Speeches and Remarks 2006

WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE FIGHT AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING

By David C. Mulford
U.S. Ambassador to India
June 6, 2006

I cannot imagine a more heinous crime than trafficking in human beings - the marketing, distribution, and in many cases, sale of women and children to be exploited and abused by others.  Those who are complicit in human trafficking deserve our scorn, our rebuke, and ultimately, society's punishment for this most flagrant of human rights abuses.

On June 5th the Secretary of State released the annual Trafficking in Persons Report.  The TIP Report, which is mandated by law, aims to raise global awareness, underscore the growing efforts of the international community to combat human trafficking, and encourage nations around the world to take effective actions to counter all forms of trafficking.

Each year the TIP Report highlights "TIP Heroes," those individuals who have made a difference in the fight against human trafficking in their home countries.  This year we are pleased to share the story of Indian Kari Siddamma, a grass roots activist who has worked extensively with the marginalized Irula tribal communities in Tamil Nadu.  Her work with local communities included freeing bonded laborers, organizing communities into cooperatives, and mainstreaming children into the education system through transitional schools.  With her assistance, an Irula movement has emerged that is now better organized to take on those who would otherwise benefit from the suffering of victims of trafficking and forced and bonded labor.

In 1990, Siddamma started the Bharathi Trust - a non-government organization (NGO) that seeks to raise awareness, protect basic human rights, and empower Irula communities.  The Trust has been working with tribal communities in 60 villages in the Thiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu to form cooperatives, partner with the government on developmental schemes, and provide day care services and motivational centers.  In one particularly noteworthy effort, Siddamma helped secure the release of over 1,000 bonded laborers employed in the rice mills in the Red Hills area of Tamil Nadu in 2004.

The United States estimates that there are hundreds of thousands, if not millions of people around the world, including in the United States, most of whom are women and children, who have been forced into sexual servitude, forced labor, and debt bondage.  Through the TIP Report we hope to raise awareness of the extent of the global trafficking problem.  Earlier this year, President Bush reauthorized the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) of 2000.  The bill addresses all major aspects of trafficking - attacking the conditions that lead to victimization, providing assistance for those who have already been trafficked, and prosecuting those who take advantage of the most vulnerable.

Over the past few years, the U.S. has committed more than $400 million to anti-trafficking efforts around the world.  Last year alone, the U.S. spent $95 million for projects in 101 different countries.  That is in addition to the $25 million spent on programs to fight human trafficking in the United States.

Recognizing trafficking is an important issue, the Government of India is taking action.  A few months ago, the former Department of Women and Child Development was elevated to the Ministerial level, raising the profile of the Government's anti-trafficking agenda.  The central government is also pursuing initiatives that would establish media awareness campaigns, coordinate national enforcement of anti-trafficking laws, and expand coordination of government efforts at the national and state levels.

The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India are providing assistance.  We have a good working relationship with our counterparts at all levels of the Indian Government and support current legislation that would strengthen laws and penalties against traffickers.  We collaborate with NGOs and multilateral organizations such as UNIFEM and UNODC to raise awareness of trafficking, help victims, and incarcerate offenders.  Finally, the U.S. is providing more than $9 million to a total of 24 projects across India, more projects than in any other country in the world.

Ultimately, though, the consequences of trafficking in human beings can best be seen through the eyes of those who have suffered and survived.  Take the story of Anita, a young girl who grew up in Bihar and lost both of her parents early on.  At the age of 7, Anita was picked up by traffickers who sold her to a traveling circus.  She escaped and found her way to Andhra Pradesh by train, traveling alone.  There, as a young girl with no one looking after her, she was again picked up by traffickers who placed her with a family as a domestic servant.  Anita was kept locked in the house, abused, and not permitted outside without supervision.  Luckily, she again escaped and went straight to the police, who referred her to a supportive local NGO.  Anita spent some time in a bridge school that helped prepare her for formal schooling.  She did so well that now, at 16 years old, she has been able to attend a private school in Hyderabad funded by private donations.  She is doing so well, and her story of survival is so stirring, that she even had the opportunity recently to meet the Prime Minister.  Anita often returns to the bridge school to provide support to other girls and help them develop their own stories of survival - and success.

I remain confident that in partnership with governments, civil society and international organizations, we can protect the most vulnerable members of the international community, and bring those who would benefit from their suffering to justice.

(Published in The Times of India, June 6, 2006)