THE Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministerial Taskforce on Trafficking in Persons have renewed their call for a coordinated national response to human trafficking, warning that Guyana’s rapid economic growth and increased migration must not create opportunities for exploitation.
In a message marking World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on Thursday, Minister of Home Affairs and Co-Chair of the Ministerial Taskforce on Trafficking in Persons, Oneidge Walrond, said the country must remain committed to protecting vulnerable persons as economic opportunities continue to expand.
“Opportunity should never become a pathway to abuse,” the Minister said, reaffirming the government’s commitment to preventing trafficking, protecting victims and survivors, and ensuring that those responsible for exploiting others are brought to justice.
Human trafficking remains one of the most serious violations of human rights and can involve forced labour, sexual exploitation, domestic servitude and other forms of abuse. The crime often targets vulnerable persons by exploiting economic hardship, migration, technology and the hope of securing employment or improved living conditions.
This year’s observance is being held under the theme, “Stronger Connections, Stronger Futures: Together Against Human Trafficking,” which highlights the need for collaboration among government agencies, law enforcement bodies, civil society organisations, the private sector, faith-based groups, international partners and members of the public.
The government’s response is being guided by the 2026–2030 National Action Plan for the Prevention and Response to Trafficking in Persons, as well as the strengthened legislative framework established under the amended Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act 2023 and its accompanying regulations.
The Ministry said Guyana has expanded victim-centred services, intensified public education initiatives, strengthened intelligence-led enforcement, enhanced regional and international co-operation and increased training for frontline personnel.
The government has also continued to build the capacity of law-enforcement officers and other frontline responders to identify potential victims, respond appropriately and improve the investigation and prosecution of trafficking-related offences. Recent training initiatives have included community policing representatives and other key stakeholders involved in prevention and victim-support mechanisms.
According to the Ministry, Guyana has retained a Tier 1 ranking in the United States Department of State’s Trafficking in Persons Report for nine consecutive years, reflecting continued efforts to meet international standards in combating the crime. The Government, however, stressed that the recognition must be viewed as a responsibility to further strengthen institutions and improve protection for vulnerable persons. Guyana’s Tier 1 status has previously been attributed to continued work in areas including public awareness, training, victim protection, enforcement and partnerships.
The ministry reported that the full digitalisation of immigration and visa applications and payments was completed this year, improving access to legitimate migration channels while reducing opportunities for exploitation through informal processes.
It also said public awareness campaigns reached 51 communities across six administrative regions, benefiting more than 4,000 persons, while specialised anti-trafficking training was provided to law enforcement officers, healthcare workers, educators, community leaders and other frontline personnel.
Meanwhile, the Guyana Police Force conducted proactive screening operations involving 235 persons for possible indicators of trafficking, resulting in charges being laid against two foreign nationals, the ministry said.
Despite the progress, Minister Walrond cautioned that traffickers continue to adapt their methods and exploit changing economic conditions, migration patterns, technology and human vulnerability.
The Government, she said, will continue strengthening investigations, increasing labour inspections, improving prosecutions, expanding victim-support services and deepening co-operation with local, regional and international partners.
The minister also urged migrants and other vulnerable persons to seek employment only through legitimate channels, protect their identity documents, understand their rights and report any attempt at coercion, deception or exploitation.
Calling on Guyanese to play an active role in the national response, Walrond said human trafficking can remain hidden when communities fail to recognise warning signs or report suspected cases.
“Every citizen has a role to play. Be vigilant. Speak up. Protect those at risk. Stand beside victims and survivors with compassion and dignity,” she said.
The Government, she added, will continue strengthening legislation, modernising institutions, expanding partnerships and pursuing those who exploit others for personal gain.
Persons with information about suspected trafficking cases are encouraged to report the matter to the nearest police station, contact the Ministry of Home Affairs’ Ministerial Taskforce on Trafficking in Persons Secretariat, or call the 24-hour hotlines 623-5030, 227-4083, or 624-0079 for Spanish-speaking callers. The Ministry said all reports will be treated with strict confidentiality. The Ministry has previously identified the TIP hotlines as confidential reporting channels for suspected trafficking cases.
