TRELAWNY, Jamaica — Minister of National Security Dr Horace Chang is calling on Jamaicans to join the fight against Human Trafficking.

The minister made the plea at the two-day Human Trafficking International Conference currently underway at the Melià Braco Hotel in Trelawny.

Chang, while noting that it is impractical for the Government alone to tackle the trade, argued that all hands need to be on deck to combat the modern day slavery.

“There are crimes that are taking place in private homes, in communities, bars, brothels and massage parlours with the knowledge of persons in and around the immediate environs. Traffickers exploit the contours of local communities and exhibit intimate knowledge of the “runnings” on the ground. They are experts on exploiting a community’s fear and know that they can find refuge in the collective silence of these communities,” he explained.

Admitting that systematic conditions are largely as a result of Government failure, he said the conditions that give rise to trafficking exist as a result of community action or inaction.

“The most effective response involves strong partnerships between Government and the NGO (non-government organization) community and in empowering and supporting vulnerable communities to develop meaningful strategies to eliminate Human Trafficking,” Chang added.

The conference, which is geared towards helping the public to better understand Human Trafficking, is being held under the theme: “From Victim to Survivor: The Hard Road to Recovery”.

Jamaica retained a Tier 2 ranking in the latest human trafficking report published by the US State Department, which means there is much room for improvement.

According to the National Task Force Against Trafficking Persons, between 2010 and 2018 more than 750 anti-trafficking operations were conducted, resulting in 82 victims being rescued, 30 suspected traffickers arrested, and the dismantling of three prostitution rings.

Racquel Porter