OF the 26 known victims of human trafficking in Jamaica in 2025, 25 were female and 20 were victims of sexual exploitation.

This, according to the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) in its annual publication, the Economic and Social Survey Jamaica, 2025.

PIOJ said a total of 79 investigations were conducted during the year under review, leading to nine alleged traffickers — five of whom were females and four males –—being arrested and charged.

“Twelve prosecutions were initiated and advanced through the courts. Two matters were concluded, one of which resulted in conviction and a custodial sentence of 33 years and eight months,” said the PIOJ.

It added that one matter under the Child Care and Protection Act was concluded and resulted in the imposition of a $200,000 fine.

The survey shared that victim support services were expanded, with 26 victims — 25 of whom were females, and one male — identified. Of these, 20 were victims of sexual exploitation, five were in forced labour, and one was in both sexual exploitation and forced labour.

The institute shared that in keeping with national protocols, all victims were provided with assistance, including accommodation, counselling, and medical and legal support.

“Preventive efforts expanded through sensitisation and public education initiatives nationwide, led by various government ministries, departments and agencies,” said the PIOJ.

Over 8,000 individuals were sensitised and 13,305 brochures distributed through the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Anti-TIP (Trafficking in Persons) outreach; while 2,565 stakeholders in the tourism sector were trained by the Tourism Product Development Company to identify and report trafficking.

In a bid to draw attention to the seriousness of human trafficking, the Child Protection and Family Services Agency, in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, conducted an all-island town and community blitz in observance of Trafficking in Persons week last July.

Meanwhile, measures to address trafficking in persons were further strengthened through coordinated national efforts and the implementation of the National Trafficking in Persons Plan of Action.

“These efforts resulted in Jamaica maintaining its Tier 2 ranking, based on the 2025 Trafficking in Persons Report by the United States Department of State,” the report said.

The institute said national priorities around trafficking in persons were focused on all three pillars of the anti-trafficking framework, through institutional strengthening of multi-sectoral stakeholders, under the leadership of the National Task Force Against Trafficking in Persons; increased investigations; stronger sentencing outcomes; enhanced digital awareness tools; and expanded public education initiatives.