Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusaan has called for legal amendments to accelerate the trials of human trafficking cases.
Speaking at a ceremony to mark World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, Minister Ihusaan highlighted the injustice of delays in these trials, which he believes leave victims more vulnerable to exploitation. He stressed that the law must be updated to tackle the challenges in both prosecution and legal processes, ensuring that cases are expedited. He also noted the government's commitment to improving the speed and effectiveness of investigations and trials.
Additionally, Minister Ihusaan described human trafficking as a grave injustice, equating it to modern slavery that strips individuals of their dignity and freedom. He also pointed out that statistics reveal one in three trafficking victims is a child, and that traffickers often abuse and exploit these young victims.
Furthermore, Minister Ihusaan called for enhanced efforts to prevent human trafficking, outlining four key policies the government is implementing. He said that the polices include, developing skilled personnel, raising community awareness, creating safe environments for victims, and establishing a crime reporting hotline.
During the ceremony, a new hotline was launched for reporting trafficking crimes. World Day Against Trafficking in Persons is observed annually on July 30 with this year's theme being Leave No Child Behind in the Fight Against Human Trafficking.