Thursday, June 28, 2007 – American Center Holds Talk on Human Trafficking

The Public Affairs Office of the U.S. Embassy in Asmara held its monthly American Club lecture at Eritro-German Conference hall on June 28, 2007.  The topic “Trafficking in Persons” was presented by U.S. Embassy Officer Holly Holzer.

The presentation explained to the audience that trafficking in persons is modern day slavery. False promises of job opportunities, marriages, and a chance for a better life are often used to deceive people into situations where they become entrapped by illegal traffickers. They are then subject to exploitation and are either forced to do hard labor or to participate in the commercial sex industry. Ms. Holzer stressed that trafficking in persons can best be prevented by educating families, communities and governments about the practice. In the question and answer period that followed, she also explained the role played by the U.S Government in helping to control trafficking in persons by spending in FY 2006 alone 74 million dollars to fund 154 projects in 70 countries to stop trafficking at its source. Since 2001, the US has contributed more than 448 million USD to support anti-trafficking efforts.

The two hour event was well-attended by over 60 participants. The audience showed a great deal of interest in her presentation and participated in an energetic question and answer period.

To see a slideshow of the presentation, please click here:  Human Trafficking

For more information on world-wide trafficking in persons, go to http://www.state.gov/g/tip/rls/tiprpt/2007/.