The State Department agrees that slavery is a problem. Should we send this to “Newsy Neighbors”?
U.S. Releases Report on Modern-Day Slavery; Rice Says Problem No Longer a “Global Family Secret”
WASHINGTON (June 12, 2007) – Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice today named nations which have made great strides in the world’s fight to end modern slavery. The list was made public at the release of the 2007 Trafficking in Persons Report, an annual assessment of efforts to stop the enslavement of people, mostly women and children.
“Despite these serious concerns, much in this year’s report should give us hope,” Secretary Rice said. “For example, Georgia, Hungary Slovenia and Israel have all made major improvements, as have Taiwan and countries like Indonesia, Brazil, Bolivia, Peru and Jamaica.”
How Bad Is the Problem?
The U.S. estimates that 800,000 people were victims of slavery last year. Many victims were promised exciting job opportunities, only to be forced into a life of prostitution, hard labor, domestic servitude or war. Modern slavery victims can be found in every nation in the world – including the U.S.
What is America Doing to Stop Human Trafficking?
Last year, the U.S. Government contributed more than $74 million to fight human trafficking in 70 countries. That has amounted to more than $448 million, since 2001.”When we first began tackling this issue several years ago, the idea of human trafficking was akin to a global family secret – it was known, but not often discussed publicly,” Secretary Rice said.
“I am proud that our office in just a few short years has brought global attention to this problem. Millions more people know about human trafficking today than when the first report was issued in 2001 and we hope that this greater awareness translates into greater prevention.”
How Can I Learn More?
The 2007 Trafficking in Persons Report is available online. Please
visit: http://www.state.gov/g/tip/rls/tiprpt/2007/
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Office of Intergovernmental Affairs
U.S. Department of State
Tel: 202-647-5358
Email: paiga@state.gov
Internet: http://www.state.gov/r/pa/iga/