Is longertrump trump. Ka this is about 30 minutes. Good morning. Welcome to the department of state. We have quite the full room. I am the ambassador at large for the office to monitor and combat trafficking in persons. You all for joining us today for the release of the 17th annual trafficking in persons report thank you all for joining us of theor the release 17th annual trafficking in persons report. I was looking for a copy to hold up because im a prosecutor and i like my props. First, secretary of state tillerson will share keynote additionalllowing remarks by advisor to the president , ivanka trump. The event concludes, ill invite you to pick up your own copy of the report. It is an honor to be here this morning with secretary tillerson and ms. Trump, and i thank you both for elevating the issue of Human Trafficking. Now, ladies and gentlemen, secretary of state rex tillerson. [applause] secretary tillerson thank you so much, susan, and thank you to you all for joining us. I want to thank senator corker from the Senate Foreign relations committee, who is here with us this morning. Thank you. This really illustrates the dedication to combating Human Trafficking and the commitment of our country that we have this joint effort under way across the entire United States government, and i also want to thank ambassador coppage for heror coppedge 16year career devoted to this issue. [applause] tillerson i also know that she does not do this alone. We are thankful to her staff and Many State Department colleagues in our cities and consulate offices who help with the preparation of this report, but more importantly, they encourage governments to progress their efforts to combat Human Trafficking. Finally, i want to recognize the survivors of Human Trafficking as well as representatives of and International Organizations with us here today. Thank you for being here for the rollout of this report. Before i get to my prepared , i thought it useful to go back and read the original reason why we do this. This is the victims of traffic and violence protection act of 2000. That is really where this all began. I think it is useful to remind us why we are here this morning, why we are gathered in this room , and what the United States government and the people of the United States are really trying to express. Preamble back to the to this act, i think it really sums it up well. It says the purpose of this act is to combat trafficking in the contemporary manifestation of slavery, whose victims are predominantly women and children, to ensure just and effective punishment of traffickers and to protect the victims. I want to be just one more line. As the 21st century begins, the degrading is the tuition of slavery continues throughout the world. That is why we are here this morning. Then the act goes on to require that the state department prepare this annual report to make an assessment of how governments around the world are taking action to address this. I think it is really through motivatedat this act and what the state department is doing as it meets its obligation as we are identifying first where the problems are, how the problems manifest themselves because they continue to evolve and take on new characteristics. How do we then work with governments to cause them to put in place laws that allow them to then pursue those who participate in these various forms of Human Trafficking . How do we encourage governments to enforce those laws and begin to hold people accountable . Lastly, how do we create the conditions for the victims or potential victims of Human Trafficking so theyre able to come forward in a nonthreatening way and help us understand better how this is occurring. Its really the result of what we do that matter. The report is an important tool to help us understand and help us help other governments understand, but at the end of it, it is the individual. Our abilitytim and to prevent others from being victimized. Human trafficking is as old as humankind. Regretfully. It has been with us for centuries and centuries. But in the expression of this act as i read that line to you, it is our hope to 21st century will be the last century of Human Trafficking, and that is what we are all committed to. [applause] secretary tillerson regrettably, our challenge is enormous. Today, globally, its estimated there are 20 million victims of Human Trafficking, so, clearly, we have a lot of work to do and governments around the world have a lot of work to do. So let me now make a few comments on the report and why it is so important. Obviously, the consequences of our failure to act in this area has so many other negative impacts around the world. It breeds corruption, undermines the rule of law, erodes the core values that underpin a Civil Society. Transnational criminal networks ,lso, if they are drug dealers money lotteries, or document , are participating in Human Trafficking activities as well. State actors or nonstate actors use Human Trafficking to become a threat to our national security. North korea, for instance, depends on forced labor to generate illicit sources of revenue in Industries Including mining and food processing. An estimated 50,000 to 80,000 north korean citizens are working overseas as forced laborers, primarily in russia and china, many working 20 hours a day. Their pay does not come to them directly. It goes to the government of korea, which confiscates most of that, obviously. The north korean regime receives hundreds of millions of dollars fruits ofrom the forced labor. Responsible nations simply cannot allow this to go on, and any nation posting workers from north korea in a forced labor arrangement to send people home. To tiers downgraded three status in this years report, in part because it has not taken serious steps to end its own complicity in. Rafficking American Consumers and business may also recognize they may have an unwitting connection to Human Trafficking. Supply chains creating many that americans enjoy may be utilizing forced labor. The state department does engage with this in us is to alert them to these situations so that they can take actions on their own to ensure that they are not in any way complicit. Most tragically, Human Trafficking praise on the most ,ulnerable Young Children boys and girls, separating them from their families often to be exploited, forced into prostitution or sex slavery. The state Department Cost the state Department Costs the report holdsents them accountable. The focus of this years report is government responsibilities under the palermo protocol to criminalize Human Trafficking in all of its forms and to prosecute offenders. Countries that are not a party to the International Protocol to prevent, suppress, and punish trafficking persons to reconsider their position and join the other countries who have made that commitment. Report also emphasizes governments must put forward andher anticorruption laws enforce them so that traffickers do not get a free pass for those who choose to turn a blind eye. Musttantly, nations educate Law Enforcement partners on how to identify and respond to those who dishonorably where the Law Enforcement uniform or the military uniform by allowing trafficking to flourish. Devastating examples are Police Officers and those whom we rely upon to protect us, that they become complicit through bribery, by actually working in brothels themselves, or obstructing investigations for their own profit. Complicity and corruption allows Human Trafficking from Law Enforcement officials must end. We know shutting down these networks is challenging, but these challenges cannot serve as an excuse for inaction. The 2017 report also recognizes those governments making progress. We want to give them credit for what they are doing. Last year, governments reported more than 9000 convictions of Human Trafficking crimes worldwide, up from past years. Few to mention a highlights, last july, the president of afghanistan ordered an investigation into institutionalized sexual abuse of children by Police Officers, including punishment for perpetrators. Wasanuary, a new law enacted criminalizing a practice that exploits boys for social and sexual entertainment. The government continues to investigate, prosecute, and convict traffickers, including complicit government officials. In the ukraine, a country that has been on the watchlist for years, the office of the prosecutor general issued directives to improve investigations of trafficking and increased efforts to root out complicity, including convictions of Police Officers. A teacher at a governmentrun school, governmentrun boarding school for orphans has been arrested or trying to sell a child, and officials are now on notice that complicity in trafficking will be met with strict punishment. Efforts to combat trafficking had led to the investigation of more than 500 trafficking cases and the arrest from2, an 80 increase 2015. Problem, scale of the though, all of these countries and many more have much to do, but it is important to note their progress and encourage their continued commitment. Other forms of illicit crime, Human Trafficking is becoming more nuanced and more difficult to identify. Much of these activities are going underground, and they are going online. The state department is committed to continuing to agenciesith other u. S. As well as our partners abroad new approaches to follow these activities wherever they go and to train Law Enforcement to help them improve their technologies to investigate and prosecute these crimes. To that end, i am pleased to highlight a state Department Initiative announced earlier this year the program to end modern slavery will increase funding for prosecution, protection, and prevention efforts to reduce the occurrence of modern slavery were ever it is most prevalent. The program is the result of the important support of congress, especially from chairman corker, and other leaders committed to bringing people out from under what is a crime against basic human rights. The program to end modern slavery will fund transformational programs but raiseet about to commitments of 1. 5 billion dollars in supports from other governments and private donors while developing the capacity of foreign governments and Civil Society to work to end modern slavery in their own countries. On this years reports on the state of Human Trafficking the world over, we recognize those dedicated individuals who have committed their lives and in some cases put their lives at risk in pursuit of ending modern slavery. For many victims, theres is the first face of hope they see after weeks or even years of fear and pain. Heroes will be recognized formally in just a few minutes, but i want to thank them and express my own admiration for their courage, leadership, sacrifice, and devotion to ending Human Trafficking. [applause] secretary tillerson as we honor these heroes, we remember that everyone everyone has a role to play. Governments, ngos, private sector, survivors, and most of all, the american people. All must continue to Work Together to make Human Trafficking and in the 21st century. Now, please join me in welcoming and advocate for ending Human Trafficking and someone who is doing a great deal to raise the profile of this issue, advisor to the president of the united ivy ms. Ivy trump ivanka trump. Trump thank you, secretary tillerson, for the warm welcome. It is an honor to join you in the entire state department here today who work tirelessly to remove the ugly stain on civilization that is Human Trafficking. We are grateful for your continued dedication. Also with us this senator corker. I want to thank you for your unwavering commitment to this issue. [applause] it is an honor to be here today at the release of this years trafficking in persons report and to recognize this years hero. Inspireskable work action. Thank you for affording us the opportunity to learn from your impressive example. Human trafficking is a pervasive human rights issue affecting millions, no matter their gender, age, or nationality. It is often a profoundly secret crime, what is the greatest thosenges is to identify trapped in modern slavery. Even conservative estimates conclude that some 20 Million People around the world, including right here in the trapped ines, are Human Trafficking situations. Terrible circumstances of exploitation, including so many young girls and boys who are victims of unthinkable tragedy of child sex trafficking. The stories of those we honor today demonstrate why combating these crimes here in the United States as well as around the globe is in both our moral and strategic interests. As secretary tillerson noted earlier, ending Human Trafficking is a major foreignpolicy priority for the trump administration. Over the past several months, the white house has hosted roundtables and listening sessions with victims, with ngo s, members of congress, and others to determine steps we can take to better execute a strategy to finally end Human Trafficking. The president signed an executive order designed to strengthen the enforcement of federal law with regard to transnational criminal organization, including traffickers. Further, he has taken steps to ensure that the department of Homeland Security personnel are properly trained to combat child trafficking of points of entry in the United States. This years report emphasizes the responsibility of governments have to prosecute human traffickers. It also provides an opportunity for countries to see how others are fighting Human Trafficking the most effective strategies and tactics while renewing their own resolve in the struggle. On a personal level, as a mother, this is much more than a policy priority. It is a clarion call to action in defense of the vulnerable, the abused, and the exploited. Last month while in rome, i had an opportunity to talk firsthand to a Human Trafficking survivors. They told me their harrowing stories, how they were trapped in this ugly, dark mess, how they survived, how they escaped, and how they are very slowly reconstructing their lives. States, we united have our own Advisory Council on Human Trafficking comprised exclusively of survivors. We cannot meaningfully address this pervasive issue without the at theoice of survivors table. They can help us understand what they experience, and they will solvingeading role in this pressing crisis. These survivors are not only victims they are heroes. Crusaders courageous who have committed themselves to fight Human Trafficking wherever it exists. As part of the 2017 report, the state department recognizes individuals who have been tireless in their efforts to combat Human Trafficking. Today, we honor a Police Officer whose efforts led to the edification of 350 children forced into labor, a union leader who protects workers in the fishing industry, a judge who played a Critical Role in drafting her countrys first antitrafficking legislation, a journalist who shines a light on whoed labor, a faith leader works to protect vulnerable migrants, a sociologist whose groundbreaking research considers structural challenges affecting vulnerable populations , and advocate who founded an to care for child sex Trafficking Victims, and is survivor, the first in her country to win civil damages in a sex trafficking case. Of these heroes is a source of inspiration. They all have different backgrounds but are united in the shared cause. We celebrate and we stand with each of you. [applause] ms. Trump as we mark the release of this years report, in us remember the victims the unimaginable horrors of Human Trafficking. Let us recommit ourselves to finding those ill in the shadows of exploitation and let us celebrate the heroes who continue to shine a light on the darkness of Human Trafficking. Now please join me in welcoming , susan coambassador reads the she citations. thank you. Oppege we look forward to continuing our partnership with the trump administration. From argentina. [reading names] in recognition of her extraordinary courage and pursuing justice against her traffickers, her selfless efforts to assist the government in prosecuting and preventing Human Trafficking cases by sharing her experiences and knowledge and tenacity in advocating for greater protection for vulnerable groups in argentina they would not let me read. They were clapping too loud. Thank you. Next from brazil, leonardo. Akamoto [applause] in recognition of his unwavering resolve to find an expose instances of forced labor, his commitment to raising Awareness Among vulnerable communities and within the private sector and his vital role in ensuring progress in government efforts to prevent Human Trafficking in brazil. [applause] and sister Vanaja Jasphine from cameroon. [applause] in recognition of her unrelenting efforts to combat modern slavery, her groundbreaking work in identifying a key migration trend to prevent trafficking of cameroonians in the middle east, and her dedication to ensuring survivors have Legal Support and access to comprehensive reintegration assistance. [applause] and from hungary, viktoria sebhelyi. In recognition of her groundbreaking academic contributions to reveal the prevalence of child sex trafficking in hungary, her ability to bring together government and Civil Society organizations to improve victim identification and services and her dedication to increasing awareness and understanding of Human Trafficking. [applause] from morocco, judge amina o ufroukhi. [applause] in recognition of her leadership as a driving force behind moroccos copperheads a new antitrafficking law, her perseverance in developing a victimcentered implementation plan, and her steadfast commitment to training judicial and Law Enforcement officials likely to come into contact with victims of Human Trafficking. [applause] and from taiwan, allison lee. [applause] in recognition of her unwavering advocacy on behalf of of the foreign fishermen of taiwan, her central role in forming the first labor union composed of an led by foreign workers, and her courage in demanding stronger protection for vulnerable workers whose sustained engagement with authorities assists the public. [applause] and from thailand, boom mosby. [applause] steadfasttion of her commitment to combat child sex trafficking in thailand, her dedication to enhancing comprehensive care for victims, and her persistent engagement with government officials, social workers, and Service Providers to further protect and reintegrate survivors of Human Trafficking back into their communities. [applause] and from india, mr. Mahesh bhagwat. Wasre sorry mr. Mhagwat unable to join us today. His vital role in elevating Human Trafficking as a government priority and his ways of prosecuting cases. Now, we introduce tipp report tip reportosby hero boom mosby, a passionate advocate in thailand. [applause] thank you. Mosby it is a great honor to be standing here today on ,ehalf of the 2017 tip heroes and especially on behalf of Human Trafficking victims around the world. [applause] i would like to tell you about one of those victims, a girl i will call jane. She was the first Trafficking Victim i worked with. Six years ago, jane was exploded in sex trafficking when she was only 13 years old. Like millions of other men, women, and children around the world, she found herself trapped in modernday slavery through manipulation and false promises. Janes traffickers used the seduction of money to lure her into their control. Would say she took a wrong turn and made mistakes in hindsight, but the truth is she is the victim. No matter how much recovery jane experiences, the physical and emotional scars will mark her for a lifetime. That is why Human Trafficking for labor or for sex is not only a crime against an individual, it is a crime against human dignity. But thanks to the devoted people like the heroes in this room, freedom as possible. Jane will tell you that the key ingredient to her recovery has been patience and unconditional love. What she needs from us is to stand with her at her worst. Today, jane is about to finish toh school and is determined continue her education in social work and make a difference in the lives of other victims like her. Success stories like janes cannot happen without collaboration. One example of these is the thailand internet crimes against Children Task force. It represents a new model of cooperation between Law Enforcement and ngos. Were putting aside personal agendas and bringing together dedicated and passionate individuals to accomplish our common goals. Our focus is on a victimcentered approach, always asking what is in the best interest of the child. The victim is always our highest priority. They, we are receiving title hero, but in fact, we do not possess any supernatural powers. We are here because of the hard work and teamwork of many heroes. , when facing the evil of Human Trafficking, were all confronted with a choice. Something. Or do when looking at this choice, i of a late king who died less than a year ago. As thailands longest reigning often referred to as the father of our nation. He truly look at the time people. S his children having compassion for their suffering and working hard to improve their lives. Today, i call upon the , leadership, and ordinary citizens of every country to follow the late thai example and look after the people as their children. Thank you. [applause] thank you, ms. Mosby. Were so grateful for the work that you do and i truly inspired by the work you do today. Also want to thank our colleagues in the bureau of education and Cultural Affairs for sponsoring the heroes visit to the United States. After they leave today, they will be traffic traveling to boston and miami to eight with antitrafficking organizations, exchange ideas, and share promising practices. I have spent my career working on this issue, first as a federal prosecutor and now leading the tip office and department of state. In both roles, i have witnessed the aftermath of human cruelty and greed and its very worst. Individuals, both children and adults, forced into unimaginable suffering. Yet, i always say to work in this field, you have to have hope, and i have hope. Hope that is inspired by the incredible people i have met survivors, ngo leaders, dedicated Law Enforcement and government everyday, experts and Community Members who refuse to let this issue be ignored. Against Human Trafficking is a struggle that unites us all and with determination, optimism, and cooperation, we can end modernday slavery. In her remarks, ms. Mosby noted we are all confronted with a choice do nothing or do something. Everyone in this room and those around the world who are fighting trafficking are doing something, but to the rest of the world, i echo ms. Mosbys call to action. When it comes to Human Trafficking, everyone has a role to play and an obligation to act. We must choose to do something to end modern slavery. Thank you also much for coming today. [applause] thank you all so much for coming today. [applause] [captions Copyright National cable satellite corp. 2017] [captioning performed by the national captioning institute, which is responsible for its caption content and accuracy. Visit ncicap. Org]