Multistakeholder Programme Concludes After Supporting Over 100 Victims of Human Trafficking

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago – The Joint Access, Support and Coordination (ASC) Programme, a three-year initiative supporting victims of human trafficking in Trinidad and Tobago, has concluded with several notable achievements. Funded by the Migration Multi-Partner Trust Fund (MMPTF) and implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), UNICEF and United Nations Population (UNFPA) the project brought together international organizations, government ministries, and local partners to address crucial gaps in support services for trafficking survivors. 

Ms. Desery Jordan Whiskey, Officer in Charge of IOM in Trinidad and Tobago, highlighted the project's impact at the closing ceremony. "Programmes like this one underscore the multifaceted nature of the support required for victims of gender-based violence and human trafficking and the importance of developing holistic approaches to address this issue," she stated. 

The ASC Programme's accomplishments include the full refurbishment of two shelters in Trinidad and Tobago, providing essential safe spaces for survivors. Through a comprehensive referral network, the project offered psychosocial support, counselling, vocational skills workshops, and sexual and reproductive health care to numerous survivors. 

Over its three-year duration, the programme provided training and capacity building to more than 800 participants across the public and private sectors. These efforts focused on strengthening protection mechanisms and protocols for survivors, including further capacity building in Child Protection, Gender Based Violence, and Psychosocial Support. 

United Nations Resident Coordinator, Joanna Kazana, acknowledged the amazing work of the Counter Trafficking Unit and other Partners and stressed that “while the legal framework was in place, the effectiveness of anti-trafficking legislation depends on its consistent implementation and consistent law enforcement.” She further noted that “colleagues at IOM and other agencies are working to implement comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures to guide the treatment of survivors of trafficking, ensuring that there is a uniform approach across the different sectors of law enforcement, social services, health and community-based initiatives.” She encouraged all the project partners present to continue the important work initiated by the ASC Programme. 

IOM, with its 25-year history of combating human trafficking, has pledged ongoing support for local efforts to protect and support survivors. This commitment includes multi-level advocacy and further collaboration with national and regional stakeholders. 

The closing ceremony celebrated the project's achievements, aligning with the UN's Agenda 2030 goals to eliminate Gender Based Violence, Ensure Decent Work and Economic Growth, and promote Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. 

For more information about the project and future initiatives, interested parties can contact Kandy Serrant, Reporting and Communications Officer, at kserrant@iom.int