The National Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force (NAHTTF) in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) launched an island-wide television and radio campaign today (Jun 24) to raise awareness on trafficking-in-persons. Implemented with funding support from the Government of Japan, the initiative highlights the dangers of human trafficking and encourages reporting suspected cases of trafficking-in-persons.
The chair of the NAHTTF, Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) remarked, “As the NAHTTF, we are committed to safeguarding the dignity and security of all individuals and this media campaign underscores our collective responsibility to combat trafficking-in-persons. By raising awareness and fostering collaboration across sectors, we aim to build a Sri Lanka where exploitation has no place, perpetrators are brought to justice and survivors receive the support they deserve.”
The campaign aims to educate communities on the different forms of trafficking, including trafficking for forced labour, sexual exploitation, child labour and forced criminality in cyber scamming compounds and underscores the urgent need to combat trafficking and protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation.
This multi-platform media campaign will air across prominent TV and radio channels, featuring stories inspired by real-life experiences of survivors of trafficking. The campaign will be further amplified via billboards in targeted districts for wider outreach.
The campaign will also direct viewers and listeners to the national hotline operated by the NAHTTF, where they can report trafficking cases or seek assistance. It is part of a broader effort to strengthen the country’s response to human trafficking in alignment with the National Strategic Action Plan to Monitor and Combat Human Trafficking (2021-2025).
“Trafficking-in-persons remains a heinous crime and awareness is the key in effectively addressing this issue. By leveraging the power of media, we aim to educate the public and ensure that all Sri Lankans are aware of the pre-emptory signs of trafficking and the means of action available to them.
This media campaign is a beacon of hope for those silenced by human trafficking. It is a call to action for us all to stand together, raise our voices and ensure that every survivor is heard, supported and empowered to rebuild their lives. Together, we can create a future where exploitation has no place and dignity prevails, in alignment with IOM’s strategic objective of saving lives and protecting people on the move,” noted Ms Kristin Parco, Chief of Mission for Sri Lanka and Maldives of the International Organization for Migration.
“Japan has embraced the concept of human security as a central pillar of its foreign policy and remains deeply committed to international efforts to combat trafficking in persons. In Sri Lanka, Japan has partnered with international organizations such as IOM to prevent forced labour, support migrant workers, promote vocational training and assist in the rescue and reintegration of trafficking survivors. Recognizing that effectively addressing human trafficking requires a whole-of-society approach, Japan advocates for reducing vulnerabilities through targeted outreach and awareness campaigns. The launch of this national media campaign is a vital component of the broader project, reflecting the importance of proactive public engagement. Japan reaffirms its unwavering commitment to advancing global efforts to eradicate trafficking in persons.” H.E ISOMATA Akio, Ambassador of Japan noted.
IOM and the NAHTTF Sri Lanka urge the public to stay informed and report suspicious incidents of trafficking-in-persons via the NAHHTF hotline: 0768 447 700
For more information, please contact:
Minoli Don – Head of Protection Unit, IOM Sri Lanka, 0094 777 409 409; Email – [email protected]
Asel Kularatne – Communications Officer, IOM Sri Lanka – [email protected]
IOM is the United Nations Migration Entity and a leading intergovernmental organization in the field of migration that works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM works to help ensure the orderly and humane management of migration to promote international cooperation on migration issues, to assist in the search for practical solutions to migration problems and to provide humanitarian assistance to migrants in need, including refugees and internally displaced people.
