Embassy Events

Deputy Chief of Mission Lawrence R. Silverman

DCM Silverman Addresses Interior Ministry Conference on Trafficking in Persons

Speaking in Donovaly on November 26 to the Ministry of Interior Conference on “Criminal Justice Response to Human Trafficking in the Slovak Republic,” Deputy Chief of Mission Lawrence R. Silverman commended stepped-up efforts to fight trafficking in persons (TIP), which led to Slovakia’s advance into Tier 2 countries. According to Mr. Silverman, trafficking in persons is “modern-day slavery, but is not just a moral issue; it is a practical one. Human trafficking spreads health risks globally and fuels the growth of organized crime.” Mr. Silverman went on to say that the U.S. State Department is working extensively with governments on action plans, providing 74 million dollars in 2006 to fund TIP-related programs.  Since it began its focus on TIP in 2001, the U.S. has provided nearly $450m to other countries.

Read the full text of Mr. Silverman’s remarks