IOM strengthens Belize's tourism sector against trafficking in persons

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) in coordination with the Belize Anti-Trafficking Council facilitated training on human trafficking for key personnel in the tourism sector.  Human trafficking networks often use the infrastructure and facilities of the tourism industry to commit this crime, so awareness and training of the sector is key.

"Tourism personnel are positioned in a very strategic place in our society, where they can witness situations that most Belizeans do not see. People working in tourism can then be key players for Belize: while building our tourism industry, they can work for human rights, preventing vulnerable men and women from becoming victims of human trafficking," said Ms. Jaunna Murillo, focal point for the Belize Anti-Trafficking Council.

The objective of the training was to install real knowledge and strengthen capacities so that personnel working in the tourism sector know what to do and how to do it, and have the ability to act in an informed, safe and useful manner. The practical knowledge acquired during the training allows for the identification of cases, reporting on them, and ultimately saving lives.  Forty people from six hotels in Belize City participated in the activity.

IOM plans to include more hotels in new training sessions in the coming months. These activities are developed within the framework of the Regional Program on Migration Mesoamerican- The Caribbean, with funding from the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM).