The sessions focused on several critical topics, including the use of technology for victim recruitment and exploitation, environmental changes' impact on vulnerability to trafficking, money laundering's role in trafficking, and the connections between trafficking in persons and other transnational organized crimes.

Saint Lucia’s delegation, led by Permanent Secretary Dr Elizabeth Bailey and Legal Consultant Ms Charlotte Tessa Mangal from the Department of Home Affairs, actively participated in the event.

“Saint Lucia’s intervention at the meeting sought to provide insight into the work of the TIP Taskforce, the role and function of all stakeholder organizations in dealing with trafficking cases and the coordination of efforts.  Saint Lucia’s progressive steps in amending the legislation to provide stricter penalties and the progress of cases currently before the Courts,” said Dr Bailey.

Dr. Bailey emphasised that Saint Lucia remains committed to collaborating with the Organization of American States (OAS) in enhancing mechanisms to combat human trafficking. She announced a forthcoming project, scheduled for launch in the first quarter of 2024, aimed at preventing sexual violence against migrant women and girls in the Americas and the Caribbean region.

“Essentially we sought to briefly capture national achievements in the areas of prevention, and prosecution, and to also speak to the support services available for survivors of this crime whilst also indicating that there was need for support technical and otherwise,” she explained.

The 7th Meeting of National Authorities on Trafficking In Persons saw participation from 27 member states across the Americas and the Caribbean.