CIOG to avail centres in drive against trafficking in persons
Stabroek News
July 21, 2004
The Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) is making available its educational centres across the country to facilitate public awareness of trafficking in persons (TIP) and to combat it, the organisation's President, Fazeel Ferouz said.
Minister in the Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security, Bibi Shadick on Monday met with the executive and representatives of the CIOG education programme at its headquarters in Woolford Avenue when she sought the organisation's help in dealing with the TIP phenomenon.
Shadick's meeting is one of several she has held in recent weeks with stakeholders across the country including representatives of the business community and mining officers of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission.
Ferouz told Stabroek News that the CIOG would facilitate officers of the ministry to conduct their education and awareness programmes during the current leadership programme being undertaken countrywide by the Muslim organisation.
At Monday's meeting Shadick outlined government's programme in tackling TIP. She said a disturbing feature of TIP was that the victims were primarily women and in many instances children who were being forced into prostitution and unwaged labour working in slave-like conditions.
Shadick said that the Ministry has developed a comprehensive plan which will include protection and assistance to victims, prevention strategies, prosecution of perpetrators, education of victims and the general public, the establishment of a networking arrangement, legislation and law enforcement systems.
A draft bill on trafficking in persons is due to be laid in parliament tomorrow.
The US is threatening sanctions against Guyana if it doesn't take steps against TIP.
In dealing with the issues, Ferouz advised that the government adopt a moral position on standards and place limits on lewdness in the public and places of entertainment. He also cited the laxity of laws in the sale of alcohol among other things.