Functions of the Council

(1) The functions of the Council shall be as follows– (a) coordinate the implementation of this Act, and formulate policies and programmes to prevent or suppress trafficking in persons, including the support and protection of victims of (b) develop, within one year of the commencement of this Act, a national action plan on the prevention and suppression of trafficking in persons including the support and protection of victims of trafficking in persons, the prosecution of offenders, training of personnel and thereafter to re vie w and update the national action plan every three years; (c) develop, coordinate and monitor the implementation of the national referral system for the proper identification of, assistance to and protection of victims of trafficking in persons including child victims, and to ensure that they receive adequate assistance and (d) monitor the immigration and emigration patterns in Belize to ascertain evidence of trafficking and to secure the prompt response 14 of government agencies to problems related to (e) formulate and coordinate measures to educate the public on preventative and protective measures for victims or potential victims of trafficking and the offences and the penalties under this Act; (f) facilitate cooperation with regional and international bodies in relation to trafficking in persons including the support and protection of victims of trafficking in persons; (g) advise the government on trafficking in persons including developments at regional and international levels; (h) collect and collate data and authorize research relating to prevention and suppression of (i) facilitate inter-agency and multidisciplinary cooperation between governments and non- governmental organizations; (j) act as a focal point for institutions engaged in prevention of trafficking in persons; (k) make recommendations to the Minister on all aspects of prevention and suppression of trafficking in persons; and (l) perform any other functions as directed by the Minister for the proper implementation of this Act. Trafficking In Persons (Prohibition) [CAP. 108:01 15 (2) In formulating policies and developing a national action plan to protect and provide support to the victims and for delivery of services, such policies and action plan shall take into consideration the age, gender and special needs of the victims and other related matters.