Guyana retains Tier 1 ranking in 2025 U.S. Trafficking in Persons report

Guyana has once again secured a Tier 1 ranking in the 2025 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report issued by the U.S. Department of State, marking the ninth consecutive year the country has been recognized for serious and sustained efforts to combat human trafficking.

The annual report evaluates global anti-trafficking measures and highlights individual country performance in addressing the issue.

Minister of Home Affairs, Hon. Oneidge Walrond, described the ranking as evidence of the Government’s “unwavering dedication and effective action in fighting human trafficking.”

She said the Ministry of Home Affairs, supported by the Ministerial Taskforce on Trafficking in Persons, non-governmental organizations, civil society stakeholders, and other partners, remains committed to eradicating human trafficking within Guyana and across the region.

“Our comprehensive approach includes safeguarding vulnerable populations, increasing training and awareness, intensifying spot inspections and anti-trafficking operations, and through the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, providing robust support and protection to victims and survivors, pursuing relentless prosecution of offenders, and fostering strong partnerships both locally and internationally,” Walrond stated.

The report noted several advancements in Guyana’s anti-trafficking framework, including an increased prosecution rate, the successful conviction of a sex trafficker with an ordered restitution payment, greater collaboration with foreign governments on investigations, and increased funding for prevention and protection efforts.

It also set out 12 recommendations for Guyana, among them: expanding prosecutions and convictions, particularly in cases involving child victims; eliminating recruitment fees for workers; strengthening labour and spot inspections in vulnerable sectors such as mining and logging; enforcing restitution orders promptly; screening at-risk groups, including migrants, for trafficking indicators; and ensuring traffickers and complicit officials face appropriate penalties.

Minister Walrond emphasized that government intends to address the recommendations with urgency through “advanced policies, rigorous monitoring, and strengthened partnerships to disrupt trafficking networks and safeguard victims.”

The public is encouraged to report suspected cases of trafficking to the Counter-Trafficking in Persons 24/7 hotlines at 227-4083, 623-5030, or 624-0079 (Spanish), or to any agency on the Ministerial Taskforce on Trafficking in Persons.