Multisector Collaboration Needed against Human Trafficking – Cuthbert-Flynn

Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security, Hon. Juliet Cuthbert-Flynn, says a multisectoral approach is critical in the fight against human trafficking.

She said that no individual, agency or organisation can effectively combat the scourge on its own.

“We don’t stand alone; multisector cooperation is imperative given the complex nature of the crime, whether internal or international. Countries of origin, transit and destination must work together to recognise the mechanism of trafficking, and properly identify and assist the victims and prosecute and punish the traffickers,” she said.

Mrs. Cuthbert-Flynn was addressing the opening of the 2024 Freedom from Slavery Caribbean Regional Forum at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston on May 20.

The three-day conference, under the theme ‘Demystifying Human Trafficking in the Caribbean Context: The Intersection of Culture and Human Trafficking’, is organised by Free the Slaves and Jamaica’s Office of the National Rapporteur on Trafficking in Persons.

It is convened as a pivotal gathering designed to confront human trafficking head-on through an informed, culturally nuanced, and collaborative approach.

Mrs. Cuthbert-Flynn said the Government will continue to pursue initiatives, including the implementation and review of laws, to combat human trafficking.

“We have made significant progress through robust legislation, strategic community engagement and a multi-stakeholder approach with the establishment of the National Taskforce Against Trafficking in Persons.

“We continue to review and also to update our Trafficking in Persons Act to address current trends because they (traffickers) are organised, and so we have to protect our victims and also to create mechanisms to prosecute traffickers,” she noted.

Mrs. Cuthbert-Flynn said that a key demonstration of the Government’s commitment has been the appointment of a National Rapporteur on Trafficking in Persons, with responsibility to, among other things, conduct independent examinations/investigations of reports of alleged instances of human trafficking.

“Jamaica has also prioritised education and awareness-raising efforts to debunk the cultural norms that may be exploited but we must do more empowering in the communities to identify and also to report cases of these exploitations,” she pointed out.

“The Government, in collaboration with civil society organisations and international partners has developed training programmes for law-enforcement officers, front-line service providers and also the public to improve their understanding of human trafficking and their ability to respond effectively,” she added.

The State Minister noted, as well, that there has been strategic collaboration with regional and international stakeholders in the fight to strengthen and to combat cross-border trafficking networks.

She said Jamaica remains committed to addressing the cultural norms that contribute to trafficking, such as poverty, gender inequality and social marginalisation, and also by promoting social economic empowerment.

“So, today, we stand united in our commitment to raise awareness and to foster dialogue in order to drive change. I believe that all of us together will be able to explore various innovative strategies to dismantle the trafficking networks that are out there. We need to also make sure that at the same time, we are supporting our survivors on their path to healing and to make sure we’re empowering them to promote a cultural shift that rejects the commodification of human lives,” Mrs. Cuthbert-Flynn said.

Executive Director, Free the Slaves, Bukeni Waruzi, in his remarks, called for the redoubling of efforts at the community level, such as in families and at schools, to address human trafficking and modern-day slavery.