National Taskforce Against Trafficking in Persons (NATFATIP)
The National Taskforce Against Trafficking in Persons (NATFATIP) was established in 2005 as a multi-agency approach by the Government of Jamaica to strengthen legislative, institutional and operational capacity to combat Trafficking in Persons (TIP).
The Taskforce is responsible for coordinating anti-trafficking programmes geared towards prevention, prosecution and protection from human trafficking. NATFATIP has collaborated with other public and non-government entities to formulate the National Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons.
The first National Trafficking in Persons Policy has been developed to aid in the reduction and elimination of Trafficking in Persons in Jamaica.
NATFATIP's core emphasis is the prevention and suppression of trafficking in persons, the prosecution of offenders and the protection and provision of assistance to victims. The TIP Secretariat operates under the Law Enforcement, Forensics, Border Security, Defence and Protective Security Division of the Ministry.
There are two special units established to work with the Taskforce in combating Human Trafficking:
- The Anti-TIP Vice Squad within the Jamaica Constabulary Force to conduct surveillance, investigate cases, carry out public awareness and sensitisation and outreach programmes.
- A specialised unit at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (to prosecute cases of Human Trafficking).
Background
Human Trafficking, a worldwide criminal activity also known as Trafficking in Persons, is a form of modern-day slavery. Global estimates suggest that approximately 45.8 million persons are enslaved worldwide.
Trafficking in Persons is defined in law as the transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of persons, using threat, force or other forms of coercion, for exploitation.