[ Human Trafficking, Country-by-Country ]

GUYANA (Tier 1) – Extracted in part from the U.S. State Dept 2023 TIP Report

The Government of Guyana fully meets the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking. The government continued to demonstrate serious and sustained efforts during the reporting period, considering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, if any, on its anti-trafficking capacity; therefore Guyana remained on Tier 1. These efforts included convicting three traffickers; identifying more victims and referring them to services; consistently implementing a 10-day reflection period, including shelter for victims; raising awareness in Indigenous languages; expanding the inclusivity of the Ministerial Task Force on Trafficking in Persons (the Task Force); and initiating a program to screen children in situations of homelessness. Although the government meets the minimum standards, it neither increased investigations and prosecutions nor formally approved the NAP. The government also did not adequately oversee recruitment agencies or adequately screen for trafficking victims in the interior of the country.

Prioritized Recommendations

Increase prosecutions and convictions in sex and labor trafficking cases and pursue them to the fullest extent possible under the Combating Trafficking in Persons Act of 2005, including for cases involving child victims.

Increase the number of Spanish-speaking officials supporting anti-trafficking efforts.

Take steps to eliminate recruitment or placement fees charged to workers by labor recruiters and ensure any such fees are paid by employers.

Complete a review of existing legislation on labor recruitment and increase the number of labor inspectors.

Hold convicted traffickers, including complicit officials, accountable by seeking adequate penalties involving significant prison terms.

Formally approve the 2021-2025 NAP.

Enforce restitution judgments.

Reduce the reliance on victims to serve as witnesses in prosecutions.

Ensure security for victims, especially those residing in government shelters, and their relatives.

Formally approve and implement victim SOPs and fund specialized victim services, particularly for child, adult male, and Venezuelan victims in their native language, including for indigenous populations.

Proactively screen vulnerable populations, including Haitian migrants and Cuban medical workers, for trafficking indicators, refer them to services, and ensure potential victims are not deported without screening.

Undertake systemic monitoring of anti-trafficking efforts and publish the results.