Bhutan: UNODC builds law enforcement capacities to strengthen responses against Trafficking in Persons 

Phuntsholing, Bhutan/27 January 2023:  Trafficking in Persons is a serious crime that affects millions of people every year across the world. UNODC supports national authorities to strengthen law enforcement responses, foster multi-stakeholder cooperation, respond effectively to risks and threats, and to identify and protect victims.

In this context, a five-day training of trainers was organized in Bhutan for officials from seven government agencies, in partnership with the Department of Law and Order in Bhutan. The training aimed at supporting the sustainability of efforts in Bhutan to prevent and combat trafficking in persons.

The trainings focused on the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to protect and assist victims and strengthen cooperation and coordination. Held in interactive and participatory format, wide-ranging discussions were held on communication techniques, legislative provisions, forms of forced labour, victim support, modus operandi, stages of trafficking, cybercrime and the impact of social media among others.

The training was designed to help the participants understand the complex and multi-faceted nature of the crime, as well as its different forms. Participants were also equipped with knowledge and skills to prevent and counter the crime, including strategies for protecting victims and investigating cases of trafficking.

The training was well-received by the participants, who appreciated the program for its informative and engaging format.

Since 2019, UNODC is working cooperatively with key government entities in Bhutan and parts of local government to enhance multi-stakeholder responses to counter trafficking in persons and strengthen capacities of law enforcement, community leaders, young people and criminal justice officials.

This activity contributed to SDG 5 and SDG 16: https://sdg-tracker.org/

(Supported by US Department of State/JTIP)