Guyana has welcomed its continued Tier 1 ranking in the 2025 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report issued by the United States Department of State, describing the designation as a reflection of its “serious and sustained effort” to combat human trafficking.

In a press release issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs on October 1, Minister of Home Affairs Hon. Oneidge Walrond called the Tier 1 status “evidence of the Government’s unwavering dedication and effective action” in addressing trafficking in persons. The ranking marks the ninth consecutive year Guyana has achieved the highest classification in the annual report, which evaluates global efforts to eliminate human trafficking.

Minister Walrond credited the achievement to the coordinated work of the Ministerial Taskforce on Trafficking in Persons, civil society stakeholders, non-governmental organizations, and international partners. “Our comprehensive approach includes safeguarding vulnerable populations, increasing training and awareness, intensifying spot inspections and anti-trafficking operations,” she said. “Through the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, we continue to provide robust support and protection to victims and survivors, pursue relentless prosecution of offenders, and foster strong partnerships both locally and internationally.”

Hon. Oneidge Walrond, Minister of Home Affairs

The 2025 TIP Report commended Guyana for several key advancements, including an increased prosecution rate, the successful conviction of a sex trafficker with an ordered restitution payment, and enhanced collaboration with foreign governments to investigate trafficking cases. The report also noted expanded funding for protection and prevention efforts.

The report made twelve priority recommendations for Guyana to enhance its anti-trafficking framework. Among these were increasing prosecutions and convictions, particularly in cases involving child victims; eliminating recruitment fees for workers; expanding labour inspections in high-risk sectors such as mining and logging; and enforcing restitution orders in a timely manner. The report also recommended that the government proactively screen vulnerable groups, including migrants, for indicators of trafficking and ensure that convicted traffickers and complicit officials receive appropriate penalties.

Minister Walrond emphasized that the government is “firmly committed” to addressing these recommendations with urgency. “We are deploying advanced policies, rigorous monitoring, and strengthened partnerships to disrupt trafficking networks and safeguard victims,” she said.

The Ministry of Home Affairs encouraged members of the public to report suspicious activities to the Counter-Trafficking in Persons 24/7 Hotline at 227-4083, 623-5030, or 624-0079 (Spanish), or directly to any agency on the Ministerial Taskforce on Trafficking in Persons.

Guyana’s Tier 1 status places it among a select group of countries recognized for meeting the minimum standards to combat trafficking, while continuing to build on its national response.