Human trafficking evident in PNG

PORT MORESBY, PNG — Domestic servitude, forced labour and sexual slavery or forced prostitution are most common and serious forms of exploitation of human trafficking in Papua New Guinea.

These forms of human trafficking may not be seen as serious because they are also entwined in PNG’s cultures, for instance; forced marriages and domestic servitude.

Forced marriage is a marriage in which one or both of the parties are married without his or her consent or against his or her will. In PNG this may happen because of bride price.

Domestic servitude refers to performing personal tasks for a dominant partner, also as part of a submissive role, if there is a relationship such as a sexual one.

Joe Saferius from the International Office of Migration (IOM) says human trafficking is quite new in terms of information and awareness but it is here and is happening.

Saferius who is the community outreach assistant said the campaign has generated sufficient awareness and empowerment to the silent majority.

He said with the human trafficking legislation in the pipeline for implementation, all perpetrators and victims will face justice.

“In order to get the public to understand human trafficking and issues surrounding it, IOM has identified targeted provinces for a pilot project,” Saferius said.

Provinces involved are NCD, Western, AROB, West Sepik, Eastern Highlands, Morobe and Madang. The awareness program started in 2010 with most of the target completing awareness.

The IOM completed campaigns in March in Morobe and Madang provinces. With the theme “Combating Human Trafficking in Papua New Guinea” the campaign is aimed at informing the public about what human trafficking is, the various forms of trafficking and what help is available.

Saferius said: “In simple terms, the message conveyed to audiences of all kinds, is that human trafficking is same as modern day slavery and should stop.

“About 80 per cent of awareness campaigns targeted secondary and tertiary institutions which we believe will translate the message to their respective communities.”

Students from Teachers and Nursing Colleges were very much encouraged to advocate this important information and awareness when they are posted to do their practicals or work in the future.

Saferius said the general public throughout the awareness campaigns have raised concerns that people are bought, sold, trapped, tricked and lured for purposes of exploitation.

The campaign has generated sufficient awareness and empowerment to the silent majority. With the Human Trafficking Legislation in the pipeline for implementation, all perpetrators and victims will face justice alike.

The project is funded by the US Department of State and implemented by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the Department of Justice and Attorney General of PNG.

A link to the article can be found here.