World Day against Trafficking in Persons |30 July 2015

Seychelles joins world in denouncing trafficking in persons

Seychelles joins the global community in commemorating World Day against Trafficking in Persons, which is being celebrated today, to denounce this evil crime against humanity.

In his message for the occasion, the Minister for Home Affairs Charles Bastienne has reiterated the determination and commitment of the government of Seychelles to combat this cruel trade of human beings and to continue being part of the global effort to rid our world of this scourge

The full text of Minister Bastienne’s message reads:

“On this day, July 30, 2015, Seychelles joins the global community in commemorating World Day against Trafficking in Persons to denounce this evil crime against humanity.

“Trafficking in persons is a grave human rights violation that has touched the lives of millions of people, especially women and children, across the world. It is a serious crime which victimises often the most vulnerable and marginalised of our societies, affecting people indiscriminately, shattering their lives, families and dreams. It is an abhorrent form of slavery which the government of Seychelles has no tolerance for.

“As part of a series of actions taken to combat trafficking in persons, Seychelles put in place an improved legal framework last year through the ‘Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons Act, 2014’. The Act, while creating measures to protect victims and prosecute perpetrators, also put in place the National Coordinating Committee on Trafficking in Persons, whose mandate is to coordinate all matters of trafficking in persons.

“Last year saw the National Media Campaign on trafficking in persons, to raise awareness of the population on the matter and asked you to ‘Open your Eyes’, ‘Ouver ou Lizye’ to trafficking, and to report suspected cases to the police. The two-year National Strategic Framework and Action Plan on Trafficking in Persons, which takes into account the multi agency and multi disciplinary approach to effectively combat trafficking in persons was also launched.

“While proud of the achievements made in having the legislative framework in place, we are conscious of our shortcomings that remain to be addressed and we continue to take confident strides further to develop the capacity of our personnel to be well versed with the soon to be launched Standard Operating Procedure Manual and Referral Mechanism for Victims of Trafficking in Persons, tools, a step-by-step guide for practitioners dealing with cases of trafficking in persons. These tools will improve the relationship between the various front line agencies dealing with trafficking in persons, allowing their actions to be harmonised and holistic.

“As we observe this day, it is also a day to reflect on new and emerging challenges of transnational organised crimes that the world faces and to ensure that as a small island developing state we do not remain complacent. At all levels we need to proactively engage and co-ordinate our efforts to tackle this problem.

“I take this opportunity to reiterate the determination and commitment of the government of Seychelles to combat this cruel trade of human beings and to continue being part of the global effort to rid our world of this scourge. I ask you to join us in these efforts, and to use this day to speak to your friends and families about this crime. It is only when working together that we will be able to investigate and prosecute reported cases and help victims of trafficking in persons return to a life of freedom and dignity.”