BY LORETTA B MANELE
Cathy Nori, Minister for Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs (MWYCFA) highlighted 3 key components of the “Strengthening Shelter and Protection Services for Victims of Trafficking in Solomon Islands” project.
The project was recently launched, just last Friday at the Heritage Park Hotel and is funded by the US through the United States Department of State Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, and is worth USD 2.5m.
In initial remarks, Nori acknowledged all stakeholders involved in the project.
“I want to begin by taking a moment to acknowledge the tremendous efforts of the UN Migration Office, IOM, HOPE Trust, and the U.S. Embassy, and all our development partners, government ministries, civil society, and faith-based organizations, for your relentless dedication and also tireless work in this crucial area.
“Also, a heartfelt thank you also goes to the frontline shelter providers and case workers.
“I would also like to express our gratitude to the U.S. Department of State to monitor and combat trafficking in persons for their vital financial support,” she said.
Nori highlighted three key components of the project.
The first key component is “enhancing and establishing protective shelter facilities”, which she said as human beings, we know that survivors need safe spaces.
She said in these safe spaces, confidentiality is crucial in the sense that survivors of trafficking need to feel confident in knowing that where they are is safe for them.
She said shelters must also meet basic standards of care and dignity.
Nori said under “strengthening capacity of shelter providers” management must be professional and survivor-centred.
She said they will also need to train the staff who manage these shelters and provide them with tools and provide them with support in their coordination.
“And there must be strong referral systems in place. These are essential,” said Nori.
The third component talked about is “supporting sustainable integration”.
“Not just emergency care, but they will need long-term support. And so, reintegration includes livelihoods, psychosocial support, family tracing where appropriate, community acceptance, and also programs to empower them economically,” she said.
Nori also said that prevention of trafficking is also important and critical so that survivors do not go through the same experiences again.
“Let us remember that protection does not end at rescue. It continues through recovery, empowerment, and reintegration,” she said.
On partnership and coordination, Nori said this project exemplifies the power of collaboration among government, international partners, and civil society.
“The Ministry of Women, Youth, Children, and Family Affairs is taking the lead in coordinating our protection services. Addressing trafficking is a collective responsibility requiring a holistic approach that involves every segment of our society,” she said.
Nori said we cannot address trafficking alone as it demands coordination, trust and shared responsibility.
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