Colombo, Sri Lanka – December 23, 2024—In a groundbreaking collaboration, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL) have celebrated the successful completion of Sri Lanka’s first-ever certificate program in migration law and policy. Sixty-nine professionals from diverse backgrounds now stand equipped to combat human trafficking in their communities.
The six-month online course, part of USAID’s “Empowering Civil Society to Combat Human Trafficking” (ECCT) project, marked a significant partnership between the SAFE Foundation and OUSL. This initiative also represents the first time a civil society organization has partnered with a prominent Sri Lankan university to deliver an academic course on migration law.
Participants included government officials, journalists, youth activists, volunteers, and civil society members. The course, offered in both Sinhala and Tamil, ensured accessibility for professionals across the country. Fifty participants completed the course in Sinhala, while the remaining studied in Tamil. A ceremony on December 20 at the OUSL Department of Legal Studies in Nawala marked the official awarding of certificates.
“Human trafficking is a global problem, but the fight against it begins locally, in every community,” said Gabriel Grau, USAID Sri Lanka and Maldives Mission Director. “The United States is proud to partner with Sri Lankan institutions and local professionals, empowering them with the tools and knowledge to promote safe migration and curb human trafficking.”
The course curriculum delved into essential topics, including:
- Migration and state responsibility in the context of international frameworks.
- Legal mechanisms to address human trafficking and smuggling.
- Strategies to prevent irregular migration practices.
- Rights of victims, returnees, and reintegration policies.
By mastering these subjects, graduates are now better prepared to engage effectively with government and private sector officials, as well as communities at local and national levels. The certification also enhances their confidence and ability to drive meaningful change in anti-trafficking efforts.
The U.S. State Department’s 2024 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report acknowledged Sri Lanka’s progress in addressing human trafficking, maintaining the country’s Tier 2 status. However, the report emphasized the need for stronger actions, including prosecuting and investigating trafficking crimes and identifying victims among migrant workers.
This certificate program directly supports these objectives by fostering a network of knowledgeable professionals equipped to address these challenges. Graduates are poised to become catalysts for change, promoting safe migration practices and combating trafficking in their respective communities.
The collaboration between USAID and OUSL sets a precedent for future initiatives that blend academic rigor with practical action, paving the way for more effective, community-driven solutions to global challenges. As these 69 graduates take their newfound expertise into the field, the fight against human trafficking in Sri Lanka gains not just momentum but a powerful, educated workforce dedicated to making a difference.