BAHAMAS-MIGRATION-Bahamas making trafficking in persons a priority -Minister.

NASSAU -- The Bahamas government says it has made trafficking in persons a priority because of its many unfortunate consequences and the threat it poses to national security. National Security Minister Bernard Nottage addressing the Joint Meeting of the Trafficking in Persons Inter-Ministry Committee and the National Trafficking in Persons Task Force said trafficking in persons is a heinous transnational crime that impacts thousands of persons the world over wreaking havoc on its victims.

It is accepted that trafficking in persons is modern day slavery. Its victims are men, women boys and girls who are recruited, transported and harboured by means of force or other forms of coercion, abduction, deception, fraud or abuse of power for the purpose of exploitation. The exploitation takes place mainly for sexual purposes or forced labour.

Nottage said that the reality is that many of the persons who are exploited for sexual purposes do not themselves realize that they are being trafficked and are viewed by the average citizen...