DATE 2024: Asonahores, Usaid Sign Agreement to Prevent Human Trafficking
Ahead of the inauguration of the twenty-fourth edition of the DATE 2024 Tourism Fair, the Dominican Association of Hotels and Tourism (Asonahores), in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy, has launched a prevention campaign against human trafficking.
Human trafficking, whether for sexual or labor purposes, involves the recruitment of individuals through deception or coercion.
Therefore, the Association of Hotels and Tourism of the Dominican Republic has undertaken a prevention campaign aimed specifically at the tourism sector, with the objective of reducing the number of victims of this crime.
"We would like to thank Usaid for its contribution to this effort and for giving us the opportunity to strengthen our international cooperation ties in the fight against this scourge that undermines human dignity," said David Llibre, president of the Dominican Republic Hotel and Tourism Association.
The main objective of this campaign is to educate the tourist population so that they can identify warning signs that will help them avoid becoming victims of this crime, considered the third most lucrative criminal business worldwide.
"These meetings are intended to raise awareness and train collaborators to identify suspicious situations and apply effective protocols to address them," Llibre explained.
"Given the growing influx of tourists to the Dominican Republic, it is increasingly important to promote ethical and responsible behavior among travelers," he said.
In the Dominican Republic, most victims are children and women from vulnerable areas.
"Human trafficking affects millions of people around the world, depriving them of their freedom, dignity and ability to lead full and independent lives," said Rebeca Latoreaca, director of the U.S. Agency for International Development.
Globally, approximately 27.6 million people were victims of trafficking in 2022. In addition, 80% of victims in the Dominican Republic are forced to work in the sex industry.
