Peru Officially Launches the Employability Route for Adolescent Survivors of Trafficking in Persons

LIMA (ILO News) - During the final bilateral dialogue between the United States and Peru, commemorating seven years of collaborative efforts to combat child trafficking in the country, the government announced the approval of the Directive for the Development of Capacities and Preparation of the Employability Route for adolescents in INABIF's Public Shelters.

This directive from the National Comprehensive Program for Family Welfare (INABIF) paves the way for the nationwide replication of the Pilot Program for Economic Integration of Trafficking Survivors, which has been successfully implemented in Lima and Cusco over the past three years. This initiative was carried out by the Ministry of Women and Vulnerable Populations, with technical assistance from the ILO.

The ILO congratulated the officialization of this Employability Route. "This directive is a key tool for promoting economic reintegration, which is essential for preventing re-victimization and ensuring the long-term well-being of these young women," stated Maria Pia Hermoza, ILO national project officer.

The model has provided adolescents at the shelters with training in financial education and entrepreneurship, offered vocational guidance, and strengthened their soft skills. It has also enabled them to develop their business ideas through productive workshops and youth entrepreneurship fairs. Additionally, the initiative has granted them access to vital strategic services from the Ministry of Labor and Employment Promotion, crucial for enhancing the employability of trafficking survivors.

Other sectors, including the Ministry of Education, as well as municipalities, businesses, and civil society organizations, play a significant role within this directive. They contribute to developing skills, competencies, and future job opportunities for the young women aging out of INABIF's public shelters (CARs) and their families.

Daniel Villanueva, political counselor ad interim of the U.S. Embassy in Peru, joined the ILO in congratulating INABIF. "We commend INABIF for the approval of this Employability Route, which implements a clear policy for the economic integration of trafficking survivors. As a result, young women aging out of CARs when they turn 18, nationwide, will have improved skills for entrepreneurship, job readiness, and access to higher technical education"