WILLEMSTAD - On October 18, European Anti-Trafficking Day, the organization PATH (Prevention of Abuse and Human Trafficking) reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying the fight against human trafficking in Curaçao. Human trafficking, a severe violation of human rights, remains a pressing issue on the island.
In its recent Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report, the U.S. government criticized Curaçao’s efforts to address human trafficking, placing the country on the “Tier 2 Watchlist.” This designation indicates that while Curaçao does not fully meet the minimum standards for eliminating human trafficking, it is making significant efforts to do so.
Amnesty International also released a report recently criticizing Curaçao’s human rights policies, particularly regarding the treatment of migrants and refugees, further highlighting the need for a more effective approach to combating human trafficking.
Supported by the Ministry of Justice, PATH is working on new measures and protocols aimed at protecting victims and strengthening border controls. The organization stresses its close collaboration with local, regional, and international partners. These initiatives are designed to improve both prevention and protection.
According to PATH’s national coordinator, the focus is on raising awareness, educating the public, and supporting victims as part of the broader strategy to address this critical issue.