Governor-General Proclaims Trafficking in Persons Week
By: July 22, 2016 ,The Key Point:
The Facts
- The Proclamation compliments and gives greater thrust to the work of the Government of Jamaica’s multi-agency group, the National Taskforce Against Trafficking in Persons (NATFATIP), which was established in June 2005.
- In his proclamation, Sir Allen is encouraging all Jamaicans to participate in the activities which will take place across the island.
The Full Story
A well needed endorsement came on the heels of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons (TIP). In a proclamation dated July 19, 2016, Governor-General, His Excellency Sir Patrick Allen, has declared July 24 – 30 as Jamaica’s Trafficking in Persons Week.
The proclamation speaks to the pervasive crime of Trafficking in Persons and the pivotal role of the activities to be carried out over this one-week period.
“… Trafficking in Persons Week seeks to promote awareness of this dehumanizing offence, to decrease vulnerability of the citizenry and reflect the Government’s proactive stance on eradicating this scourge”, proclaimed His Excellency.
The Proclamation compliments and gives greater thrust to the work of the Government of Jamaica’s multi-agency group, the National Taskforce Against Trafficking in Persons (NATFATIP), which was established in June 2005.
Sir Patrick Allen noted some contributing factors to the spread of human trafficking activities as poverty, scarce employment opportunities and vulnerability while rejecting human trafficking as a “violation of the fundamental right to freedom and security of the person”.
Since the enactment of the Trafficking in Persons (Prevention, Suppressions and Punishment) Act 2007 with recent amendments in 2013; and through the collaborative efforts between the Jamaica Constabulary Force and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, four convictions were made.
In his proclamation, Sir Allen is encouraging all Jamaicans to participate in the activities which will take place across the island. Please see attached Week of Activities.