Dear Editor,
NTIP Guyana, a network of 11 NCO’s have noted recent media reports that a group of 10 Haitians suspected to be victims of trafficking in persons were found at a hotel in Skeldon, Corentyne. We have further learnt that police are investigating this matter and the IOM among other international bodies have been notified for assistance.
NTIP was established for the purpose of empowering our communities, building awareness on the issue of trafficking in persons, developing strategic advocacy, lobbying for changes in the procedures for protection and assistance to victims of human trafficking and the prosecution of human trafficking cases and generating conditions of mutual support among organizations in the defence, protection and guarantee of the rights of survivors of human trafficking.
As such we call on all State and Non- State parties to ensure that the human rights of the 10 Haitians are observed fully and if they collectively or individually are indeed suspected and proven to have been victims of the crime of human trafficking then they be afforded all the necessary national and legal protection as set out in Guyana Laws on TIP and that standard operating procedures be followed such as immediate and ongoing psycho social assistance, that their dignity and safety be observed throughout the investigation process, that they be informed in a language they understand of the process and steps which are being taken for their safety and security and all efforts must be made to prevent them being further victimized or re-victimized. Finally for those who may not know Trafficking in Persons is a crime against the “person” that means any survivors of trafficking are not to be charged or detained under any conditions as they are victims of the crime of trafficking in persons.
Yours truly,
Danuta Radzik – Help & Shelter
Christian Vargas, Charlie Tokeley
–Voices GY
Ayo Dalgety-Deen- Blossom Inc.
Halima Khan, Wintress White -Red
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