Trafficking in Trinbago

Trinidad and Tobago (Trinbago) is situated in the southern Caribbean, just off the coast of Venezuela. Its location makes it a popular trans-shipment point for illegal activities such as narcotics and arms and ammunition stemming from South America and bound for North America.

The islands are also a destination country for various illicit activities. One such activity is Trafficking In Persons or human trafficking. International agencies have identified that persons have been trafficked into and within Trinidad and Tobago for the purposes of sexual exploitation, forced labour and domestic servitude.

The Trafficking In Persons Act of 2011 only took effect in January 2013. Therefore, the crime is a relatively new one and there are many misconceptions about it among law enforcement, civil society organisations and the wider society.

With this app users can gain a better understanding of the nature of the crime of human trafficking in Trinidad and Tobago (Trinbago). They will also access resources such as the Trafficking In Persons Act, information on how youth are targeted as victims of trafficking and how to respond to this serious violation of human rights.

The app provides users with links and free downloads of valuable information which they can share with friends, relatives or other interested persons. In this way, we hope to reduce the number of vulnerable persons who may be tricked into a trafficking situation.

Most importantly, the app enables users to click to call or click to email a report of possible trafficking to the authorities.

A new feature of version 19 of the app is the inclusion of links to specialised apps in HTML5 format. These apps will open in the browser of your mobile phone or tablet.

The added HTML5 apps are:-

(a) Weekend of Prayer for Victims of Human Trafficking - this app provides free information to enable your faith based organisation (FBO) to stage a weekend for education of members about human trafficking from a Biblical perspective; a comprehensive prayer and prayer guides addressing all aspects of human trafficking; music and videos related to combating human trafficking and doing justice; and suggestions as to how your FBO can become more involved in the fight against human trafficking and assist victims of this crime.

(b) End Male Demand - this app addresses the causal factors of male acts of violence against women and girls, such as the demand men provide for prostitution and related activities. The app provides effective solutions to transform male attitudes which underlie such behaviours. As a bonus, the app also contains a comprehensive catalogue of offences and penalties under the Trafficking In Persons and related legislation applicable to the nation of Trinidad and Tobago.

(c) Soccer Not Slaves - this app addresses the problems which exist with Human Trafficking in Brazil, the host nation of the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympic Games. It identifies what users can do to address incidents of human trafficking they may witness while in the country for the sporting events or in their home nations.