From April 14 to 17, the first training sessions took place in Bonaire as part of the 2025 human trafficking and smuggling annual program. Professionals from the judicial and care sectors deepened their understanding of recognizing signs and responding to suspicions of exploitation. The training sessions mark the beginning of a year filled with activities aimed at raising awareness, collaboration, and action.
Participants from the judicial sector attended a specialized training on identifying and addressing human trafficking and smuggling on April 14 and 15. Care professionals participated in a training on April 16 and 17 focused on both introduction and depth, suitable for their work practice.
Human trafficking is a serious and often invisible form of exploitation. Victims are forced into labor, sexual acts, or criminal activities under pressure, deception, or threats. Young people are a vulnerable group: they can be pressured to transport drugs, steal items, or launder money.
During the training, the part about the involvement of young people particularly resonated with many participants. The topic led to open discussions about how signals can be recognized in practice and what everyones role is in that.
Later this year, training sessions for professionals will also take place in Sint Eustatius and Saba. This allows the entire Caribbean Netherlands to enhance knowledge, better recognize signs, and work effectively together as a chain.
Signs of human trafficking may include:
- someone who has no control over their own documents (such as passport or ID);
- people who appear scared, dependent, or withdrawn;
- young people with expensive items or money, without a clear explanation;
- people working without pay, under poor conditions, or at odd hours.
It is important to always report suspicions of human trafficking. This can be done via KPCN at the email address meldmensenhandel@politiecn.com or anonymously via the tip line: 9310. For more information, visit www.rijksdienstcn.com.
Together Against Human Trafficking – Our Islands, Our Care.