Peruvian Specialized Prosecution Offices for Trafficking in Persons unify legal interpretation criteria and enhance their capacities through simulations in cyber investigation
With technical assistance from specialized agencies of the United Nations - ILO, IOM, and UNODC - prosecutors reached consensus on the prosecution of trafficking in persons and modern slavery. They worked on practical cases and received training in cyber investigation
12 December 2023
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Lima - With the support of the Public Ministry, the International Labour Organization (ILO), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), through the Track4Tip Initiative, prosecutors improved their technical skills and reinforced the approach of their mandates in the II National Congress of Specialized Prosecution Offices for Trafficking in Persons (FISTRAP).
This second edition of the event took place on December 4, 5, and 6 in Lima, and included the participation of prosecutors specializing in organized crime as well as international experts. The objective was to reach consensus on the prosecution of trafficking in persons and modern slavery and increase specialized knowledge. Participants also addressed complex issues under the supervision of experts, joined a cyber investigation training session and worked on practical cases.
Rocío Gala, FISTRAP Coordinator, explained, "As a prosecution authority, I understand the importance of our work and the need to adapt to a constantly changing environment. This congress is the perfect platform to exchange ideas and expertise, improve our skills, and collaborate to ensure a more efficient and equitable justice system." She also recognized and thanked the support from the three UN agencies.
Ítalo Cardona, Director of ILO Office for the Andean Countries, highlighted the inter-agency work. "Aware of the significant challenges posed by this fight and the privileged opportunity to bring together specialized prosecution offices, this event helps send a strong message: in Peru, trafficking in persons, exploitation, and forced labor will not be tolerated," he said.
He emphasized the need for a victim-centered and trauma-informed approach, based on vulnerability, to ensure non-revictimization and contribute to successful reintegration.
Joel Jabiles, Protection Coordinator at IOM Peru, underscored the phenomenon of mixed migration flows characterizing this Andean country and the need to mainstream the gender perspective. This approach aims to provide preventive, prosecutorial, and victim protection responses, particularly for women and girls disproportionately affected by trafficking in persons.
Mr. Jabiles also mentioned that this event directly contributes to the objectives of the Global Compact for Migration. "We must continue working in a coordinated manner to provide standardized responses in different territories."
Gilberto Zuleta, Regional Officer of the UNODC Global Programme against Trafficking in Persons, recalled that concrete actions were implemented by the 14 specialized prosecution offices of FISTRAP after the first edition of the Congress, with an emphasis on individuals in migration contexts. However, challenges to address organized crime are increasingly complex.
"The pandemic, economic crisis, conflicts, climate change, and forced displacements are factors that make more people vulnerable to exploitation, restricting the authorities' ability to establish effective prosecution mechanisms."
The second edition of the National Congress of Specialized Prosecution Offices for Trafficking in Persons has been made possible thanks to the support of the U.S. Department of State.
This second edition of the event took place on December 4, 5, and 6 in Lima, and included the participation of prosecutors specializing in organized crime as well as international experts. The objective was to reach consensus on the prosecution of trafficking in persons and modern slavery and increase specialized knowledge. Participants also addressed complex issues under the supervision of experts, joined a cyber investigation training session and worked on practical cases.
Rocío Gala, FISTRAP Coordinator, explained, "As a prosecution authority, I understand the importance of our work and the need to adapt to a constantly changing environment. This congress is the perfect platform to exchange ideas and expertise, improve our skills, and collaborate to ensure a more efficient and equitable justice system." She also recognized and thanked the support from the three UN agencies.
Ítalo Cardona, Director of ILO Office for the Andean Countries, highlighted the inter-agency work. "Aware of the significant challenges posed by this fight and the privileged opportunity to bring together specialized prosecution offices, this event helps send a strong message: in Peru, trafficking in persons, exploitation, and forced labor will not be tolerated," he said.
He emphasized the need for a victim-centered and trauma-informed approach, based on vulnerability, to ensure non-revictimization and contribute to successful reintegration.
Joel Jabiles, Protection Coordinator at IOM Peru, underscored the phenomenon of mixed migration flows characterizing this Andean country and the need to mainstream the gender perspective. This approach aims to provide preventive, prosecutorial, and victim protection responses, particularly for women and girls disproportionately affected by trafficking in persons.
Mr. Jabiles also mentioned that this event directly contributes to the objectives of the Global Compact for Migration. "We must continue working in a coordinated manner to provide standardized responses in different territories."
Gilberto Zuleta, Regional Officer of the UNODC Global Programme against Trafficking in Persons, recalled that concrete actions were implemented by the 14 specialized prosecution offices of FISTRAP after the first edition of the Congress, with an emphasis on individuals in migration contexts. However, challenges to address organized crime are increasingly complex.
"The pandemic, economic crisis, conflicts, climate change, and forced displacements are factors that make more people vulnerable to exploitation, restricting the authorities' ability to establish effective prosecution mechanisms."
The second edition of the National Congress of Specialized Prosecution Offices for Trafficking in Persons has been made possible thanks to the support of the U.S. Department of State.