THE Ministry of Home Affairs’ Ministerial Taskforce on Trafficking in Persons, along with supporting agencies conducted a one-day anti-trafficking in persons training course at the National Racquet Centre, Woolford Avenue, Georgetown.

According to the ministry, some 20 advocates from civil society groups who were persistent for increased awareness and advocacy within the LGBTQ+ community, benefitted from the training course.

The primary objective of the session was to equip advocates with the necessary knowledge on the indicators of trafficking in persons, psychosocial support needed for victims, agencies that support victims of human trafficking and the national referral mechanism in place to report suspected acts of trafficking in persons.

The ministry deemed it imperative that stakeholders recognise and address the unique vulnerabilities faced by persons in the LBGTQ+ community, in the area of human trafficking.

While there is progress in LGBTQ+ rights and advocacy locally and internationally, members of this community continue to experience unequally high rates of exploitation.

This training was tailored by the taskforce with the aim of empowering LGBTQ+ advocates and groups with the knowledge, skills, and network necessary to aid the Government of Guyana to combat this crime effectively from all spheres.

This training equipped advocates with trauma –informed approaches to provide culturally competent support to survivors, and ensuring that they receive the assistance they need without fear of discrimination or prejudice.

The taskforce believes that by fostering collaborations between these advocates, the Guyana Police Force, the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security and other community stakeholders, could enhance their collective response to trafficking in persons and safeguard the rights and dignity of all individuals.

During this discourse, participants benefitted from lectures on these topics such as: Defining and understanding trafficking in persons, migrant smuggling and the types of exploitation; victim detection, identification and the role of the Guyana Police Force – TIP Unit; application of the local TIP legislation; local legislation for sexual offences; victim referral, support and services offered by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security; gender roles and conflict resolutions.

Additionally, the Ministry of Home Affairs said it remains committed to collaborating with all stakeholders in combating human trafficking in Guyana through the pillars of prevention, protection, prosecution and partnership.

The ministry encouraged the public to continue to report suspected instances of trafficking in persons, by utilising its 24 hours English or Spanish hotlines 623-5030 or 624-0079, or by visiting the nearest police station to make a report.