WILLEMSTAD - The Ministry of Justice of Curaçao has partnered with ABC Bus Company to raise awareness about human trafficking through the deployment of two specially designed buses. This initiative is part of a broader campaign to prevent the abuse and exploitation of people on the island. The buses, now operating on various routes, feature QR codes that passengers can scan to learn more about human trafficking and report suspicious situations.
John Cijntje, Director of ABC Bus Company, expressed pride in the collaboration. "Human trafficking is not just a problem affecting foreigners. Local residents can also become victims of exploitation. As a vital part of Curaçao's community, ABC Bus Company wants to help bring visibility to this issue," said Cijntje.
TIP Report and International Pressure
This initiative follows efforts at the island’s airport and comes at a time when Curaçao is under international pressure to address human trafficking. The United States had previously criticized Curaçao for failing to meet minimum standards in combating trafficking, placing the island in the same category as countries like Afghanistan, Nicaragua, and Djibouti.
In 2023, Curaçao was downgraded to a Tier-3 status, the lowest level in the U.S. Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report. For three consecutive years, the island was warned to take steps to combat human trafficking but showed insufficient progress.
However, recent efforts have led to an improvement in Curaçao’s ranking. The island has now been upgraded to Tier-2 due to several reforms. These include appointing a specialized prosecutor to handle human trafficking cases, establishing a coordination office for trafficking prevention, and allocating additional funds for awareness campaigns.
Napa and Victim Assistance
An informal agreement was also reached with an international organization to refer identified victims, including adult men, to a specialized care facility.
Criticism and Challenges
Despite these improvements, there is still criticism. The Curaçao government has yet to prosecute or convict any human traffickers, and support for the two identified victims during the reporting period remains insufficient. Additionally, the government’s assistance to foreign victims, including residency permits, is contingent on their cooperation in legal cases against traffickers.
Officials also frequently confuse human trafficking with human smuggling, which hampers the effectiveness of prosecution, prevention, and protection efforts.
The Ministry of Justice continues to work on strengthening its response to human trafficking, with initiatives like the partnership with ABC Bus Company serving as a clear message to both the local community and international bodies, including the U.S., that Curaçao is committed to protecting its citizens and visitors from exploitation.