Police, customs and anti-narcotics officers received training earlier this month to identify potential human trafficking victims and coordinate responses to suspected exploitation, the Ministry of Home Affairs said.
The sessions, conducted between October 2 and 13 through the Ministerial Taskforce on Trafficking in Persons, involved police Lance Corporals, Corporals and Sergeants, alongside operational and field officers from the Guyana Revenue Authority, the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit and the police Narcotics Branch.
According to the ministry, participants examined human trafficking and migrant smuggling, the application of the Counter-Trafficking in Persons Act, 2023, and indicators of possible exploitation. The identification of, and response to, suspected child labour and exploitation were also covered.
Particular attention was paid to officers’ engagement with potential victims, including trauma-informed approaches, ethical considerations, safe reporting and access to protection, care and assistance.
The ministry said these sessions were intended to encourage sensitive responses that respect victims’ rights and dignity.
Participants also examined the responsibilities of the various agencies when suspected cases are identified, with emphasis on coordinating interventions and securing assistance for potential victims.
The training was delivered in collaboration with the Guyana Police Force, the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, the Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning, and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The ministry urged members of the public to report suspected trafficking to the nearest police station or the anti-trafficking hotlines on 623-5030 or 624-0079, the latter providing assistance in Spanish.
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