Combatting child trafficking in Sri Lanka

by Sushetha Gopallawa, Senior Manager-Counter Trafficking, Save the Children Sri Lanka

The scale of human trafficking in Sri Lanka has risen alarmingly, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing economic crisis that has shaken the country since early 2022.

As a nation, Sri Lanka serves both as a source and destination for trafficked individuals, including vulnerable children who are forced into labour and commercial sexual exploitation. Today, I want to share our efforts at Save the Children to counteract this growing crisis and highlight the work Save the Children Sri Lanka is doing to build resilience and protect our children.

UNDERSTANDING THE SCALE OF THE PROBLEM

The gravity of child trafficking in Sri Lanka cannot be overstated. Between June 2023 and June 2024, he Government of Sri Lanka identified 95 trafficking victims in the past year[1], including five girls and three boys.

However, many cases of child trafficking still remain unreported, leaving child victims of trafficking without the support they desperately need for recovery and reintegration.

Trafficking and exploitation are particularly rampant in the tourism sector, where children are trafficked to cities for domestic work and sexual exploitation. This situation underscores the urgent need for comprehensive action to protect our most vulnerable citizens.

OUR COMMITMENT

At Save the Children, we are deeply committed to combating child trafficking. Since 2018, we have been working on multiple fronts to strengthen the fight against this heinous crime. Our efforts include two major projects: the Strengthening Counter-Trafficking Efforts (SCOUT) and the Strengthening Government and CSO Capacity to Combat Trafficking in Persons and Create Greater Impact (IMPACT), both funded by the U.S. Department of State.

Under the IMPACT project, we focus on supporting frontline actors with the tools, resources, and technical assistance needed to support child trafficking victims effectively. We’ve developed comprehensive training materials, including a Training of Trainers (TOT) manual on the Identification, Protection, and Referral of Child Victims of Trafficking (CVOTs). These tools are designed to strengthen systems and ensure that child victims receive the protection and support they need.

STRENGTHENING SYSTEMS AND BUILDING CAPACITY

Our work involves close collaboration with government entities and local partners to address gaps in the current system.

We have supported the establishment of multi-stakeholder coordination mechanism that brings together key actors from government and the tourism sector to prevent and address child trafficking. Through this approach, we aim to enhance the identification, protection, and referral mechanisms for child victims of trafficking.

A critical aspect of our efforts is building capacity at both the national and community levels. We work with government officials on enforcing existing legal frameworks and developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for detecting, investigating, and prosecuting child trafficking and related organized crimes.

To support caregivers from care institutions for Children Victims of Trafficking, Save the Children has developed an Advanced Certificate in Human Rights Based Approach to Case Management. These procedures provide practical tools and resources to local and national officers, police, first responders, and civil society actors.

THE PATH FORWARD: A CALL TO ACTION

The fight against child trafficking is complex and multifaceted, requiring a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach. To effectively combat this crime, we must enhance collaboration among law enforcement, juvenile justice, child protection services, care institutions, and civil society organizations. By working together, we can strengthen our collective efforts and create a safer environment for our children.

We urge everyone to join us in this critical mission. Whether through advocacy, support, or spreading awareness, your contribution can make a significant difference. Let us unite to protect our children, build resilience in our communities, and ensure a brighter future for all.

[1] U.S. Department of State’s Trafficking in Persons Report for 2024, https://www.state.gov/reports/2024-trafficking-in-persons-report/sri-lanka/