WASHINGTON – The U.S. State Department’s 2025 Trafficking in Persons Report (TIP) has moved Curaçao up from the Tier 2 Watchlist to Tier 2, citing progress in tackling human trafficking. The upgrade acknowledges that the island is taking stronger action but warns that Curaçao still falls short of meeting international minimum standards.
According to the report, Curaçao secured its first trafficking conviction since 2020 in 2024. Authorities identified five victims – Colombian women – who were provided temporary shelter and basic care. A new safe house opened last year, funding for prevention and protection increased, and awareness campaigns were launched. The report also notes that an investigation was initiated into police officers suspected of involvement in trafficking activities.
Despite these steps, Washington stresses that major challenges remain. Victim support is often conditional: assistance is typically granted only if victims agree to cooperate in criminal proceedings. Residence permits are delayed, specialized shelter space is scarce, and coordination among agencies remains weak.
The report also criticizes the frequent confusion between human trafficking and human smuggling in Curaçao’s justice system, leading to flawed prosecutions and inadequate protection for victims.
The State Department made clear that the Tier 2 ranking is recognition of progress, but also a call for deeper reforms. U.S. officials recommend more prosecutions, tougher sentencing, and broader victim protections, especially for those unwilling or unable to testify in court.
Curaçao has announced a new 2024–2026 anti-trafficking strategy that aims to reach Tier 1 status. The plan focuses on prevention, early victim identification, and stricter punishment for traffickers. While Washington acknowledged this as a step in the right direction, the report emphasized that only consistent implementation will determine whether the island achieves full compliance.
The TIP Report is the U.S. government’s annual benchmark on global anti-trafficking efforts. Countries are ranked on how effectively they combat human trafficking, not on the scale of trafficking within their borders.
Tier 1: Full compliance with international standards.
Tier 2: Serious efforts underway, but standards not yet met – Curaçao’s current level.
Tier 2 Watchlist: Signs of commitment but limited measurable progress, often leading to downgrade.
Tier 3: Non-compliance and little to no effort, often triggering international pressure or sanctions.
For the U.S., Curaçao’s upgrade reflects promising progress, but the island’s reliance on conditional victim support and weak enforcement means Tier 1 remains a distant goal.
