World Day Against Trafficking in Persons

The Caribbean Association of Banks Inc (CAB) in recognition of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons – commemorated on 30 July 2025 – implores banks and other financial institutions within the region to heed the call to action and work collectively towards stemming the scourge of this horrific and pervasive criminal act.

As stated by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime “in 2022 alone, authorities across 25 countries in the region detected and reported about 4,300 victims of human trafficking.” Additionally, while it is well documented that women and girls compromise the majority of persons trafficked it is alarming to note that in the case of Central America and the Caribbean girls represent the majority – 52 per cent – of detected trafficking victims.[1]

Recognising the significant role of the banking and financial services sector in the facilitation of business and monetary transactions, the CAB reiterates the importance for heightened vigilance and the implementation of the necessary training to mitigate the misuse of the sector by illicit actors such as those affiliated with the trafficking of persons.

The CAB commends the immense bravery of the many survivors of human trafficking who fearlessly share their experiences to raise awareness and engender meaningful change on a global scale.

[1] United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime