SUMMARY

CARICOM IMPACS, through funding from the Joint Fund for CARlCOM - Spain Scientific and Technical Cooperation, implemented a project aimed at building the capacity of personnel in the criminal justice system to effectively combat human trafficking. The project facilitated greater cooperation with strategic partners on matters of mutual security interests, particularly against the risks associated with human trafficking.

In September 2015, United Nations Member States adopted the “2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”, which included 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and 169 sub-targets, prioritising Trafficking in Persons as a critical area of concern. It embraces three (3) main targets directly relevant to eradicating human trafficking, with the overarching target being 8.7 , which is to Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labour, end modern slavery and human trafficking, secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour, including recruitment and use of child soldiers, and by 2025 end child labour in all its forms.

Human Trafficking is classified as a Tier 2 Threat in the CARICOM Crime and Security Strategy (CCSS), and Member States must, therefore, use their collective efforts to prevent this threat from escalating into a Tier 1 Threat.The CCSS has listed Strategic Goal 12 as Strengthen Mechanisms Against Human Trafficking to address this threat.This goal focuses on disrupting trafficking networks through enhanced international cooperation, strengthened intelligence gathering and sharing, and placing emphasis on raising awareness of human trafficking.

A study commissioned by CARIFORUM and funded by the 10th European development Fund (EDF) made recommendations similar to those under the CCSS. The study recommended programs geared toward increasing the capacity of stakeholders in Member States to identify, refer, investigate, and prosecute cases of TIP. Also, training for investigators and prosecutors would be needed to build strong cases without relying on the victim’s testimony and training for magistrates and judges on the appropriate implementation of laws and victim sensitive approaches were recommendations. These capacity-building efforts help in creating a more networked society, that is skilled and knowledgeable in areas to facilitate the apprehension of traffickers and smugglers and identify those TIP victims who require support.

In light of these recommendations and the Strategic Goals in the CCSS to Increase Trans-border Intelligence and Information Sharing, Enhance Law Enforcement and Security Capabilities and Strengthen Regional Security Systems, it is critical for the region to increase the capacity of law enforcement officials, investigators, prosecutors and other key stakeholders involved in investigations, operations and prosecutions in the area of human trafficking. Also, given the multifaceted nature of human trafficking, it is also critical to improve collaboration among critical players involved in dismantling trafficking rings and identifying and protecting victims.There is a need for coherence, accountability and mutual enforcement in relation to the 4 Ps paradigm of Prevention, Protection, Prosecution and Partnership to address the issue of human trafficking.

The project was also aimed at addressing human rights and gender equality and the needs of vulnerable populations in relation to this issue, including children and women. In light of the close relationship between Latin America and the Caribbean, and the movement of trafficked persons between the two regions, it is critical to work with these countries. Therefore, it was imperative that the Central America Integration System be included in the joint regional exercises with a view to developing joint action protocols in the area of Human Trafficking and migrant smuggling.

SUCCESSES

ONLINE TRAINING PROGRAMME

A 4-week blended workshop was held consisting of online classes and individual exercises facilitated by an expert/s in human trafficking. The Regional Training Programme on Human Trafficking was held for participants from CARICOM and SICA Countries.

Key implementing partners included the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and theCentral American Integration System Organisation (SICA) countries.

OPERATION CARISICA

In June 2023, an anti-human trafficking and migrant smuggling Operation was led by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS), spanning the CARICOM and Central American regions. The operation brought together professionals in the criminal justice system, other government workers and professionals from non-government organisations to work together to detect, investigate cases of human trafficking and prosecute traffickers.

The Operation resulted in the arrest of more than one hundred and seventy (170) persons, the rescue of over sixty (60) identified victims of human trafficking and over four hundred (400) migrants in vulnerable situations. Nine (9) minors were reported among the rescued victims, one (1) of whom is as young as nine (9) months old.

Short Interview Video -

Long Interview Video

Please see Press Release using the link below:

Please see Anti-Human Trafficking Guidance (English) using the link below:

Please see Anti-Human Trafficking Guidance (French) using the link below:

Please see Anti-Human Trafficking Guidance (Spanish) using the link below: