One of my biggest frustrations regarding Canada’s (non) response to human trafficking is its border crossing protocol. I was talking with a friend who works in customs at the Canada/US border, and she said they do not receive any kind of special training in how to look out for and identify human traffickers.
I just crossed the Costa Rica-Panama border yesterday and was pleased to see this written right on the customs form: The penalty for sexual abuse towards minors in Costa Rica implies prison. I just had to take a picture of it.
As we waited in line to cross into Panama, we saw a huge billboard that warned girls about falling prey to sexual exploitation and forced prostitution when seeking promised work abroad I couldn’t help but think how necessary this type of advertising is at Canadian airports and border crossings. Not only is it important to warn girls who are naively entering a country that their promises might turn into nightmares in a few short hours, but ads must also target men who plan to use these girls.
Despite the shortcomings of Panama and Costa Rica in anti-trafficking efforts, Canada would do well to follow their example at border crossings.
Michelle Brock
This is a great point! We should be copying what they are doing right!
So who is in charge of Border Services in Canada? Who should we be writing letters to and lobbying about this issue?
Training border guards to identify potential victims and tightening up security and follow-up is one of the points that MP Joy Smith has included in her proposed National Strategy to combat human trafficking. If this National Strategy can be passed by parliament quickly some of these issues can be addressed. We need to lobby our MPs to get to work on it now!!