US: Aruba advances against human trafficking, but protection falls short

ORANJESTAD — Aruba remains classified as Tier 2 in the US 2026 Trafficking in Persons Report. According to the report, the government has increased efforts to combat human trafficking but still falls short of minimum standards.

In 2025, authorities investigated five cases and identified seven victims, compared with four investigations and five presumed victims in 2024. The report also highlights a conviction under the anti-trafficking statute, described as the first since 2013. However, the offender received only a six-month suspended prison sentence and 200 hours of community service.

The report criticizes the lack of specialized shelters, insufficient psychological assistance and limited training for police and justice officials. Furthermore, Aruba's updated national anti-trafficking action plan has remained pending since 2023.

The United States also warns about the exploitation of vulnerable migrants in construction, tourism, retail and domestic work, as well as sexual exploitation. An investigation into a public official suspected of possible involvement is also mentioned.

The main finding is that Aruba has made progress in investigations and victim identification, but victim protection, effective punishment and prevention remain significant challenges.