IOM steps up to make SL a safer destination by focusing on human trafficking prevention

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) stepped up efforts to combat the possibility of human trafficking in Sri Lanka by collaborating with the local tourism sector.

The aim was to spread awareness among tourism service providers on the risk of human trafficking, identification and referral of victims of trafficking and preventing and reporting the crime.

Carried out in partnership with The Fabulous Getaway (TGF), the collaboration aimed at promoting safe and honourable tourism while mitigating any risks of human trafficking. 

Over 500 tour operators, tour guides, hotel staff and chauffeurs are expected to be sensitised. The programme covered a wide array of topics, including the indicators of trafficking specific to the tourism industry, legal framework and means of reporting cases to the responsible authorities.

The IOM stressed that due to the clandestine nature of human trafficking, combating this crime requires a coordinated response from a wide array of stakeholders. “… the tourism sector plays a crucial, if not indispensable role. Having more stakeholders trained in preventing trafficking in persons allows for the protection and safety of victims and improves the quality of the destination, allowing it to continue being a safe and reliable option for tourists and visitors,” said the IOM in a statement.

The agency stressed that it is imperative for officials and personnel in the tourism, travel and entertainment industry to be trained and take up a proactive role in the prevention of the scourge by sensitising its customers, monitoring and reporting violations. This counter trafficking initiative also focuses on improving identification of potential victims. 

“The series of training programmes highlights the commitment of the tourism sector to support the fight against human trafficking. The practical knowledge acquired during these trainings will enable the identification and reporting of cases, facilitate the dismantling of criminal networks, save lives and improve migration for the benefit of all,” 
added the IOM.

The counter trafficking interventions of the IOM in the tourism sector are implemented by the IOM under a project entitled ‘Strengthening Government and CSO Capacity to Combat Trafficking in Persons and Create Greater Impact’ (IMPACT), with funding support from the United States Department of State’s Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (J/TIP). 

The project also aims to strengthen national and local/community level capacities and scale up community-driven responses to effectively combat and respond to TIP and contribute to the effective implementation of the National Strategic Action Plan (NSAP 2021-2025) to monitor and combat human trafficking.