Human trafficking in Guyana

Groups particularly vulnerable to human trafficking in Guyana included Amerindian females, foreign women (such as Brazilians) in prostitution, and children.

[5] The government made no discernible progress in prosecuting, convicting, and sentencing human trafficking offenders in Guyana during the reporting period.

Progress on the prosecution of criminal cases is perpetually delayed by judicial backlogs, incorrectly filed paperwork, or the failure of key parties to appear at hearings.

The Ministry of Home Affairs conducted two anti-trafficking training programs, one in partnership with IOM, for 120 police, prosecutors, and investigators during the reporting period.

The government, in partnership with IOM, developed a series of anti-trafficking focal point community groups around the country to help identify and refer possible trafficking victims to assistance organizations.

In a positive step during the reporting period, Guyanese prison officials identified two foreign victims of trafficking in detention and referred them to the Human Services Ministry for assistance.

The government did not provide legal alternatives to the removal of foreign victims to their home countries where they may face hardship or retribution.

The Ministry of Human Services continued to distribute IOM-funded posters, leaflets, and bumper stickers nationwide at large public gatherings throughout the year.