IOM kicks off counter-trafficking training program with the tourism sector in Costa Rica

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) trained twenty tourism staff to detect and report cases of human trafficking. This was the first event of the operative training program developed by IOM and ICT to improve human trafficking detection skills. Tourism staff who work in key areas such as cleaning, security, reception, and food service participated. 

IOM held the workshop in the Costa Rican Tourism Institute’s regional offices throughout the country, in collaboration with the Department of Tourism Certifications and Social Responsibility.

The training covered three basic topics: trafficking in persons legal framework in Costa Rica, the indicators of trafficking specific to the tourism industry, and means of reporting cases to the responsible authorities. It also included simulation sessions to put the knowledge acquired in the theoretical sessions into practice.
 
“This initiative focused on human rights, gender, and human mobility in order to improve identification of potential victims. The training highlights the commitment of the Government of Costa Rica to supporting the fight against human trafficking, with the commitment of ICT and the tourism sector. The practical knowledge acquired during these trainings will enable the identification and reporting of cases, facilitate the dismantling of criminal networks, save lives, and improve migration to the benefit of all,” stated Roeland de Wilde, Chief of Mission of IOM in Costa Rica.

Additionally, ICT and IOM will receive support from the Paniamor Foundation through the Code of Conduct Program, which works to protect children and adolescents from tourism-related sexual exploitation. 

IOM implements these actions within the framework of the Regional Migration Program: Mesoamerica-The Caribbean, financed by the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration of the Department of State of the United States