The government has conducted a special training workshop designed to further strengthen the fight against human trafficking and empower relevant state institutions.
The Minister of Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development, Dr Ali Haidar Ahmed attended the opening ceremony of the conference “Redefining Responsibilities in Combatting Human Trafficking” as the Chief Guest.
In his address, the Minister commended the theme as a timely and courageous call to reassess the roles of individuals and institutions in tackling human trafficking.
He emphasised that the conference marks the beginning of the Anti-Human Trafficking Action Plan 2025, spearheaded by the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Office under the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology.
Acknowledging the particular vulnerabilities of small island nations, the Minister underscored the importance of vigilance, strengthened inter-agency cooperation, and an unwavering commitment to justice.
Speaking at the function, State Minister for Homeland Security and Technology, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Rtd) Dr Abdulla Phairoosch said the government alone cannot win the fight against human trafficking.
"The anti-human trafficking system is not legally enforced. And the system so far stipulates that the care of victims is the sole responsibility of the Anti-Trafficking and Persons Office. I am not saying that this is not the responsibility of this office. But we need the cooperation and assistance of everyone to address this problem,” he explained.
The main objective of the two-day training programme at Cross Roads Maldives is to identify victims of human trafficking and devise ways to offer assistance.
The purpose of the training programme is also to raise awareness among all institutions involved in the prevention of human trafficking and to discuss ways to strengthen the measures taken against it.