Partnership to help end trafficking

The United States government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), launched a new US$10 million (K35.6 million) five-year partnership with the Asia Foundation to implement counter-trafficking in persons’ interventions in Fiji, the Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea, and Tonga.
The launch coincided with World Day Against Trafficking on Saturday (July 30).
USAID’s Pacific Regional Initiative and Support for More Effective Counter Trafficking in Persons (Pacific RISE CTIP) project aims to strengthen trafficking in persons prevention, protection and prosecution through a holistic, multi-sectoral approach that engages government, civil society, and the private sector.
“We are pleased to partner with the Government of Papua New Guinea to end human trafficking, US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Joseph Zadrozny said.
“We must work together, and in partnership, to effectively address this crime.
“Through this programme, we hope to support and encourage Papua New Guinea to take concrete steps to end trafficking in persons, such as becoming party to the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress, and Punish Trafficking In Persons among other prioritised actions outlined in the TIP report.”
Fiji US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Tony Greubel said the Pacific RISE CTIP represents the US government’s strong commitment to combat trafficking in persons in Pacific Island countries.
“USAID and its partners are committed to helping the Pacific Island countries uphold human rights and combat this modern form of slavery.”
According to a statement from the US embassy on July 19, the US State Department released the 2022 annual trafficking in persons report (TIP).