It said a multidisciplinary approach is needed to understand the problems and their causes, and identify the processes and the people involved.

According to Caritas, human trafficking in PNG is a very complex problem given its variety of forms, the situation of the victims and the nature of criminals who perpetrate the abuses. 

A recent report showed that several foreign multinational companies carry out activities not foreseen in their licenses and contrary to the laws of PNG.

Caritas PNG suggested two practical solutions.

Firstly, it called for prompt judicial proceedings against traffickers and those who benefit from them at different levels. 

Caritas also calls for greater cooperation and awareness on human trafficking and the defence of victims, both at the national and international levels through cooperation among government networks, businesses, religious communities and civil society.

In a related development, Human Rights Watch recently reported there had been no improvement regarding violence, domestic abuse, corruption and foreign debt in 2019.

HRW’s annual report noted that weak enforcement of the law and a lack of accountability fostered a culture of impunity and lawlessness.