Human Trafficking USANick Yun

Background INFO

14,500 to 17,500 people, primarily women and children, are trafficked to the U.S. annually.

US is strongly committed to combatting trafficking domestically and internationally.

History

US Department of State began monitoring trafficking in persons in 1994, when the issue began to be covered in the Department’s Annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices.

Originally focused on women trafficking for sexual uses, but broadened to children and men for all forms of forced labor.

International

The Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking was created in the State Department

provides millions of dollars in grants to organizations all over the world

implemented several programs to combat trafficking including:

disseminating information on the dangers of trafficking

strengthening the capacity of non-governmental organizations to protect those groups from abuse and violence

outreach and economic opportunity programs for those most at risk of being trafficked.

International

US has assisted countries to enact anti-trafficking legislation, trained law enforcement officials, prosecutors, border guards, and judicial officers.

US has provided equipment for anti--trafficking police equipment.