Human rights are the basic rights and freedom that belong to every person in the world. However, human trafficking or trafficking in persons (TIP) is a callous industry that denies victims their basic rights and dignity just so that heartless perpetrators can benefit financially from exploiting vulnerable victims.
But here in Guyana the protection of human rights and dignity of all persons, regardless of nationality, is an essential component of good governance.
At least this is according to Senior Minister of Social Protection Amna Ally, even as Guyana joins the rest of the world today to observe World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.
“As Guyana joins the rest of the international community in observance of World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, it is important to note that the government of Guyana continues to demonstrate its ardent commitment to counter trafficking in human beings,” said Minister Ally. This, she said, is evident through the adoption and implementation of legislation and international treaties relevant to human rights. According to her too, “It is also evident through our increased awareness programmes and our improved and expanded care services to victims of trafficking.”
Ally made it clear that, given its stance, the government will continue to do what it can to, not only to curb but to totally eradicate such activities which she described as “inhumane, heinous and illicit” here in Guyana.
“As a small country, we have encountered numerous challenges in our efforts to combat this scourge…nevertheless, Guyana remains resilient and committed to the process of combating trafficking in human beings and smuggling of migrants,” Minister Ally added.
Already Guyana’s efforts at warding such activities have been yielding results. This is evident in the 2019 US State Department Report of which Guyana has for three consecutive years remained on the Tier 1 Ranking.
This Tier ranking, Ally said, shows that “our government fully meets the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking in Guyana.”
Meanwhile, the government is calling on anyone to report any trafficking in person activities they may suspect on its 24-hour hotline numbers: 227-4083 or 225-0068.
