Remarks by Ambassador Boulware
Closing Ceremony: IOM TIP Training
December 9, 2011
I am pleased to have the opportunity to participate in this afternoon’s closing ceremony for this week’s seminar titled ”Les Techniques de l’Identification des Victimes, l’Application de Code Pénal aux Cas de Traite, l’Intérêt Supérieur de l’Enfant et le Systeme de Référencement des Victimes.” I would like to recognize the participation of IOM’s Chief of Mission, Qasim Sufi, as well as Her Excellency the Minister of Social Action, Mme. Fatime Ramadan.
Just as importantly, I would like to recognize the participants in this week’s training. Your participation is an indication of your commitment to combating trafficking in persons in Chad. I sincerely hope that you have found the training useful and will now be able to apply this new knowledge and tools to your work.
This program, which has been organized by IOM, is supported through funding by the U.S. Department of State’s Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, known commonly as G/TIP. The program is aimed at assisting the government of Chad and civil society actors address and combat trafficking by increasing capacity in the prosecution of trafficking in persons as well as the protection of victims.
Our support to IOM reflects the U.S. government’s broader efforts to address trafficking in persons. As President Obama stated recently, “We stand with those throughout the world who are working every day to end modern slavery, bring traffickers to justice, and empower survivors to reclaim their rightful freedom.”
The U.S. government’s efforts focus on three areas: prevention, protection and prosecution. Common to all three areas is a commitment to work as a partner with governments, civil society and the international community at both a national and local level.
We are aware of the challenges of combating trafficking in persons in Chad—limited awareness or understanding of trafficking, economic pressures, limited capacity and resources, lack of specific legislation criminalizing trafficking and, at times, cultural traditions.
At the same time, I want to recognize the significant efforts and commitment, including by many of you here today, to addressing this issue. These efforts, including those to raise awareness of trafficking, assist victims, and advocate for a legal framework that will criminalize trafficking, are having a significant and important impact. The challenges may seem large, but your efforts and commitment are the key to overcoming the obstacles.
In closing, I want to congratulate you on your completion of this week’s training. The U.S. Embassy remains committed to continuing to work with all of you, as partners, to combat trafficking in persons in Chad. Thank you.