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Multistakeholder Programme concludes after supporting over 100 victims of human trafficking

21 October 2024

Caption: Ms. Angelie Chotalal, Officer in Charge of the Family Planning Association of Trinidad and Tobago, gives insight into the contributions of her organisation during the Stakeholder Feedback segment

Photo: © IOM Port-of-Spain

The project delivered stronger protection systems for human trafficking survivors in Trinidad and Tobago.

The Joint Access, Support and Coordination (ASC) Programme, a three-year initiative supporting victims of human trafficking in Trinidad and Tobago, has concluded with several notable achievements. Funded by the Migration Multi-Partner Trust Fund (MMPTF) and implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), UNICEF and United Nations Population (UNFPA) the project brought together international organizations, government ministries, and local partners to address crucial gaps in support services for trafficking survivors.

Caption: Golden hour: From L-R: Mr. Darrion Narine (AMMR) Ms. Candice Wallace (UNICEF), Ms. Rhonda Gregoire-Roopchan (Children’s Authority of T&T), Mr. Ken Ramdhan (Families in Action) Ms. Ria Ramlal (FIA), Ms. Dionne Guischard (FIA) and Mr. Lawrence Arjoon (Heroes Foundation)

Photo: © IOM Port-of-Spain

Ms. Desery Jordan Whiskey, Officer in Charge of IOM in Trinidad and Tobago, highlighted the project's impact at the closing ceremony. "Programmes like this one underscore the multifaceted nature of the support required for victims of gender-based violence and human trafficking and the importance of developing holistic approaches to address this issue," she stated.

The ASC Programme's accomplishments include the full refurbishment of two shelters in Trinidad and Tobago, providing essential safe spaces for survivors. Through a comprehensive referral network, the project offered psychosocial support, counselling, vocational skills workshops, and sexual and reproductive health care to numerous survivors.

Over its three-year duration, the programme provided training and capacity building to more than 800 participants across the public and private sectors. These efforts focused on strengthening protection mechanisms and protocols for survivors, including further capacity building in Child Protection, Gender Based Violence, and Psychosocial Support.

Continue reading this story at the website of United Nations Trinidad and Tobago.