The Anti-Human Trafficking Department was established by the Anti-Human Trafficking (Amendment) Act No. 16 of 2022. The Department was fully operationalized on 1st March 2024. It is a national coordinating body dedicated to combating human trafficking in all its forms. We lead efforts to prevent exploitation, protect victims, and support effective prosecution of offenders. Further, we work closely with government ministries, law enforcement agencies, civil society organisations, faith-based organisations, international partners and strengthen systems that safeguard vulnerable populations.

Our mandate includes awareness-raising, policy development, capacity building, victim support services, data management, and cross-border collaboration. Through strategic partnerships and community engagement, we strive to create a society where every person is safe, informed, and empowered. We remain committed to promoting dignity, restoring hope for survivors, and ensuring justice through a holistic and humane response to human trafficking.

The functions of the Department include:

(a) Co-ordinate activities of all relevant institutions on matters connected with trafficking in persons;

(b) Establish effective measures for the prevention and eradication of trafficking in persons;

(c) Investigate, arrest and prosecute cases of trafficking in persons;

(d) Sensitise and educate the public on dangers of trafficking in persons;

(e) Collect and share information related to trafficking in persons;

(f) Conduct research and recommend appropriate policies and laws related to trafficking

     in persons;

(g) Collaborate with Government agencies and non-governmental organisations to promote the rehabilitation and reintegration of victims;

 (h) Develop guidelines on the establishment of the status of a victim of trafficking in persons and certify for purposes of confirming the declaration of a status of a person as a victim of trafficking in persons and certify for purposes of confirming the declaration of a status of a person as a victim of trafficking in persons;

(i) Develop guidelines for disbursements from the Trafficking In Persons Fund; and

(j)Collaborate with a State institution, Government departments and international organisation on matters relating to trafficking in persons.