World Day against Trafficking in Persons |30 July 2020
Minister Mondon
Minister thanks stakeholders for their stance against human trafficking
The minister responsible for home affairs, Designated Minister Macsuzy Mondon, has thanked all front line responders and civil society actors for their “tireless” work to identify victims of human trafficking and collaboratively adopt strategies to support and protect identified victims from further exploitation.
“You are the strongest link in the fight against human trafficking. Your commitment to the cause is the beacon of hope for each man, woman or child who may become victims of human trafficking,” says Minister Mondon in her message on the occasion of the World Day against Trafficking in Persons being celebrated today, July 30.
The full text of Minister Mondon’s message reads:
“The World Day against Trafficking in Persons was first commemorated in July 2014. Countries across the world who are signatories to the United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organised Crime and the Protocol thereto have the obligation to put in place mechanisms and structures to prevent and combat the heinous crime of human trafficking.
“Every country in the world is affected by human trafficking whether as a country of origin, transit or destination for victims. Seychelles has not been spared from this scourge. As a small island developing state with limited resources, Seychelles continues to step up its action to combat the illegal activity of human trafficking among the most vulnerable who succumb to the exploitation of unscrupulous individuals bent on enriching themselves.
“Human trafficking is among the worst human tragedy plaguing the world. This year’s theme ‘Committed to the Cause: Working on the Frontline to End Human Trafficking’ calls on everyone – front line government law enforcement officials, civil society and the population in general – to reflect on our role and responsibility to step up our actions. The theme calls on each one to understand the sufferings of victims of human trafficking and to do more. The reflection requires front line officers as first responders to be more compassionate, more understanding and to empathise with victims to provide them with support, counselling and appropriate services.
“In the wake of the Covid-19 crisis, front line responders need to stay focused, ensuring that they do not miss crucial indices that signal the plight of migrant workers in our country and our own citizens who may be prone to being trafficked, especially vulnerable young people, both girls and boys. The call for stakeholders involved in combatting human trafficking is to remind everyone that no matter how much good we can do, there is still more to be done to alleviate the fear of reprisal and encourage potential victims to report actions of exploitation and reduce the risk of being trafficked.
“The government recognises the major contributions of migrant workers in its socio-economic development. The government calls on all its collaborators to work towards a common goal to denounce human trafficking and take steps to have protective measures in place to promote the human rights and dignity of everyone.
“Today as we join the world to reflect on the ravages of human trafficking, it is fitting to take this opportunity to thank all front line responders and civil society actors who, through their commitment and due diligence, work tirelessly to identify victims of human trafficking and collaboratively adopt strategies to support and protect identified victims from further exploitation. You are the strongest link in the fight against human trafficking. Your commitment to the cause is the beacon of hope for each man, woman or child who may become victims of human trafficking.”
Press release from the department of Home Affairs