Speeches
- Last Updated on: January 22, 2009
Remarks on Release of Anti-Trafficking Report
Remarks of Ambassador John L. Withers, II
Release of USAID's State of Anti-Trafficking Efforts Report
January 22, 2009
Deputy Minister Zajmi, honored guests and members of the media, thank you for joining us this morning to release the results of the Annual State of Anti-Trafficking Efforts in Albania report prepared by the Missions USAID CAAHT project.
As many of you know, the issue of trafficking in persons is an important humanitarian concern of the both US Government and the Albanian Government.
The US Government has long advocated that in order to effectively combat trafficking in persons, we must proactively work to identify trafficking, and this includes maintaining accurate and thorough information about how and when it occurs, among other factors.
Solid data on anti-trafficking efforts can help demonstrate how Albania is working to address this issue.
The hidden and transnational nature of this criminal activity presents particular challenges to accurate and comprehensive data about the phenomenon.
This years annual report published by the USAID funded project, Coordinated Action Against Human Trafficking, offers some interesting insights into the phenomenon of trafficking.
I understand that 2008 was the first year that actors have started to use a unified data collection and analysis system, which is producing more nuanced information, and thus a more complete understanding, about trafficking of Albanians.
We owe a special thank you to the National Albanian Anti-Trafficking Shelter Coalition for their work on this database.
I applaud the efforts of civil society actors in being transparent on the data they collect and analyze, and at the same time I encourage the Government of Albania to continue sharing their information on trafficking in persons.
By sharing data, and comparing analysis and conclusions, both civil society and government reports and analysis acquire greater legitimacy. This consistency of information presented to the public about trafficking in persons inspires a greater public trust in information that is presented on the issue.
I strongly encourage the two groups to continue gathering and analyzing information on trafficking, separately but with a constant and open dialogue about the process and results.
Having multiple voices engaged on trafficking issues serves as the basis for a constructive and informed dialogue between the citizens of Albania and their Government which increases confidence in each side.
