Bhutan: Promoting anti-trafficking awareness with LGBTIQ community

                                                                                              

Thimphu, Bhutan/ January 2018: In a first of its kind initiative in the country, UNODC reached out to members of the LGBTIQ community in Bhutan to generate awareness on trafficking in persons and protect them from risks of exploitation.

Studies have shown that LGBTIQ youth may be disproportionately affected by human trafficking. Low awareness and limited support to the community make LGBTIQ persons particularly vulnerable to traffickers who prey on the desperation of those wishing to escape social alienation and maltreatment.  

Through the workshop, 14 members of the LGBTIQ community (including the Chairperson and the vice-chairperson of the informal network of LGBTQ community in Bhutan) were sensitized on the different forms of trafficking and its consequences. Participants extended support to the fight against trafficking in persons around the world, and expressed their desire to actively contribute to ongoing efforts.

Participants were also presented the "Blue Heart" pin by UNDP Bhutan's Acting Head of Governance and Advocacy Portfolio. The Blue Heart Campaign is UNODC's global awareness raising initiative to fight human trafficking and its impact on society. It seeks to encourage involvement from governments, civil society, the corporate sector and individuals alike, to inspire collective action against this crime.

The Blue Heart is increasingly recognized as the international symbol against human trafficking, and allows people to show their solidarity with the victims of human trafficking.