Malta police force undergoing training for the identification of human traffickers

With reference to combatting the problem of human trafficking, home affairs minister Carmelo Abela has said that the police are taking their role in this field seriously, citing the prosecution of criminals and the participation of members of the force in specialised training in Malta and other countries.

“Despite the small number of human trafficking cases in Malta, we are seeking to put up a tougher fight against those who exploit humans sexually or as workers. Even having one victim of human trafficking is unacceptable,” Abela said, speaking at a seminar organised by International Organization for Migration.

According to a statement by the ministry of home affairs, the training given this year focused on improving the identification of the human trafficking cases where people are exploited as workers, due to the fact that traffickers, the ministry says, often change to more sophisticated and subtle techniques.

The training was not only available to the police, but also to other bodies with interest in this field, such as community workers, ambassadors and other diplomats, according to the ministry.

The training reportedly falls under the third National Action Plan which is to be implemented on an ongoing basis during the course of 2015 and 2016.

“In an area like human trafficking, it is important to be aware of the latest methods traffickers use. It makes all the difference,” said the minister, noting that the drafting of the plan of action against human trafficking for the years 2017 and 2018 will soon begin, and it will most likely include more training.