UNITED STATES MISSION TO THE UNITED NATIONS
Office of Press and Public Diplomacy
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ambassador Nikki Haley, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, delivered remarks at a UN Security Council Open Debate on “Trafficking in persons in conflict situations: forced labor, slavery, and other similar practices.” She underscored the importance of a collaborative approach to ending human trafficking and outlined U.S. initiatives aimed at reducing the prevalence of modern slavery.
“We must do better. Standing up to modern slavery and forced labor is a core element of foreign policy. It demonstrates our unwavering commitment to human rights and the fact that everyone, regardless of where they come from, has the right to ‘life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.’ That is why each year, the State Department produces a dedicated report on Trafficking in Persons, along with just-released annual Human Rights Report. Both reports reflect our ongoing commitment to advancing human dignity…
“In the coming weeks, the Department of State will launch an open and competitive process to fund transformational projects to reduce the prevalence of modern slavery under a new initiative called the ‘Program to End Modern Slavery,’ which was recently signed into law and thanks in large part to the tireless efforts of U.S. Senator Bob Corker. This initiative will seek to raise $1.5 billion to help countries break the trafficking rings and give support to survivors. The funding will come partly from the U.S. government, but unlike most assistance programs, the initiative will seek to raise most of its money from partners in foreign governments and in the private sector. That is important because ending modern slavery has to be a collective effort.”
