Govt. aims to fight migrant, people trafficking

Santo Domingo.-  Foreign minister Miguel Vargas on Thurs. announced the launch of the “National Plan of Action against Trafficking in Persons and Illicit Trafficking in Migrants 2017-2020.”

He said the document “constitutes an effective public policy to prevent, combat and assist the people affected by these crimes.”

The official said the plan was prepared by the Inter-Institutional Commission against Trafficking in Persons and Illicit Trafficking in Migrants (CITIM), comprising 14 other govt. agencies.

Moreover, it has the collaboration of NGOs and international entities, and the technical and financial support of the organization International Justice Mission (IJM).

Vargas said trafficking in persons, especially for sexual exploitation and forced labor, mainly affects women, children and adolescents, and considered the third most lucrative criminal business after drug trafficking and gun trafficking. “That’s the reason why this new inter-sector operational tool is so important.”