[ Human Trafficking, Country-by-Country ]

Curacao (Tier 3) – Extracted in part from the U.S. State Dept 2023 TIP Report

The Government of Curaçao does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so, even considering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, if any, on its anti-trafficking capacity; therefore Curaçao remained on Tier 3.  Despite the lack of significant efforts, the government took some steps to address trafficking, including providing shelter and other services to two trafficking victims, prosecuting two alleged traffickers, and adopting and funding a NAP to improve law enforcement efforts to combat trafficking.  However, the new NAP did not include lines of effort to protect victims or prevent the crime, courts did not convict any traffickers, and the government continued to condition foreign victims’ assistance, including residency, on cooperation with law enforcement in cases against traffickers.  Lack of funding remained a primary obstacle to robust anti-trafficking efforts.  Officials demonstrated limited familiarity with human trafficking and conflated the crime with migrant smuggling, hindering the effectiveness of prosecution, prevention, and protection efforts.  The government’s coordination with civil society organizations and internally, across agencies, was inadequate.

Prioritized Recommendations

Increase efforts to identify victims, including through proactively screening vulnerable populations, such as detained migrants and individuals in commercial sex. 

Provide potential victims, including those who choose not to cooperate with law enforcement in cases against traffickers, with services. 

Fully implement the SOP for victim identification and referral and train officials on its use. 

Improve coordination and information-sharing with anti-trafficking stakeholders within the government, across the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and civil society.

Vigorously investigate and prosecute trafficking crimes and convict traffickers, including complicit officials, and seek adequate penalties for convicted traffickers, which should involve significant prison terms. 

Increase funding for victim services, including staffing, specialized care for trafficking victims, and services accessible to male victims. 

Provide appropriate shelter options for trafficking victims, including male victims. 

Allocate and disburse sufficient resources for anti-trafficking efforts. 

Fully implement the current NAP and expand it to include objectives for victim protection and prevention of trafficking