Pacific Island States Workshop on Trafficking in Persons

A Regional Anti – Human Trafficking Training Workshop for Criminal Justice Practitioners was held in Suva at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat on the 17^th – 19^th of June.

There were about forty participants from the region that participated in this training. Relevant stakeholders who work closely directly at this area were there. They were law practitioners, police officers, customs & quarantine officers and NGOs. The Tonga Women and Children Crisis Centre attended and represented by their Community Education Trainer, Lesila L. To’ia.

Topics covered were The International Framework of Trafficking in Persons, Regional Patterns of Trafficking in Persons, Regional Legislation, Victim Identification – National Referral System, Victim Protection, Victim Trauma and its affect upon Law Enforcement, Interviewing Victims, Child Victims of Trafficking – The International Framework, Child Vulnerability and Protection – International and National Cooperation.

“I find the training very interesting, informative as it links directly to the work we do since women and children are the most vulnerable group for human trafficking. The WCCC is willing and committed to work with relevant stakeholders on what is the best practice in working with law enforcement to address the issue of human trafficking.” Said To’ia.

“I would like to thank the United Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) also the Pacific Immigration Directors Conference (PIDC) for jointly organizing and facilitating this workshop. I would like to thank the WCCC Director for enhancing my knowledge, skills and capacity in giving this opportunity to attend this training.” Said Lesila To’ia.

The workshop was made possible through funding from the European Union.