GOVT TO STRENGTHEN TASKFORCE AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING

Jakarta, Dec 22 (ANTARA) - The government will strengthen the task force that deals with prevention and handling of human trafficking in 2011, Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Minister Linda Amalia Sari said.

"The strengthening of the task force is needed to overcome human trafficking especially of women and children," she said here on Wednesday.

She said the strengthening of the task force next year would be one of the main programs of her office.
She said 18 provinces have so far established the task force and the strengthening of the institution in the future was expected to be able to optimize the handling process.

The minister said she had already signed a memorandum of understanding relating to the task force with several other ministries such as the ministry of manpower, the ministry of social affairs, the ministry of health and the ministry of cooperatives and small businesses.

In 2011 she would sign another memorandum of understanding with other ministries concerned.

Linda said her office would continue to conduct education and training for women to prevent trafficking.