U.S. Ambassador Calls for Greater Cooperation to End Trafficking in Persons

March 19, 2004

NEW DELHI -  U.S. Ambassador to India David C. Mulford today said that the United States has committed itself to taking a leading role in combating the "global social plague" of trafficking in persons. "As we address the problem more seriously and effectively within our own borders, we are also determined to work with like minded governments around the world to shine a light on this horror and take concerted action to end it," he said.

Addressing a conference in Kolkata on "Corporate Social Responsibility: Addressing Trafficking in Persons," the Ambassador said via digital video conferencing from New Delhi that for the U.S. and India this is a particularly propitious time. "Our relationship is transforming as our cooperation grows broader and deeper. Whether it is in our joint military exercises, our dialogue across the spectrum of political issues, or our growing people-to-people contacts, new strengths are developing in our relations," he said.

It is natural, therefore, the Ambassador noted, "that we share our concerns and offer each other assistance on an issue as important as ending the curse of trafficking." Dr. Mulford said in the past two fiscal years "we provided over 54 million dollars in assistance to more than 70 countries to strengthen anti-trafficking law enforcement, victim support, legislation, and regional cooperation.
In the future we plan to do more."

Ambassador Mulford encouraged partnership of the corporate and NGO sectors to combat trafficking, saying, "To address the larger context, schools and families need to become involved, religious and political leaders to speak out vocally and, above all, we need NGOs and corporations
to work together to make India and this world a better and a safer place for the most vulnerable among us. The steps that you take today may help to save the liberty and even the lives of thousands tomorrow."

The conference was organized by the U.S. Consulate General in Kolkata, jointly with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the international NGO Apne Aap Women Worldwide at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Kolkata.