Trafficking in Persons Report 2006

AMBASSADOR FRANCIS ROONEY ON THE RELEASE OF THE 2006 TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS (TIP) REPORT 

Yesterday in Washington, D.C., Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice released the sixth annual U.S. Department of State Trafficking in Persons Report.

The 158-country report is the most comprehensive worldwide assessment of the efforts of governments to combat severe forms of trafficking in persons. It is intended to raise global awareness of the phenomenon, underscore the growing efforts of the international community to combat human trafficking, and encourage nations around the world to take effective actions against this assault on freedom and human dignity. Along with more than $400 million in international anti-trafficking assistance to date, the annual TIP Report is an important part of the U.S. commitment to work with international partners to fight trafficking.

Since 2002, the U.S. Embassy to the Holy See has made this fight a key focus of its mission. We have enjoyed a high level of cooperation with the Holy See and others in our work to eradicate modern-day slavery worldwide. Today we are more committed than ever to continuing our efforts, heeding the words of Pope Benedict XVI who has said that the world can ill afford to “overlook the scourge of human trafficking, which remains a disgrace in our time.”

We at the U.S. Embassy to the Holy See are pleased to note that this year’s report highlights the work of Kristina Misiniene, Founder and Coordinator of “Aid to the Victims of Trafficking and Prostitution” at Caritas Lithuania. She has been named as one of ten “Heroes in the Fight Against Modern-Day Slavery.” For her efforts, and those of so many unsung heroes, the millions of enslaved people around the world have a reason to hope.