Minister of National Security Fitzgerald Hinds has received four strategic trafficking in persons reports from the UN Development Programme (UNDP) as part of the CariSecure 2.0 initiative. This initiative, funded by USAID and implemented by UNDP, aims to combat human trafficking through technology, equipment, and training for national institutions and agencies to enhance data collection and analysis to reduce human trafficking.
These reports include a costed implementation roadmap for the National Action Plan, a strategic plan for prosecution enhancement, a capacity-building report, and recommendations for future progress in fighting human trafficking. During the official handover ceremony at the International Waterfront Building on July 10, Hinds expressed his commitment to following the recommendations outlined in the reports to combat human trafficking in Trinidad and Tobago.
Prior to these reports, Trinidad and Tobago was on Tier 2 Watch List on the Trafficking in Persons report for three years before being upgraded to Tier 2 status in June. Hinds highlighted the collaboration between UNDP and National Security with the five aims of the project. The initiative targets youth involvement in crime and seeks to create a more positive pathway away from criminal activities through initiatives like the Called to Order song competition.
The second aim focuses on examining Trinidad and Tobago’s efforts in combating human trafficking, while the third aim is to strengthen capacity-building efforts in the Counter-Trafficking Unit using evidence-based approaches. Identifying the root cause of crime in youths is the fourth objective, which Hinds described as a challenging task. The final aim is to design and implement policies, strategies, and interventions to combat human trafficking once the root causes are identified.
UNDP country representative Ugo Blanco commended Trinidad and Tobago for achieving Tier 2 status and emphasized the importance of education, jobs, and community in the fight against crime. Blanco also highlighted the significant work that still needs to be done to combat human trafficking in the country.
