A UK-funded project, delivered by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Costa Rica, has concluded its efforts to strengthen the country’s response to human trafficking. The initiative aimed to create a more co-ordinated system for identifying vulnerable individuals, offering protection, and preventing exploitation.
The project brought together various stakeholders, including government institutions, the private sector, and local communities. It also involved working with the tourism sector to enhance safeguarding measures and reinforce its role in prevention and early identification.
Activities included sessions at a school in Los Chiles, near Costa Rica’s northern border, where children, teachers, and community leaders discussed recognising, preventing, and reporting trafficking. The British Ambassador, Edward Stevens, stated that the project helped strengthen systems and people who can recognise signs, respond safely, and connect those at risk with support.
The initiative concluded with an event on 3 August, marking World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. During this event, a new guide was launched to assist tourism sector workers in preventing, detecting, and reporting human trafficking and the sexual exploitation of children and adolescents.