The commitment of the United Nations Trinidad and Tobago to ending GBV continued shaping the organization’s transformative work throughout 2024, long after the completion of its dedicated GBV program – the Spotlight Initiative – in December 2023. Through a dual approach of bolstering institutional frameworks and providing direct support to vulnerable communities, United Nations partnerships played enhanced the systems and services required for GBV prevention and response.

In a culmination of its institutional-strengthening work under the Spotlight Initiative, UN Women supported the Office of the Prime Minister – Gender and Child Affairs with the finalization and launch of the cabinet-approved, National Strategic Action Plan (NSAP) on GBV & Sexual Violence (2023–2027). The first of its kind, this comprehensive, costed framework is designed to address violence against women and girls through sustained technical and financial assistance across public sector programming. To ensure the viability and sustainability of the National Strategic Action Plan, UN Women aided the Ministry with the establishment of a robust governance structure comprising a Joint National Steering Committee and a Technical Working Group. UN Women also built capacity across 34 national and regional partners to develop financing strategies and advocate for gender-responsive policies, thereby equipping participating entities with the skills required to oversee effective execution of the National Strategic Action Plan. A GBV workshop held on 9 December 2024, further enhanced the skills of the Committee members – a multi-sectoral grouping drawn from government, civil society and the private sector.
UNHCR and its partner, La Casita Hispanic Cultural Center, supported 178 GBV survivors with case management, safe shelter, mental health and psychosocial support services, and empowerment activities. Seventy-six people were trained by UNHCR on GBV prevention, risk mitigation and response. Together, these efforts demonstrate that prevention of violence remains a pillar of the United Nations’ development cooperation with Trinidad and Tobago, extending not only to strengthening institutional capacity but also to delivering essential services to individuals.

Strengthening GBV prevention and response across the Caribbean, UNFPA has advanced integrated initiatives to support vulnerable women and girls in Trinidad and Tobago while fostering regional behavioral change. In 2024, UNFPA in close collaboration with the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, and key national stakeholders including the Office of the Prime Minister – Gender and Child Affairs, the National AIDS Coordinating Committee and the Ministry of Local and Rural Development, expanded access to essential GBV services and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) support. As part of this effort, 250 dignity kits containing vital hygiene supplies were distributed to women in rural and marginalized communities, including refugees, persons with disabilities and GBV survivors, ensuring their dignity and well-being during crises. In addition, 250 women and girls received critical GBV and SRH information alongside referrals to life-saving services.

Complementing these direct support measures, UNFPA also strengthened regional capacity to address GBV through the Caribbean Model for Behavior and Cultural Change (CMBCC). In partnership with the University of the West Indies, a capacity-building workshop equipped over 20 civil society organizations and government representatives – including 23 participants from Trinidad and Tobago – with the skills necessary to implement community-based interventions. This workshop laid the groundwork for promoting positive social norms, deepening understanding of behavioral drivers of GBV and advancing effective intervention strategies. With support from Global Affairs Canada, these integrated efforts not only provide immediate support and services for at-risk populations but also drive long-term social and behavioral change, reinforcing safer, more inclusive communities across the Caribbean.

The capacity-building initiatives of IOM enhanced the ability of 100 local stakeholders to identify and respond effectively to victims of trafficking through specialized training on TIP, victim care, case management, age assessment, PSEA and self-care. Additionally, 37 participants completed Training of Trainers sessions, equipping them to deliver basic TIP and victim care training within their organizations. TIP Shelter Management Training in January 2024 strengthened the skills of 38 stakeholders in shelter management, with a focus on PSEA, gender sensitivities, cultural awareness and staff well-being. In March 2024, IOM partnered with the Red Cross Society and medical experts to provide first aid and medical screening training, covering cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), wound care and emergency response. These efforts contribute to the development of institutional mechanisms, including a TIP Roadmap/Strategy, and align with Trinidad and Tobago’s Vision 2030 human capital development goals. By enhancing the capacity of service providers and institutionalizing standardized processes for identification, referral and case management, these initiatives strengthen national governance mechanisms to protect human rights, combat trafficking and support the rehabilitation of survivors.

In 2024, UN Women played a pivotal role in strengthening Trinidad and Tobago’s commitment to the Women, Peace and Security Agenda by providing technical expertise and fostering multi-sectoral collaboration. Women, Peace and Security is a Gender Equality Accelerator, initiated by a landmark United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, aimed at increasing peace and security through women’s leadership and inclusion in violence prevention, peace-making, and gender-responsive justice and protection. Recognizing UN Women’s leadership in this field, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago
invited the agency to join a Cabinet-appointed advisory group to develop the country’s first National NAP on Women, Peace and Security. UN Women supported the enhancement of national and regional capacity, equipping 30 government and civil society focal points with the tools to develop high-impact NAPs.

Furthering stakeholder engagement, UN Women facilitated consultations with nine civil society organizations in Trinidad and Tobago, incorporating their insights into the final plan while increasing awareness of the Women, Peace and Security Agenda. Submitted to the Government in November 2024, NAP integrates global best practices to address human security challenges including gender-based violence, crime and social cohesion to benefit all women and girls. UN Women continues to mobilize
resources and provide technical support to ensure the plan’s effective implementation, reinforcing the country’s leadership in promoting gender-responsive peacebuilding and sustainable development in the region.

UNICEF advanced child protection in Trinidad and Tobago by enhancing institutional capacity and expanding services for vulnerable children and families. The roll-out of the Primero Child Protection Information Management System streamlined case management for over 5,000 cases, improving service coordination and decision-making across sectors. To bolster mental health and psychosocial support, UNICEF piloted the U Matter text line for children and adolescents, with plans for regional expansion. Additionally, 66 community volunteers and 159 frontline workers were trained under the Return to Happiness program, enabling support for 1,906 children affected by emergencies. UNICEF also strengthened legal protections for migrant children by supporting birth registration and comprehensive case management services for at-risk minors, including trafficked and unaccompanied children. These initiatives reinforce Trinidad and Tobago’s commitment to safeguarding children, ensuring access to protection, mental health support and essential services.

The UNDP partnership on the Caribbean and European Union on Justice project made significant progress in modernizing Trinidad and Tobago’s criminal justice system through technology enhancements, capacity building and improved coordination. A key milestone was the proclamation of the Administration of Justice (Indictable Proceedings) Act in December 2023, simplifying legal procedures for indictable matters. To support this transition, the project provided ICT equipment to the judiciary, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, enabling virtual court operations and improved case management. Procurement efforts continue with additional equipment expected for the Trinidad and Tobago Prisons Service and other key institutions in 2025 to optimize digital case management systems. UNDP further strengthened justice sector coordination through the Criminal Justice Interoperability Platform, fostering seamless collaboration among institutions for case progression and secure information sharing. These efforts align with the UNMSDCF strategy to enhance governance mechanisms, ensuring a more efficient, transparent and effective justice system in Trinidad and Tobago.

Efforts to combat firearms trafficking and enhance forensic capabilities in Trinidad and Tobago were advanced through the Caribbean Firearms Roadmap supported by the Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNLIREC) and CARICOM IMPACS. A regional monitoring and evaluation series strengthened government capacity to develop NAPs and improve reporting mechanisms in alignment with SDG 16. Additionally, 33 officials from law enforcement, legal and scientific institutions completed specialized training in combating arms and ammunition trafficking, equipping them with strategies to improve arms control and prevent illicit manufacturing and brokering. Forensic investigations received a critical boost with the donation of a Firearms and Tool Marks Comparison Microscope to the Trinidad and Tobago Forensic Science Centre, enhancing the capacity of 23 scientific officers to analyze ballistic evidence from shooting incidents, including homicides. To support firearm control at the legislative level, UNODC facilitated the review of the proposed Firearms Bill with an emphasis on incorporating participant feedback, and identifying necessary bylaws, regulations, and procedures to support its implementation. These initiatives, in collaboration with the Ministry of National Security, position governance mechanisms to more effectively tackle firearm-related crimes and curb violence.

The CT TECH initiative, implemented by the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) with support from the International Criminal Police Organization and funding from the European Union, has significantly strengthened the capacities of law enforcement and criminal justice authorities to address the exploitation of new and emerging technologies for terrorist purposes while leveraging these technologies to combat terrorism. The initiative integrated human rights and gender mainstreaming across all activities, ensuring that counter-terrorism measures protect digital rights and empower marginalized groups, including women and youth. Two capacity-building events benefitted 29 Trinidad and Tobago officials, including 14 women, from the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of National Security, the Office of the Attorney General and the Ministry of Legal Affairs, as well as from other judicial and security organizations. Gender parity targets to ensure more than 40 per cent women participants were met. The workshop enabled Trinidad and Tobago to complete their national threat and risk assessment of the use of new technologies for terrorist purposes. The United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism will continue its support for integrating this assessment into the national incident classification matrix.

In 2024, Trinidad and Tobago advanced its efforts to prevent and eliminate child labor, aligning with its international commitments and the 2030 Agenda. In addition to commemorating the World Day Against Child Labor, ILO, in collaboration with various Government partners and the National Steering Committee, supported a national strategy that strengthened institutional capacity and public engagement. A key component was the Child Labour Ambassadors Programme, which engaged seven secondary schools across the country. Locations included Blanchisseuse, Carapichaima, Debe and Toco where 31 student ambassadors were appointed to advocate against child labor. ILO also facilitated national consultations to refine hazardous and light work lists, and organized South-South knowledge exchanges with Brazil to improve child labor data collection. These initiatives enhanced the evidence base for policy development. Looking ahead to 2025, awareness campaigns will continue alongside the recruitment of a consultant to support the Ministry of Labor and the National Steering Committee in developing a comprehensive national Child Labor Policy. This policy will reinforce Trinidad and Tobago’s broader child protection framework, ensuring a systematic approach to eradicating child labor.