Enhancing screening and best practices for combating trafficking in persons in the Caribbean

The 2024 Regional Trafficking in Persons Committee (TIPCOM) Forum convened with the participation of fourteen Caribbean nations: Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Monserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname and Trinidad & Tobago. 

Organized by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in support of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas through its Ministry of National Security, the forum aims to advance screening methods with trauma-informed and victim-centered approaches, emphasizing adaptive techniques to uncover hidden trafficking cases. It emphasizes interinstitutional collaboration and gender-sensitive responses to enhance victim support and identification efforts. Additionally, the event promotes regional cooperation among Caribbean nations to combat trafficking effectively by sharing best practices and fostering innovative solutions.

Structured around participatory sessions, the forum features country experience presentations and expert sessions. Participating countries will exchange insights on screening practices, challenges, and opportunities for cross-border collaboration. Key themes include cultural sensitivity in screening protocols and strategies for continued improvement aligned with emerging trafficking trends.

During the Opening Ceremony, Marvin Dames, Minister of National Security of the Bahamas, emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating, "Working together with international organizations such as UNODC and CARICOM IMPACS, we can combat human trafficking." He further stressed, "Together, we can work to defend the rights of every person who is a victim of human trafficking."

Sylvie Bertrand, Regional Representative of UNODC, underscored the significance of cooperation through platforms like TIPCOM, noting, "Cooperation instances like TIPCOM serve as a platform to further encourage cooperation and expand our reach throughout the region. It provides us with the opportunity to deepen our collaborative efforts, share best practices, and strengthen our collective response to trafficking. By working together within this space, we can enhance our strategies, broaden our impact, and ensure a more coordinated approach to tackling trafficking in persons."

CARICOM IMPACS Chief Operating Officer Rufus Ferdinand highlighted the need for a comprehensive strategy, stating, "Combating human trafficking requires a comprehensive whole-of-government approach supported by regional and international partners." He also emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation through joint operations and implementing security strategies for the region, concluding, "We have much to learn from each other and numerous opportunities to work together and collaborate more closely in the years to come."

Expert presentations were delivered by representatives from UNODC and CARICOM IMPACS, providing deep insights into global trends and regional responses to trafficking in persons. Fourteen countries actively showcased their screening practices and engaged in robust discussions about the challenges they encounter in identifying and assisting trafficking victims. 

Interactive sessions were integral to the forum, fostering dynamic knowledge exchange and enhancing collaboration among participants. Esteemed speakers, including survivor advocate Ms. Shamere McKenzie, offered invaluable perspectives and actionable insights, enriching the dialogue on effective trafficking screening strategies and their relevance to protection: “We are more than our story, we are agents of action and change that can help lead policies and initiatives to combat trafficking".

The forum culminated with pivotal agreements and actionable next steps aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and enhancing screening practices across the Caribbean. The TIPCOM Forum 2024 signifies a crucial platform for stakeholders throughout the region to unite in combating trafficking through innovative, victim-centered approaches. By prioritizing culturally appropriate screening tools and collaborative efforts, the forum aims to significantly advance the identification and support of trafficking victims.