IOM, USAID donate 15 laptops to home for migrant girls

THE International Organization for Migration (IOM) and USAID (US Agency for International Development) have donated 15 laptops to the Home for Migrant Girls.

In praising the organisations for this, Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister responsible for Child and Gender Affairs Ayanna Webster-Roy pleaded with the public for collective action in combating human trafficking in Trinidad and Tobago.

She was speaking at the handover ceremony at the Office of the Prime Minister, Port of Spain, on Tuesday morning.

The Home for Migrant Girls falls under the care and management of the St Jude's Home for Girls in Diego Martin.

Reminding the public that the issue is not "unique in TT," Webster-Roy said it's something that "we have to grapple across the world.

"It is individuals who choose to do wrong, who choose to prey on vulnerable persons who bring young girls and even sometimes young men into countries for their own perverse reasons. So the call for us as individuals is to always strive to do better and be better," she said.

She thanked the organisations for their donations, which will go towards her unit's HER (Heal Empower Rise) Counter-Trafficking in Persons project, and added that the laptops will be used to "improve the quality of life for the migrant children in its care."

Sewing supplies, among other things, were also donated.

She said the government's strategy for combating human trafficking and child abuse includes working with agencies like the Children's Authority.

She added, "Our division seeks to secure ongoing assistance for children within our borders as we recognise the importance of providing immediate attention and resources aligned with fundamental human rights to marginalised groups.

"In accordance with moral obligation, it is necessary to provide care and assistance to children in disadvantaged circumstances as enforcers of child rights gender equality and equity."

She commended Minister of National Security Fitzgerald Hinds and his ministry on their efforts to secure TT's borders, and protect and help those who come to this country to secure their human rights.

"As we engage in a dynamic, ever-changing world dominated by technological advancement, we hope that they would be raised in sync with the digital transformations so that no one is left behind."

Head of office at IOM TT Jewel Ali said for the past 30 years, the organisation has been affirming and effectively advocating for there to be major focus on human trafficking "in a holistic manner."

She said it requires comprehensive approaches, and praised the government for its continued partnership.

The donation, she said, is an "important step forward," and urged the public to keep focusing on the protection and assistance of human trafficking victims.

She said this can be achieved by ensuring support systems are readily available and accessible.

"An all-hands-on-deck approach is needed by the international community, government (and) private sector.

Regional representative for the Eastern and Southern Caribbean for USAID Mervyn Farroe said human trafficking continues to be an issue of great concern.

"USAID is committed to ensuring young men and women, especially those who are most vulnerable and marginalised, have access to quality care and treatment so they can live empowered lives ."

He said USAID has provided over US$340 million to help 83 countries and regions with human trafficking since 2001.