U.S. Statement on Agenda Item 2(b): Implementation of the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons (TIP), especially Women and Children
Vienna, Austria, October 19, 2022
The United States is pleased to take part in this discussion in person on implementation of the Trafficking in Persons Protocol.
We are happy to report that since the last Conference of the Parties in 2020, the United States federal government released its first National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking.
The National Action Plan, informed in part by the Palermo Protocol, contains priority actions focused on the foundational pillars of the United States’ and global anti-trafficking efforts of prevention, protection, prosecution, and partnerships.
This Action Plan reflects the U.S. government’s key priorities, including greater attention to advancing racial and gender equity, advancing workers’ rights, fair trade, and support for underserved communities.
Within our National Action Plan is a commitment for federal agencies to strengthen anti-trafficking efforts by incorporating survivors’ input. As part of this, our federal government is prioritizing the implementation of recommendations of the U.S. Advisory Council on Human
Trafficking; and working to ensure survivors’ input is consistently incorporated into policies and programs.
Across the United States, states and local communities are starting to prioritize working with survivor leaders, and one such example is the state of Virginia.
I am pleased to now pass the microphone to Ms. Tanya Gould who is the Director of the Virginia Attorney General’s Anti-Trafficking Taskforce for a very brief highlight of this state’s anti-trafficking efforts. Thank you.
Thank you, Dr. Johnstone.
Mr./Madam Chair,
As a human trafficking lived experience expert, I am elated at the possibilities intentional and consistent collaboration can produce. Having the opportunity to work at the federal and state levels has led to long lasting partnerships that reverberates our common goals.
The opportunities presented by our federal government presented me a safe space to both speak my truth regarding my experiences and guide from my expertise. This gave me confidence as an expert to now work with my state and local community governments.
The Office of the Virginia Attorney General is committed to improving its anti-trafficking response by promoting cooperation around survivor engagement and implementing a comprehensive plan for our state including reviewing, amending, or proposing new legislation that supports and protects victims. A few examples include:
• Prioritizing a statewide trauma-informed response uniting investigation and prosecutorial efforts utilizing Federal, state, and local resources.
• Launching our state’s first survey to survivors that will advise and educate our legislatures and improve or create programs and services; and
• Providing training and outreach efforts for service providers that are uniform and cross-agency collaborative
In closing, I encourage all States Parties to prioritize survivor engagement which can only help governments meet their obligations under the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and its Trafficking in Persons Protocol.