Port Moresby- The Department of Justice and Attorney General (DJAG), in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), is set to reignite anti-human trafficking efforts with the first National Anti-Human Trafficking Committee meeting since 2022. This significant two-day workshop brings together all member agencies of the Committee to strategize on addressing the escalating issue of human trafficking in Papua New Guinea. 

Chaired by DJAG, the Committee focuses on enhancing legal frameworks, victim support services, and law enforcement training to effectively tackle human trafficking in the country. By consolidating national efforts through a whole-of-government approach, the Committee aims to create a comprehensive strategy to combat human trafficking. Human trafficking remains a global concern, with increasing cases and growing challenges. The meeting sets the stage for renewed and strengthened efforts to combat trafficking in persons in the country, responding to the surge in cases and the mounting challenges. 

Mrs. Pitmur, Deputy Secretary for the Department of Justice and Attorney General, began the discussions by highlighting the committee's instrumental role in proposing crucial legal reforms. She noted that amendments to the Criminal Code Act 1975 were made to include provisions for People Smuggling and Trafficking in Persons, essential for regulating both domestic and transnational trafficking. These reforms form part of the ongoing efforts to strengthen PNG's mechanisms in combating human trafficking. 

Commissioner David Manning MBE, Commissioner of Police in Papua New Guinea, who was present to provide key opening remarks, thanked all partners for making the meeting possible. He expressed his frustration over the delays in addressing human trafficking since 2022, stressing the criticality of the issue. He also stressed the urgency of tackling the issue before it becomes a larger problem. 

"We have only had one successful trafficking conviction in PNG. There are many more cases out there, some undetected or unreported. A better-informed society will be able to recognize these crimes and know how to report them," said Commissioner Manning. He urged all agencies to take the issue seriously and collaborate to act before the problem escalates. "Let’s not wait until it becomes a bigger issue, and we are severely tested to our capacity and capability to deal with it. Let’s act now." 

Mr. David Arnold, IOM’s Chief of Mission, emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in combating human trafficking, especially in crisis contexts. He stated, “Human trafficking often intersects with broader challenges including internal displacement and porous borders. These conditions create opportunities for traffickers to exploit the most vulnerable. Strengthening prevention, protection, and prosecution through joint action is critical.” He went on to note, “IOM commends the government in convening the first National Anti-Human Trafficking Committee meeting since 2022. We remain committed to working alongside the Government and partners to build a whole-of-society approach to combat trafficking in persons and safeguard those most at risk.” 

 In her remarks, Ms. Fatiaki, Officer in Charge of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime’s Programme Office for Papua New Guinea highlighted that the UNODC’s Global Trafficking in Persons Report 2024, reported a significant increase of trafficking victims detected globally by 25% compared to pre-pandemic levels, with the overall number of child victims detected increasing by 31%, and a sharper increase in girl victims predominantly trafficked for sexual exploitation. Trends also showed the share of detected victims trafficked for forced labour overtaking the share of total detected victims trafficked for sexual exploitation, which previously represented the largest share of detected victims. Ms. Fatiaki stated that UNODC remains deeply committed to supporting PNG’s anti-trafficking efforts moving forward. 

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For further information, please contact IOM Port Moresby: 

Natalie Kuri, Tel: +675  70693663, Email:  nkuri@iom.int  

Anne Mandal, Tel: +675 72026763, Email: amandal@iom.int