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Mrs. Ann Marie Davis World Day against Trafficking in Persons 2024 Public Awareness Campaign
Nassau, Bahamas – On July 30, 2024, Mrs. Ann Marie Davis of the Office of the Prime Minister’s Spouse said in her official address to the 2024 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons public awareness campaign that human trafficking is a horrific violation of human rights and dignity.
“As we gather here today, we must reflect on the lives destroyed by this horrific crime and reaffirm our resolve to eradicate it from our society,” she said at the event at Marathon Centre Court Shopping Centre.
In attendance were the Acting Minister of National Security and Minister responsible for Disaster Preparedness and Management, the Honourable Leon Lundy, Acting Permanent Secretary of the Department of National Security, Bridget Hepburn, and various stakeholders.
Mrs Davis noted that the theme chosen by the UNODC for this year, “No Child Left Behind in the Fight against Human Trafficking”, resonates “deeply” with the mission of the Prime Minister’s wife’s office.
“Our role is to work towards protecting vulnerable groups within the community, especially women and children, and combat the devastating effects of gender-based violence and violence against women and children,” she said.
Ms. Davis noted that children are the most vulnerable victims of human trafficking, and sometimes their families are lured and deceived, and children are robbed of their innocence and exploited. She pointed out that the destruction inflicted on these young lives is intense and lasting, often leaving lifelong scars.
“As a Bahamian society, we have a moral and ethical obligation to ensure that no child is left behind and that every child is protected and grows up free from fear and violence,” she said.
Mrs Davis said the Prime Minister’s wife’s office was firmly committed to the cause.
“My office has worked with various government and non-governmental organizations to build a comprehensive network of care and protection,” she said. “However, we realize that awareness alone is not enough. We must also equip our communities with the tools and resources they need to properly respond to this abuse.”
“Today, I call on everyone to actively participate in this fight.”
Mrs. Davis told the gathering that their voices and vigilance were needed in the Bahamas. Working together, she said, they could create a society “where children are cherished and protected, where their dreams are nurtured and where their rights are upheld.”
“We must remember that behind every statistic is a person – a child with hopes and aspirations, a child who deserves to grow up in a safe and just world,” Ms. Davis said. “We must amplify their voices and persevere in our fight for their rights.”
She added: “Finally, let us leave this gathering with a renewed sense of purpose and resolve. Let us resolve to leave no child behind and to work until the atrocity of human trafficking is eradicated from our societies. Together, we can make a difference.
“We want every child to be free to dream, free to grow, and free to live fearlessly.”
(BIS Photo/Eric Rose)
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