WILLEMSTAD - The government of Curaçao has tightened its approach to tackling human trafficking, but victims are still being left out in the cold. Despite significant steps taken by the government in terms of enforcement, these efforts have not yet led to convictions. Meanwhile, assistance to victims remains minimal and often unsafe, according to the U.S. 2024 Trafficking in Persons Report.
The Curaçaoan government has appointed a special prosecutor for human trafficking and established a new coordination office. While these measures appear promising, victims have yet to notice these improvements in practice. Two victims, both Colombian women, received only short-term assistance and quickly returned to their home country.
Investigations
In 2023, two new investigations into human trafficking were initiated, a slight increase compared to previous years. However, this has not yet led to any convictions. Judges have limited knowledge of human trafficking, resulting in suspects often being prosecuted for related crimes such as human smuggling rather than trafficking.
Human trafficking involves exploitation and control, while human smuggling entails illegal border crossing with the voluntary, yet often dangerous, participation of the smuggled individuals.
Victims often only receive help if they are willing to cooperate with the police. This discourages many from coming forward and makes them vulnerable to further exploitation. Additionally, there are no specialized shelters for human trafficking victims. Many end up in understaffed and poorly funded institutions or domestic violence shelters that are not equipped to meet their specific needs.
Applying for a temporary residence permit is a cumbersome process, especially for foreign victims. The uncertainty and bureaucratic delays exacerbate their plight. Many victims eventually choose to leave Curaçao rather than face the long and uncertain path of assistance and legal procedures.
Incomplete
The progress Curaçao has made in enforcement is commendable, according to the U.S. government. As a result, Curaçao has been promoted from Tier 3 to Tier 2 watch list on the annual Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report by the U.S. Department of State. However, without effective support and protection for victims, the fight against human trafficking remains incomplete.
The government must invest in safe shelters and structural assistance for victims. Only then can Curaçao truly make progress in combating human trafficking and offer a safe haven to those who need it most.