Barbados renews commitment to fighting human trafficking

The Barbados Government has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling human trafficking, aligning with global efforts to dismantle criminal networks that profit from exploitation and human suffering.

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In a statement marking World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on July 30, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Dale Marshall, stressed that human trafficking is not a faceless or distant crime—it is a grave and growing threat that can affect anyone, anywhere.

“Victims of human trafficking do not have a specific face — they can be Black, white, men, women or children, who are often exploited through force, fraud or coercion,” Marshall said. “It can happen to anyone.”

The day is being observed under the theme “Human Trafficking is Organised Crime: End the Exploitation”. The theme, Marshall noted, underscores the need for an urgent and unified law enforcement response to dismantle trafficking networks that use global migration flows, digital platforms, and economic loopholes to move victims across borders.

Marshall said the Barbados Police Service (BPS) remains on the frontline, actively investigating and detecting suspected cases, while employing victim-sensitive approaches. “This year, we ask you to support our law enforcement agencies as they continue the fight against this crime. We also encourage you to look for the signs of human trafficking.”

He added that public awareness and capacity building are central to Barbados’ strategy, alongside cross-border collaboration and prosecution of perpetrators.

“Together, we can break the chains of exploitation. Know the signs and report any suspicious activities to Crime Stoppers or the nearest police station,” he urged.

Globally, the United Nations reports that from 2020 to 2023, over 200,000 trafficking victims were officially identified—numbers believed to be far lower than the true scale of the crisis. The UN warns that criminal networks are increasingly using technology and supply chains to traffic people for forced labour, sexual exploitation, and other illicit ends.

“Trafficking in persons is not a random crime,” Marshall said. “It is a deliberate violation of human rights and an assault on dignity, which we must all stand against.”