UN Commits to Support Samoa in Combatting People Trafficking

By Lise Schmidt/

Apia, Samoa – 21 November 2024 – The United Nations (UN) has reaffirmed its commitment to assist Samoa in its fight against Trafficking in Persons (TIP). This commitment was articulated by the UN Resident Coordinator Themba Kalua during a “Dissemination Workshop/Training on Trafficking in Persons” held in Apia earlier this week.

Organized by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the workshop aimed to address the serious concerns surrounding human trafficking – a crime that represents a significant violation of human rights affecting millions around the globe.

According to Mr. Kalua, recent estimates suggest that over 50 million individuals are trapped in conditions of modern slavery worldwide, with the Pacific region, including Samoa, facing its own unique challenges.

“The Pacific, with its vast, largely unmonitored borders, geographic isolation, and economic hurdles, is especially vulnerable to this issue,” Kalua noted.

He pointed to certain sectors, such as the fishing industry, are particularly at risk due to their isolated nature. Victims are often subjected to sexual exploitation and forced labor across various sectors, including fishing, hospitality, domestic work, and agriculture.

The Pacific region not only serves as a destination for traffickers but also acts as a recruitment ground and transit route for individuals trafficked to Oceania and Southeast Asia.

However, the issue of trafficking in the Pacific extends beyond mere vulnerabilities.

The workshop provided a platform for participants to discuss Samoa’s current capabilities in addressing TIP, identify areas needing improvement, and develop a comprehensive roadmap to enhance the country’s prevention framework.

Kalua expressed gratitude for the pivotal role and collective engagement of organizations such as the IOM, the International Labour Organization (ILO), the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA).

In closing, Kalua emphasized that the participants’ collective engagement extends beyond simply combating crime.

“This effort is about safeguarding human dignity, protecting fundamental human rights, and establishing a future where exploitation finds no harbor,” he stated.

Representatives from various governmental bodies, including the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour and the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, were present at the workshop.

The International Organization for Migration, which organized the workshop, is a leading inter-governmental entity dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. With a presence in 171 countries, IOM supports its 175 member states in enhancing migration management and providing necessary humanitarian assistance to migrants in need.

Through its efforts, IOM aims to address the complex dimensions of migration, advocating for the protection of migrants’ rights while promoting international cooperation and sustainable development related to migration issues.