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U.S. Department of State 2003 Trafficking in Persons Report - Jamaica

Jamaica (Tier 2)

Jamaica is a country of internal trafficking of minors for sexual exploitation, particularly connected to the domestic tourism industry. Jamaica is also a transit country for illegal migrants; some of those migrants may be trafficked.

The Government of Jamaica does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; however, it is making significant efforts to do so. The government acknowledges that sexual exploitation of children is taking place on the island, but officials have been hampered in addressing the problem due to legal restrictions in convincing minors to testify. The government is in the beginning stages of devising a plan of action, much of which is tied to the "Child Care and Protection Act," legislation currently being considered in the Parliament. The Jamaican Government is working with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to develop an efficient entry/exit system that should reduce the unauthorized movement of persons. The government is also working with the International Labor Organization (ILO) to develop a strategy to address child labor issues (including underage prostitution).

Prevention

The government is aware that children are at risk and has begun to implement prevention measures. A newly established national steering committee for the protection of children is mapping out a strategy to deal with all issues of child labor in the country. The Ministry of Health inspects sex clubs and facilities where minors are suspected of working, but current law makes it difficult for officials to establish whether persons found there are minors. In an effort to address the root causes of trafficking, the Ministry of Labor provides microcredit lending and small loan programs to at-risk populations.

Prosecution

Law enforcement efforts need to be improved. There is no comprehensive anti-trafficking law, but criminal statutes prohibit procuring minors for prostitution. Currently, no information is available on the number of traffickers prosecuted. Officials conducted a raid in 2001 on an area in Sa La Mar where children were being "auctioned" off to clubs that promoted sexual exploitation of children. Arrests were made, driving the "auction" activity underground. More needs to be done. Prosecutions have been frustrated, however, due to criminal law procedures that require minors to act as witnesses against defendants. The Child Care and Protection Act, currently under consideration by the Parliament, will provide the cornerstone for a more aggressive approach to prosecuting traffickers. Immigration officials are working with their U.S. and British counterparts on improving procedures in Jamaica's international airports. A new U.S. Government-funded project to create an efficient entry/exit system for Jamaica's airports and seaports should augment the government's efforts to deal with corrupt officials who facilitate the illegal movement of persons through Jamaica.

Protection

Appropriately, Jamaica does not arrest child prostitution victims. They are put in places of safety. Minors typically leave such protective custody and return to the sexually exploitative work. A number of NGOs are active in Jamaica, working with the government to rehabilitate street children and offer assistance services. The government is partnering with a range of organizations to remove minors from child labor and the street.

Topics: Trafficking in persons,