.

The Judiciary urged members of the public to remain alert to possible warning signs, including persons who appear fearful, anxious or unable to communicate freely; are controlled by others; work excessively long hours for little or no pay; lack possession of personal identification or travel documents; live under restrictive conditions at or near their workplaces; or have limited contact with relatives, friends and the wider community.

While the presence of a single indicator may not necessarily mean that trafficking has occurred, a combination of warning signs may justify further inquiry and reporting to the relevant authorities, the message stated.

Justice George stressed that survivors must not be blamed for their circumstances, noting that many have endured prolonged psychological manipulation, intimidation, violence and exploitation.

She said the Judiciary has a critical responsibility to ensure that trafficking cases are handled fairly, efficiently and sensitively, with a trauma-informed approach that treats survivors with dignity, compassion, confidentiality and respect.

Such an approach should also ensure access to medical care, counselling, legal assistance and other protective services.

Judicial officers and court staff, she added, must remain informed about the evolving forms of trafficking and be familiar with international instruments, including the Palermo Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children.

Justice George said combatting trafficking requires the involvement of the entire society, including the Judiciary, the GAWJ, law-enforcement agencies, civil-society organisations and members of the public.

“Awareness is the first line of defence,” the message stated, urging citizens to learn the warning signs, share information, report suspected cases and support initiatives aimed at protecting vulnerable persons.

The Judiciary reaffirmed its commitment to addressing trafficking cases through an impartial, efficient and effective justice system that safeguards the rights and welfare of victims while ensuring fair hearings for accused persons.