WILLEMSTAD - During the commemoration of World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, Human Rights Defense Curaçao (HRDC) highlighted the causes and vulnerabilities that lead to child trafficking. Globally, one in three victims of human trafficking is a child, with the majority of these children being girls.
The human rights organization emphasizes the urgent need for dedicated support for child victims of trafficking and urges the public and policymakers to address current shortcomings and expedite actions to end human trafficking.
Curaçao still does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of human trafficking. According to the 2023 Trafficking in Persons Report: Curaçao by the U.S. Department of State, insufficient efforts are being made to tackle child trafficking.
HRDC reiterates its call for investments in robust anti-trafficking measures and capacity building to increase awareness of human trafficking. There is ongoing confusion between human trafficking and human smuggling, which hampers the effectiveness of prosecution, prevention, and protection efforts.
Human trafficking revolves around exploitation and control, while human smuggling involves illegal border crossing with the voluntary but often dangerous participation of the smuggled persons.
HRDC urges improved government coordination, both internally and with civil society organizations. There is an urgent need for comprehensive measures to protect vulnerable groups and assist child victims.
This requires joint efforts at both national and international levels, according to HRDC. Protecting children must be prioritized, laws must be strengthened, law enforcement improved, and more resources made available to combat child trafficking.
It is crucial to strengthen child protection networks and adapt criminal law to better meet the needs of children, HRDC states.