Colombo: 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 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.
According to Ministry of Defence – Sri Lanka, the chair of the NAHTTF, Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) emphasized the task force’s commitment to safeguarding the dignity and security of all individuals. The media campaign underscores a collective responsibility to combat trafficking-in-persons by raising awareness and fostering collaboration across sectors.
The campaign aims to educate communities on various forms of trafficking, including trafficking for forced labour, sexual exploitation, child labour, and forced criminality in cyber scamming compoun
ds. It stresses the urgent need to combat trafficking and protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation.
This multi-platform media campaign will be broadcasted across prominent TV and radio channels, featuring stories inspired by real-life experiences of trafficking survivors. Additionally, the campaign will be promoted via billboards in targeted districts to ensure wider outreach.
The initiative also directs viewers and listeners to a national hotline operated by the NAHTTF, enabling them to report trafficking cases or seek assistance. This effort aligns with the National Strategic Action Plan to Monitor and Combat Human Trafficking (2021-2025) to strengthen the country’s response to human trafficking.
Ms Kristin Parco, Chief of Mission for Sri Lanka and Maldives of the International Organization for Migration, noted that trafficking-in-persons is a significant crime, and awareness is crucial in addressing the issue effectively. By leveraging media, the campaign aims to educate the public about traffi
cking signs and available actions, offering hope and a call to action to support survivors.
The Government of Japan, through its ambassador H.E ISOMATA Akio, reaffirmed its commitment to combating trafficking in persons as part of its foreign policy. Japan’s collaboration with international organizations like IOM in Sri Lanka focuses on preventing forced labour, supporting migrant workers, and assisting trafficking survivors. The national media campaign is a critical component of a broader project emphasizing proactive public engagement to eradicate trafficking.
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, interested parties can contact Minoli Don, Head of Protection Unit at IOM Sri Lanka, or Asel Kularatne, Communications Officer at IOM Sri Lanka.