United States Policy toward Trafficking in Persons: a Dossier

Key U.S. Policy Priorities

The movement to end trafficking in persons is more than a human rights objective; it is a matter of global security.

President Bush's National Security Strategy reaffirmed our belief that promoting democracy and human rights is the most effective long-term strategy for ensuring stability. Included in the Strategy's goals for ending tyranny, spreading freedom, and championing human dignity is our commitment to ending human trafficking: "Trafficking in persons is a form of modern-day slavery, and we strive for its total abolition. Future generations will not excuse those who turn a blind eye to it."

Human traffickers prey on the most vulnerable and turn a commercial profit at the expense of innocent lives. The State Department's efforts to end this evil trade exemplify transformational diplomacy. We work with international partners to secure the freedom of those who are exploited and call on governments to be effective and accountable in prosecuting those who exploit.

Secretary Rice announces the release of the Trafficking in Persons Report June 12 at the State Department. (Janine Sides/State Dept.)

Public Awareness of Human Trafficking Increasing, Rice Says (2007-06-12) U.S. efforts to raise awareness of trafficking in persons are paying off, and now millions more people know about the global problem, says Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. In introducing the State Department’s seventh annual Trafficking in Persons Report on June 12, Rice said human trafficking until recently was “akin to a global family secret. It was known but not often discussed publicly.” Rice said that in her travels around the world, she has noticed “a greater desire by our partners to fight this crime and protect its victims.” The United States, she said, is helping to lead a global movement “not just to confront this crime, but to abolish it. More and more countries are coming to see human trafficking for what it is -- a modern-day form of slavery that devastates families and communities around the world.” more | Letter from Rice, excerpts from introduction, U.S. anti-trafficking efforts | Trafficking in Persons Report 2007

Trafficking in Persons Report. Country Narrative: Belgium
 

Major US Government Statements

A select list of major statements On the United States and Iraq with policy value.

• Introduction to State Department’s Trafficking in Persons Report (2008-06-04)  
• Trafficking in Persons Report. Country Narrative: Belgium (2007-12-06)    
• The 2007 Trafficking in Persons Report (2007-06-12)    
• Trafficking in Persons Report. Country Narrative: Belgium. Released by the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (2007-06-12)    
• Police, Lawmakers Targeting Human Trafficking Worldwide (2006-06-05)    

Latest US Government Statements

The five most recent statements in reverse chronological order. 

• Human Smuggling a National Security Threat, Scholar Says (2008-07-09)
• Joining the Circus Is No Fun if You Are a Slave (2008-06-06)
• Two Filmmakers Shine a Bright Light on Child Sex Tourism (2008-06-06)
• Greek Activist Ventures into Brothels to Save Victims (2008-06-06)
• How One Brave Man Helped End Slavery in His Country (2008-06-06)

US Government Fact Sheets

The five most recent fact sheets.

• Global Effort Grows To Protect Children from Sex Crimes (2005-04-22)
• U.S. Cooperates with Europe to Combat Sex Trafficking (2005-01-06)  
• U.S. Plans Effort at U.N. to End Child Sex Trafficking (2004-09-15)
• State Department Calls Citizens to Action Against Human Trafficking (2004-08-09)    
• Tips for Recognizing Victims of Trafficking in Persons (2004-07-28)