Human Trafficking and Its Impact on Jamaica

The conversation continues on human trafficking and its impact on Jamaica. Experts believe that the social ill continues to affect development and the country’s economic growth – and more steps must be taken to address it.

The Ministry of Justice established its National Task Force against Trafficking in Persons in 2005 to develop an operational response to human trafficking and since then has interviewed thousands of victims resulting in the conviction of suspects. Experts say it has been effective with the work of other partners.

“I believe the United Nations Development Programme project had more to do with updating the findings on human trafficking taking into account the convictions Jamaica has – and I know we had a reasonable one as well,” says Occupational Psychologist and Human Trafficking Researcher, Dr. Jessica Dunn. “

She believes special focus must also be placed on children as they are being bought, sold and resold by abusers who mistreat them sexually and physically or use them to commit crimes.

United Nations experts have called on citizens to take part in peacebuilding processes as a way to prevent human trafficking. One educator believes this can work.

“The peace management that currently exists in the society we need it to be more widely embraced,” said President of the International University of the Caribbean, Roderick Hewitt.