USAID Pacific Islands Mission Director, Zema Semunegus is encouraging the Fijian government to activate a National Referral Mechanism System that will enable awareness within communities to access services, support, and more information on human trafficking.
Semunegus stressed this during the premiere of Butakoci Production at Suva Civic Centre which highlighted the dark realities of human trafficking.
The USAID Pacific Islands Mission Director says the National Referral Mechanism System will provide a more efficient and reliable system for suspected residents to be reported confidentially.
She says a system such as this would not only drive Fiji but the region as a whole, towards the commitment of securing the well-being of the people and a core objective of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
Semunegus says the Butakoti Production through their creativity bring a vital message to life and a very innovative approach to tell a compelling story that will hopefully raise awareness, create dialogue and prompt crucial action.
She says it is the sad truth that the incidence of trafficking in persons in the Pacific continues to rise and it is a transit point and a destination for human trafficking, for purposes of sexual exploitation and forced labour, particularly in local extractive industries.
Semunegus further says slavery and forced labour are forms of trafficking in persons that often go unnoticed by relevant authorities and may involve abuse, injury, and even death.
She adds that eliminating modern forms of slavery and trafficking in persons is everybody's responsibility.
People can register online for the free shows tomorrow and Friday at 6pm at Suva Civic Centre.
