U.S. Ratifies UN Protocol on Human Trafficking

November 21, 2005 -- Earlier this month the United States welcomed an opportunity for global cooperation and became the 95th country to ratify the United Nations protocol on human trafficking.  The U.S. has set an example for remaining nations to join and speak up for the women and children whose voices have been suppressed. The UN Protocol to Prevent, Suppress, and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children is a UN initiative aimed at preventing human trafficking, protecting victims and potential victims, and promoting global cooperation.  Every year, hundreds of thousands of people fall prey to human trafficking, lured by the chance for a better life but most eventually end up being subjected to some of the worst forms of exploitation. 

U.S. ratification of the Protocol is an important final result of several years of government-led initiatives to stop human trafficking, including overseas anti-trafficking programs.  Ann M. Venemen, executive director of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), stated “Ratification of this Protocol is important to the global fight against human trafficking, especially of children.  Millions of children who are trafficked every year are sold like commodities and are victims of assaults on their dignity and safety.”  UNICEF commended U.S. efforts to prevent human trafficking and protect current and future victims. 

The human trafficking crisis has no borders; those who suffer in poverty become desperate for a better life abroad and are often exploited by greedy human traffickers.  Millions of men, women and children are subjected to atrocious forms of exploitation because of human trafficking, and U.S. ratification of the UN Protocol not only helps to protect the principle of human rights but sets an example for the rest of the world. 

+ Read more about the Protocol

Updated December 19, 2005