Managua – IOM, the UN Migration Agency donated technological and computer equipment to the National Coalition Against Trafficking in Persons. The material, handed over yesterday (05/04), will back the actions of prevention, investigation, and protection to victims, carried out by the government of Nicaragua.

A total of 25 desktop computers, five laptops, three professional cameras, 60 chairs, printers, among others, were delivered to improve the conditions and response capabilities for the fight against human trafficking.

The donated equipment was handed over to the Ministry of the Interior – coordinating agency of the National Coalition Against Human Trafficking-, the Public Prosecutor's Office, the Ministry for the Family, Children, and Adolescents, and the National Police.

In addition to the delivery of technological equipment to the institutions, the project also aims to carry out actions for the development of a personal institution, to improve the protection and protection capacity of the victims, and investigate cases of human trafficking.

Paola Zepeda, Head of the IOM Office in Nicaragua, explained that the trainings will be carried out at a central level, and then replicated at a local level, in the areas of most significant vulnerability to human trafficking. "It is fundamental to enhance safety nets at a local level in areas where there is a greater risk of a person being a victim of human trafficking and migrants smuggling; especially bearing in mind the emigration of Nicaraguans to other countries," Zepeda stated.

“Combating trafficking in persons is a priority for the Government of Nicaragua. We cannot be isolated from this type of criminal manifestations to which we are all committed to fight and not allow to settle in our territory" said Luis Cañas, Deputy Minister of the Interior. "Through these trainings, each institution of the National Coalition, according to its role, will do whatever necessary to be attentive to any manifestation of the crime of trafficking in persons."

The donation is part of a project financed by the IOM Development Fund, which seeks to contribute to the strengthening of the National Coalition Against Trafficking in Persons in Nicaragua. The activities of this project strengthen the capacities of specialized institutions for the provision of comprehensive services for the care and protection of victims, as well as for the investigation of cases and punishment of traffickers.

For more information, please contact Anabell Cruz Zavala at IOM Nicaragua, Tel: +505 22789569, Email amcruz@iom.int