Vulnerable Migrants Assistance

Counter Trafficking 

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is adopting a holistic and multi-disciplinary approach to combat the crime of trafficking in persons in Papua New Guinea (PNG). Working in close partnership with the Department of Justice and Attorney General (DJAG), IOM is directing its technical assistance to PNG authorities through four complex and integrated components: legislation and policy, advocacy and prevention, support and protection, and criminalization and prosecution. On 30 June 2014, the Papua New Guinean government, in collaboration with IOM, gazetted legislation criminalising any act involving the recruitment, movement, transportation, harbouring, transferring and receipt of persons through force, deception, threat or other coercive means for the purpose of exploitation. Convictions carry a penalty of up to 20 years imprisonment. IOM is currently placing an emphasis on raising awareness of trafficking in persons with law enforcement and protection agencies, communities at risk, youth, and the general population. A 24/7 toll free hotline has been set up to provide information on trafficking in persons and to offer help to victims and their families. The toll free hotline can be accessed on 7100 7777. This program is funded by the U.S. State Department, Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (J/TiP).