On Tuesday – the eve of World Day against Human Trafficking – the Minister for Gozo Justyne Caruana and Parliamentary Secretary for Reform, Citizenship and Simplification of Administrative Processes Julia Farrugia Portelli, launched the Gozo campaign – Human Like you.

Dr Caruana spoke about the relevance of this theme and the importance of Gozo businesses being prepared for this modern challenge.

She also stressed that in view of the fact that the Gozitan economy is steadily creating job opportunities, it is even more important to ensure the dignity of each worker.

“Gozo is seeing an increase in jobs, with many being filled by foreign workers. Exploitation at the workplace prejudice the interests of those businesses that comply with their obligations under the law,” said Minister Caruana.

Parliamentary Secretary Julia Farrugia Portelli explained how the educational campaign on human trafficking aims to reach everyone concerned, including the private sector.

She went on to say that, awareness about human trafficking is the first step for businesses to also be participating in the strategy of the country to prevent this crime.

“Educational materials will be distributed as part of the campaign and will be targeted at employers. As we raise awareness about this issue among those working in Malta and Gozo, we must ensure that our industries are free from this problem,” said Parliamentary Secretary Farrugia Portelli.

Representatives of the business community in Gozo including members of the Gozo Business Chamber and the Gozo Tourism Association, attended today’s launch.

Several buildings in Gozo and Malta were illuminated in blue at the end of the event to mark the World Day against Human Trafficking.

The choice of this colour is inspired by the Blue Heart Campaign, which is the official United Nations campaign against human trafficking, the Ministry for Gozo said.

Photographs: MGOZ/George Scerri

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