Franciscan Institute hosts discussion on Human Trafficking

What is human trafficking? How does our judicial system factor into combatting this devastating crime? How is the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service involved? What can we do to raise public awareness about Human Trafficking?

These are just some of the questions to be answered as The Franciscan Institute for Personal and Family Development will host a panel discussion on Human Trafficking this coming Friday, January 31 from 5–7 p.m. at The University of the West Indies (UWI), Chaplaincy, St Augustine.

A release from the Franciscan Institute, a ministry of the Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother (SSM), said that the event will highlight the need for better public awareness about human trafficking and the collaboration between governments, non-profit organisations, and civil society to prevent human trafficking, protect victims and prosecute perpetrators.

The panel discussion will feature talks on ‘Combatting Human Trafficking’ by Alana Wheeler, director, Counter Trafficking Unit, Ministry of National Security; ‘Human Trafficking Laws’, Jonathan Bhagan, attorney-at-law; ‘Policies and Procedures related to Human Trafficking’, Shireen Pollard, head of the recently-launched Gender Based Violence Unit in the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service; ‘Educating and Raising Human Trafficking Awareness through schools, workshops’, a representative from the Franciscan Institute; and ‘Human Trafficking Awareness’, Naureen M Nalia, Deputy Public Affairs Officer, US Embassy.

The panel discussion will be followed by a 30-minute Question and Answer segment. To register call 231-8979 or 283-5150.