The National Anti-Human Trafficking Taskforce (NAHTTF) in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), launched an island-wide television and radio campaign to raise awareness on trafficking-in-persons. Implemented as a part of the USD 2.6 million project for supporting migrant returnees and communities in vulnerable situations funded by the Government of Japan, the initiative highlights the dangers of human trafficking and encourages reporting suspected cases of trafficking-in-persons. The campaign aims to educate communities on the different forms of trafficking including trafficking for forced labour, sexual exploitation, child labour and forced criminality in cyber scamming compounds and underscores the urgent need to combat trafficking and protecting vulnerable individuals from exploitation.
This multi-platform media campaign will air across prominent TV and radio channels, featuring stories inspired by real-life experiences of survivors of trafficking. The campaign will help raise awareness on a variety of risks that migrant workers should be alert to and will be further amplified via billboards in targeted districts for wider outreach.
Air Vice Marshal Mr. Sampath Thuyacontha – Secretary, Ministry of Defence and chair of the NAHTTF remarked, “As the NAHTTF, we are committed to safeguarding the dignity and security of all individuals and this media campaign underscores our collective responsibility to combat trafficking-in-persons. By raising awareness and fostering collaboration across sectors, we aim to build a Sri Lanka where exploitation has no place, perpetrators are brought to justice and survivors receive the support they deserve.”
The campaign will also direct viewers and listeners to the national hotline operated by the National Anti- Human Trafficking Task Force where they can report trafficking cases or seek assistance. It is part of a broader effort to strengthen the country’s response to human trafficking in alignment with the National Strategic Action Plan to Monitor and Combat Human Trafficking (2021-2025).
“Trafficking-in-persons remains a heinous crime and awareness is key in effectively addressing this issue. By leveraging the power of media, we aim to educate the public and ensure that all Sri Lankans are aware of the preemptory signs
of trafficking and the means of action available to them. This media campaign is a beacon of hope for those silenced by human trafficking. It is a call to action for us all—to stand together, raise our voices and ensure that every survivor is heard, supported and empowered to rebuild their lives.. Together, we can create a future where exploitation has no place and dignity prevails, in alignment with IOM’s strategic objective of saving lives and protecting people on the move,” noted Ms. Kristin Parco, Chief of Mission for Sri Lanka and Maldives of the International Organization for Migration.
H.E. Akio ISOMATA, Ambassador of Japan, said in his remarks, “Japan has adopted the concept of human security as one of the major pillars of its diplomacy, and has been closely working with other countries on the issue of trafficking in persons. In Sri Lanka, Japan has collaborated with international organizations, including IOM, to prevent forced labour, support migrant workers, promote vocational training, as well as to rescue victims of trafficking and reintegrate them into society. In order to effectively prevent human trafficking, it is essential to adopt a whole- of-society approach and to reduce the vulnerabilities within society through targeted outreach and awareness campaigns. That is why this nation-wide media campaign under the project is so important and should be an essential part of our efforts. Japan remains firmly committed to continuing to work together around the world in addressing human trafficking.”
IOM and the NAHTTF Sri Lanka urge the public to stay informed, report suspicious incidents of trafficking- in-persons via the NAHHTF hotline: 0768 447 700
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For more information, please contact:
Minoli Don, – Head of Protection Unit, IOM Sri Lanka, 0094 777 409 409; Email – [email protected]
Asel Kularatne – Communications Officer, IOM Sri Lanka – [email protected]
IOM is the United Nations Migration Entity and a leading intergovernmental organization in the field of migration that works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOMworks to help ensure the orderly and humane management of migration to promote international cooperation on migration issues, to assist in the search for practical solutions to migration problems and to provide humanitarian assistance to migrants in need, including refugees and internally displaced people