The Ministry of Justice, together with the National Reporting Center (NRC), joins the European Union and its Member States in recognizing EU Anti-Trafficking Day, an annual call to action to confront and eliminate human trafficking in all its forms.
Human trafficking remains one of the world’s most pervasive organized and subversive crimes, affecting millions worldwide. This day highlights progress in prevention, prosecution, and protection, while emphasizing that combating trafficking requires vigilance, coordination, and sustained international collaboration.
Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling noted that Sint Maarten’s geographic and economic landscape creates both opportunities and responsibilities in this global effort.
“Trafficking does not respect borders. Our connection to the wider Kingdom and the EU makes cooperation not just strategic, but essential,” stated Minister Tackling. “Each partner within the Kingdom carries a shared duty to detect, prevent, and dismantle trafficking networks while ensuring protection and justice for survivors.”
At the national level, the National Reporting Center (NRC) serves as Sint Maarten’s official reporting point for victims and witnesses of human trafficking and human smuggling. The NRC provides advice, coordinates protection, and ensures that signs of exploitation reach the appropriate authorities. Working with both public and private partners, the NRC helps make Sint Maarten an increasingly unattractive environment for traffickers and smugglers.
“Sint Maarten stands firmly committed to eliminating human trafficking and smuggling from our society. These crimes demand a coordinated response from every corner of our community,” said National Coordinator Erling Hoeve. “Following consecutive Tier Three rankings by the U.S. Department of State, we have set a clear goal: to achieve Tier 2 Watchlist status within two years through a barrier-model approach focused on prevention, protection, prosecution, and partnership.”
The NRC provides a safe and confidential space for individuals to speak out against trafficking and smuggling, helping to bring perpetrators to justice while expanding the safety network for those in need. Its work continues to strengthen institutional coordination, improve expertise, and promote ethical practices across all sectors.
Earlier this year, the Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with the NRC, launched the “See Something, Say Something” campaign to empower residents and frontline workers to recognize and report potential cases of trafficking. This initiative complements the NRC’s mission and reinforces the Government’s commitment to prevention, protection, and accountability.
Through continued collaboration among the NRC, law enforcement, local and regional partners, and international organizations, Sint Maarten remains aligned with the broader anti-trafficking objectives of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the European Union.
The public is encouraged to learn more about human trafficking, how to recognize the signs, and how to take action by visiting www.nrc.sx. Anyone who suspects a potential case can report anonymously by emailing tip@nrc.sx or calling the NRC’s 24/7 Hotline at 9300. Every report, no matter how small, can help save a life and bring those responsible to justice.
https://www.sintmaartengov.org/news/Pages/Sint-Maarten-joins-the-European-Union-in-recognizing-Anti-Trafficking-Day.aspx
