Fighting human trafficking

THE United States of America will work with Papua New Guinea in creating frameworks to prevent human trafficking in the country, says US Ambassador Erin McKee.
During the 20th anniversary of the trafficking in persons report, McKee said much of the foundation of PNG efforts had already been laid.
“Your laws criminalise human trafficking and the government has standard operating procedures for identification and referral of trafficking cases,” she said. “Yet, there is much work to be done to turn parchment promises into meaningful action.
“The United States looks forward to working with your country as it builds on that foundation a robust framework that enables whole-of-government coordination to identify and protect victims, apprehend and prosecute traffickers and prevent this crime from occurring in the first place. Widespread training for law enforcement, labour, customs and border officials, as well as prosecutors, judges and civil society partners, is essential in that regard.” McKee encouraged the Government to bring together a broad range of stakeholders to update the country’s counter trafficking.