4.28 The Community will work with its international partners and encourage them to take current constraints into account when rating CARICOM states in Global Trafficking Reports, as inappropriate tier placement may have serious consequences, including sanctions, which can actually impede progress and reform. Strategic Lines of Action A CARICOM Expert Working Group on Human Trafficking will be established to develop policies, raise awareness and promote prevention programmes. CARICOM will continue to work closely with other key institutions involved in the fight against human trafficking; i. ii. The training of customs, judges, prosecutors, law enforcement and security officials in dealing effectively and appropriately with human trafficking cases will be encouraged; iii. Although regional governments have made strong commitments to combating the crime of trafficking in persons and have adopted and implemented policies of prevention, prosecution and victim protection, CARICOM urges Member States to adopt national action plans against trafficking in persons; iv. Member States are urged to establish and implement specialised law enforcement units devoted to trafficking in persons; and v. Government and law enforcement agencies cannot tackle human trafficking alone. CARICOM will therefore engage and initiate a regional network of NGOs with a view to setting up a NGO Observatory on Human Trafficking and Smuggling in the Region to help victims and support policy and strategy developments. Strategic Goal 13: Improving Resilience to Natural and Man Made Disasters 4.29 The Region must be ready to deal with major natural disasters. CARICOM is committed to further improving the ability of law enforcement and security agencies to respond effectively to natural disasters. Strategic Lines of Action Joint Operational civil defence response plans between the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), IMPACS, the RSS, and other strategic partners to respond to emergency should be pursued as a matter of urgency. It is essential to establish and enhance formal platforms consisting of civilian and military practitioners and disaster responders for effective coordination and information exchange. Disaster response and relief using security and defence capacities should build relationships that look beyond traditional command-and-control of forces. The stress should now be on coordination, collaboration, and communication. i. ii. CARICOM will support assessments of Member States’ preparedness for absorbing regional and foreign law enforcement and security assistance, including civil military coordinating structures and the status of forces agreements will also be pursued to ensure adequate and effective response to disasters; 47