US working to increase law, security cooperation

US Ambassador Erin McKee says the embassy is working to lay foundation for increased US-PNG law enforcement and security cooperation.
She said the embassy funded trafficking in persons (TIP) related training for frontline actors and supported victim’s assistance and services.
“In the coming months, the US agency for international development (USAID) will award a new regional programme with a total estimated investment of US$10 million (K35mil) over five years that will reduce communities’ vulnerability to trafficking,” McKee said.
The US secretary of state Antony Blinken recently released the 21st annual TIP report, documenting the efforts of the world’s governments to combat human trafficking as well as the ways the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted the human trafficking landscape.
According to McKee, this year’s report recorded a milestone achievement for Papua New Guinea: the conviction and sentencing of a domestic trafficker who subjected local women and girls to various forms of modern-day slavery.
She said: “I commend the government, judicial and law enforcement officials who helped bring the trafficker to justice.
“The global Covid-19 pandemic has changed the world over the course of the last year.
“In addition to highlighting the importance of robust international cooperation on all matters that transcend political and geographical boundaries, the pandemic has brought challenges to our collective fight against trafficking.