IOM and the National Anti-Human Trafficking Taskforce Initiate Nationwide Media Campaign to Raise Awareness on Trafficking-in-Persons with the support of Government of Japan

24 June, Colombo - The National Anti-Human Trafficking Taskforce (NAHTTF) in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), launched an island-wide television and radio campaign to raise awareness on trafficking-in-persons. Implemented as a part of the USD 2.6 million project for supporting migrant returnees and communities in vulnerable situations funded by the Government of Japan, the initiative highlights the dangers of human trafficking and encourages reporting suspected cases of trafficking-in-persons. The campaign aims to educate communities on the different forms of trafficking including trafficking for forced labour, sexual exploitation, child labour and forced criminality in cyber scamming compounds and underscores the urgent need to combat trafficking and protecting vulnerable individuals from exploitation.

This multi-platform media campaign will air across prominent TV and radio channels, featuring stories inspired by real-life experiences of survivors of trafficking. The campaign will help raise awareness on a variety of risks that migrant workers should be alert to and will be further amplified via billboards in targeted districts for wider outreach.

Air Vice Marshal Mr. Sampath Thuyacontha - Secretary, Ministry of Defence and chair of the NAHTTF remarked, "As the NAHTTF, we are committed to safeguarding the dignity and security of all individuals and this media campaign underscores our collective responsibility to combat trafficking-in-persons. By raising awareness and fostering collaboration across sectors, we aim to build a Sri Lanka where exploitation has no place, perpetrators are brought to justice and survivors receive the support they deserve.”

The campaign will also direct viewers and listeners to the national hotline operated by the National Anti- Human Trafficking Task Force where they can report trafficking cases or seek assistance. It is part of a broader effort to strengthen the country’s response to human trafficking in alignment with the National Strategic Action Plan to Monitor and Combat Human Trafficking (2021-2025).

“Trafficking-in-persons remains a heinous crime and awareness is key in effectively addressing this issue. By leveraging the power of media, we aim to educate the public and ensure that all Sri Lankans are aware of the preemptory signs