2003 press releases

U.S. Embassy Statement on International Day to Combat Trafficking in Persons (September 23, 2003)

On the occasion of the International Day for Combating Sexual Exploitation and Trafficking in Women and Children, the Embassy of the United States of America wishes to recognize the efforts of non-governmental organizations in Belarus that are partners in the worldwide campaign to combat trafficking in persons.

The trafficking of human beings amounts to modern-day slavery whose victims suffer unspeakable indignities including physical and psychological abuse. Trafficking in persons is one of the most egregious violations of human rights facing the international community.

No country is immune from trafficking. A U.S. Government estimate indicates that approximately 800,000 – 900,000 people (men, women and children) are trafficked annually across international borders and 18,000 to 20,000 of those victims are trafficked to the United States. In October 2000, the U.S. Congress enacted the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA). The Act defines severe forms of trafficking in persons and requires the State Department to submit an annual report to Congress on the status of severe forms of trafficking as defined in the TVPA. The State Department's Trafficking in Persons Report is the most comprehensive worldwide report on the efforts of governments to combat severe forms of trafficking in persons.

During the past year, the Department of State's Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration funded a counter-trafficking project in Belarus implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM). IOM's office in Minsk used the funding to organize a national public awareness campaign which used public service announcements in print, radio and television media to inform the Belarusian public of the realities of trafficking crimes. In addition, IOM's office in Minsk has worked in Belarus' regions to train NGOs interested in working with and providing assistance to victims and potential victims of trafficking.

The Embassy is pleased to announce that this year IOM will receive another 230,000 U.S. dollars for counter-trafficking activities in Belarus from the Department of State's Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration. IOM's new project will build upon its experience in Belarus to develop reintegration assistance for victims and strengthen civil society's role in promoting public awareness about trafficking.

The Embassy commends the work of international and non-governmental organizations in Belarus and their commitment in the fight against trafficking in persons. Through continued partnership between governments, non-governmental organizations and the international community, it is our goal to protect and help victims, and prosecute those who treat people like commodities or keep them in slave-like conditions.