MESSAGE OF AMB. JOHN MILLER

Office to Combat and Monitor Trafficking in Persons
U.S. State Department

On the occasion of DAWN's 10 th Year Anniversary

February 10, 2006

On behalf of Ambassador John Miller, it is my pleasure to congratulate all of you today for your tireless work to help combat trafficking in persons, which is really a euphemism for modern-day slavery.

“President George W. Bush has made the fight to abolish human trafficking a high priority, and the U.S. Government seeks to assist the Philippines in its struggle against this modern form of slavery.

Whatever cruel form of servitude they may take, trafficking victims live in fear and misery. And wherever the trafficking trade flourishes, the rule of law erodes, corruption thrives, public health suffers and organized crime threatens the security of entire communities.

Since fiscal year 2003, The U.S. Government has provided more than two point six million dollars to assist NGOs such as the Visayan Forum Foundation, International Justice Mission, Coalition against Trafficking in Women (CATW-AP), National Office of Mass Media (NOMM), End Child Prostitution and Trafficking (ECPAT), the Development Action for Women Network (DAWN), and others to combat human trafficking. I am pleased to report that we recently received more than a dozen proposals for anti-human trafficking projects in 2006, and we are carefully reviewing them. The U.S. and the Philippines have a long history of cooperative work and allied partnerships. We are proud of our past efforts and look forward to continued allegiances as we work together to help end human trafficking.

The Philippines has a comprehensive anti-trafficking law that gives law enforcement officials the tools they need to fight traffickers and there has been initial progress in prosecuting cases under this law. The continuing partnership between non-governmental organizations and law enforcement agencies is critical to facilitating investigations and obtaining successful prosecutions. The key to successfully eradicating modern-day slavery is forming a strong coalition of diverse players ranging from non-governmental organizations to first responders including police officers to social workers who can aid victims. We are extremely fortunate to have this important mix of key players working together here in the Philippines . We want to thank all of you for your hard work in making your democracy vibrant and successful, and making a difference for your citizens.

Trafficking in persons is a global problem, requiring close cooperation with governments and citizens around the world. The United States and the American people look forward to the day when all people may be free from all forms of human servitude and exploitation. As George W. Bush said in his second inaugural address, “No one is fit to be a master and no one deserves to be a slave.”

Delivered by Mr. Timothy Cipullo Political Officer, Embassy of the United States of America