USAID, IOM to Mark Successful Completion of Anti-Trafficking Project

April 7, 2008     

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and the National Commission to Combat Trafficking in Human Beings will mark the end of a four-year partnership on Tuesday, April 8 at 11:00 a.m. at the Military Club in Sofia.

April 8 is also International Roma Day.

Deputy Prime Minister Daniel Valtchev, Ambassador John Beyrle, and IOM Chief of Mission Ilyana Derilova will speak at the event, which will also feature an “open lesson” on anti-trafficking among a group of schoolchildren. 

Since September 2003, USAID provided assistance to IOM to help increase capacity of the National Commission and assist in establishment of local anti-trafficking commissions in high-priority regions of Bulgaria.  Under the program, 17 grants were provided to local organizations and municipalities for community projects targeted at high-risk groups. The grants supported activities to raise awareness about trafficking and to promote educational and employment opportunities among vulnerable groups.

The USAID Mission to Bulgaria will close in September 2008. The American people through USAID have provided assistance to Bulgaria since 1990, with a total investment of more than $600 million.  The problem of trafficking in persons in Bulgaria continues to be a high priority of the U.S. Government.

Media representatives are invited to attend the event. For additional information, please contact Ani Dimitrova at IOM at 93-94-773.

U.S. Agency for International Development
Embassy of the United States of America
16, Kozyak St.,
1407 Sofia,
BULGARIA Tel: (359-2) 937-5101
Fax: (359-2) 939-5791
www.usaid.gov