Suspected TIP victims placed in protective care

The Human Services and Social Security Ministry on Sunday clarified that persons who are victims and survivors of trafficking are never placed in Police custody but in the care of the Ministry.
This clarification followed the Guyana Police Force revealing on Saturday last that 49 persons were detained and placed in custody following a human trafficking operation conducted on Friday night at a guest house and hotel in Parika, East Bank Essequibo.
In fact, the Ministry said the victims are instead safeguarded by the Human Services and Social Security Ministry’s Counter-Trafficking in Persons (C-TIP) Unit.
“On November 13, an operation conducted by members of the Guyana Police Force with support from the Human Services Ministry rescued 19 adult females suspected to be victims of human trafficking from an establishment in Region Three (3). Three children were also rescued”, the police had stated in a release.
According to the Ministry, the women and children are now in protective care while the perpetrators remain in Police custody and are assisting with the investigations.
“It is apt to note that the Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act of 2005 guarantees the safety and protection of all victims and ensure their rights are respected and not violated”, the Ministry said.
Just recently, Police reported that 35 Venezuelan women and two children were among 49 persons detained by the police in a human trafficking operation conducted at a guest house in Parika.
Police said during an operation conducted by ranks of the Police Force and staff of the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, searches were conducted at a guest house, where the police rescued nine Venezuelan women.
Members of the public are encouraged to report all suspicious TIP activities to the Ministry’s TIP hotline on 227-4083, 623-5030 or 624-0079 (Spanish hotline). Persons can also visit TIP Guyana’s Facebook page.