Media Note
Office of the Spokesman
Washington, DC
December 1, 2005
United States Becomes Party to Anti-Trafficking Protocol: Marks Slavery Abolition DayOn Saturday, December 3, 2005, the United States will become an official party to the U.N. Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children, also known as the Palermo Protocol. This noteworthy event comes in conjunction with the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery on December 2, 2005.
The Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Protocol, which supplements the U.N. Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime, is an important multilateral component of the worldwide effort to combat modern-day slavery. It seeks to prevent trafficking, protect victims, and promote anti-trafficking cooperation among nations.
Deputy Director of the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons Paula Goode called the occasion a mile marker and one that further underscores the U.S. commitment to ending modern-day slavery. "The TIP Protocol provides another important tool to help in our effort to free more victims and jail more traffickers."
Human trafficking is a serious problem in the United States and throughout the world. Each year, an estimated 600,000 – 800,000 men, women and children are trafficked across international borders (including some 14,500 – 17,500 into the United States). Many trafficking victims are forced into prostitution, while others work in sweatshops or are subjected to other forms of involuntary servitude and exploitation.
The United States is committed to ending human trafficking to advance freedom for the world’s most vulnerable citizens.
For an interview with Deputy Director Paula Goode, please contact Public Affairs Specialist Caroline Tetschner at (202) 312-9648 or Gannon Sims at (202) 312-9893.
2005/1122
Released on December 1, 2005
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