LexisNexis Global

In a video speech to the Organization of Security and Cooperation in Europe, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton argued that additional steps are needed to combat human trafficking because this widespread problem thrives during the current global economic recession.

The commitment by the Obama Administration to confronting and solving this problem has been further evidenced by the appointment of Ambassador-at-Large to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons Luis C. deBaca. Prior to his appointment, Ambassador  deBaca successfully prosecuted trafficking and slavery cases within the United States.

Currently, the Ambassador serves as a Senior Advisor to Secretary Clinton. He is also Director of the State Department's Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (TIP), and the United States' top envoy for matters dealing with human trafficking issues.

Working together, Secretary Clinton and Ambassador deBaca focus on the paradigm of prosecution, protection, and prevention, and partnership. "Partnership" extends beyond governmental cooperation to public-private sector arrangements that both bring traffickers to justice and provide assistance to their victims.

Although it remains to be seen how effective current anti-trafficking initiatives will be, making the issue a top State Department priority sends a message that encourages other nations and the public to join the cause.

United Against Trafficking in Persons by Ambassador deBaca (Aug. 14, 2009)

Clinton urges crackdown on human trafficking, Associated Press (Sept. 14, 2009)