WEBVTT 00:01.350 --> 00:05.340 good afternoon . Welcome to the tip 00:05.340 --> 00:08.270 Report . Rollout for 2020 . My name's 00:08.270 --> 00:10.400 John Richmond and I have the honor of 00:10.400 --> 00:12.567 serving the team at the Trafficking in 00:12.567 --> 00:14.567 Persons Office at the Department of 00:14.567 --> 00:17.390 State . I'm pleased to join Secretary 00:17.390 --> 00:20.170 Mike Pompeo an adviser Ivanka Trump , 00:20.440 --> 00:22.930 in releasing the 20th annual 00:23.070 --> 00:25.126 Trafficking in Persons Report in the 00:25.126 --> 00:26.959 historic Treaty Room here at the 00:26.959 --> 00:29.080 Department of State . Today's release 00:29.090 --> 00:31.870 marks a historic milestone in the fight 00:31.880 --> 00:33.991 to end trafficking around the world . 00:34.480 --> 00:36.369 The United States is committed to 00:36.369 --> 00:38.536 ending modern slavery , and one of the 00:38.536 --> 00:40.758 strongest indications of our commitment 00:40.758 --> 00:42.758 is the report that we are launching 00:42.758 --> 00:45.860 today , the 20th in a row . For 20 00:45.860 --> 00:48.000 years we have been at this work 00:48.010 --> 00:50.330 together , we remain steadfast and 00:50.330 --> 00:52.760 declaring that there is no excuse for 00:52.760 --> 00:55.130 human trafficking and that governments 00:55.130 --> 00:58.630 must take bold action in order to bring 00:58.640 --> 01:01.380 the reforms that are necessary . Today 01:01.380 --> 01:03.547 we celebrate progress and lean forward 01:03.547 --> 01:06.130 with hope into the work that remains to 01:06.130 --> 01:08.463 all of you who are joining us virtually . 01:08.530 --> 01:10.752 It matters greatly that you have chosen 01:10.752 --> 01:12.863 to turn your attention to the release 01:12.863 --> 01:14.752 of this report . Whether you're a 01:14.752 --> 01:16.974 seasoned leader in the movement , we're 01:16.974 --> 01:19.030 just beginning your advocacy . We're 01:19.030 --> 01:21.030 grateful to have you here today . A 01:21.030 --> 01:22.974 brief word about today's program . 01:23.200 --> 01:25.580 We'll begin with remarks from Secretary 01:25.580 --> 01:27.750 Pompeo and then adviser Trump . 01:28.440 --> 01:30.740 Following these remarks will honor our 01:30.740 --> 01:32.980 10 courageous trafficking in persons 01:32.980 --> 01:35.490 heroes . Individuals who dedicated 01:35.490 --> 01:37.270 their lives to combating human 01:37.270 --> 01:39.880 trafficking after the presentation of 01:39.880 --> 01:42.480 awards will hear brief remarks from one 01:42.490 --> 01:45.260 of this year's tip report Heroes Miss 01:45.260 --> 01:47.490 Sophie O . T . And A . Then we'll offer 01:47.490 --> 01:49.601 a word of closing and you all will be 01:49.601 --> 01:51.712 able to download the 20th anniversary 01:51.712 --> 01:53.712 report to share with others . Now , 01:53.712 --> 01:55.712 ladies and gentlemen , Secretary of 01:55.712 --> 01:56.990 State Michael Pompeo . 02:00.610 --> 02:02.832 Thank you , Ambassador Richmond , Thank 02:02.832 --> 02:05.054 you for the kind introduction . Welcome 02:05.140 --> 02:07.860 Won't get first a foremost all the 02:07.860 --> 02:10.480 victims and survivors watching your why 02:10.490 --> 02:14.320 this work is done . Why we are humbled 02:14.320 --> 02:16.598 to witness your courage and resilience . 02:17.110 --> 02:19.166 I want to thank Ambassador Richman , 02:19.166 --> 02:21.221 his team for the outstanding work on 02:21.221 --> 02:23.221 this Now two decades of trafficking 02:23.221 --> 02:25.670 persons reports , even in spite of the 02:25.670 --> 02:27.837 challenges posed by the pandemic , has 02:27.837 --> 02:30.550 been excellent work . I want to think 02:30.560 --> 02:32.616 adviser to President Trump for being 02:32.616 --> 02:34.810 here as well . She has been a major 02:34.810 --> 02:36.977 catalyst for putting the fight against 02:36.977 --> 02:39.199 human trafficking , front center in the 02:39.199 --> 02:41.310 Trump administration's foreign policy 02:41.310 --> 02:43.800 and our domestic agenda . Also pleased 02:43.800 --> 02:47.020 to welcome members of Congress , Smith 02:47.020 --> 02:49.260 is here . Ambassadors represents from 02:49.260 --> 02:52.000 around the globe have tuned in to show 02:52.000 --> 02:54.222 your support for what it is we're doing 02:54.222 --> 02:56.730 here . It's , Ah privilege this 02:56.730 --> 02:58.786 afternoon to honor those leading the 02:58.786 --> 03:01.008 fight against human trafficking and are 03:01.008 --> 03:03.030 2020 tip report heroes . I want to 03:03.030 --> 03:05.030 start off with the story of a young 03:05.030 --> 03:08.240 American boy who I'll call 10 . When 03:08.250 --> 03:10.860 Ted was 10 his mother began dating a 03:10.860 --> 03:14.100 new man who seemed perfect . After a 03:14.100 --> 03:16.267 few months , however , it became clear 03:16.330 --> 03:18.750 he was using Ted's mother to get closer 03:18.750 --> 03:21.550 to Ted . He threatened to his mom 03:22.410 --> 03:24.880 drugged and abused Ted and force him to 03:24.880 --> 03:27.213 have sex with others for his own profit . 03:27.900 --> 03:29.956 Had only reported this abuse after a 03:29.956 --> 03:32.011 failed suicide attempt Several years 03:32.011 --> 03:35.550 later , I share this sad tale 03:36.640 --> 03:38.696 to emphasize the human trafficking , 03:38.840 --> 03:41.007 and that includes forced labor and sex 03:41.007 --> 03:43.007 trafficking happens all around us . 03:43.007 --> 03:45.070 Even here in America , they're 25 03:45.080 --> 03:47.191 million adults and Children suffering 03:47.191 --> 03:48.913 from labor and sex trafficking 03:48.913 --> 03:52.440 worldwide , that desecration of the 03:52.440 --> 03:54.551 inherent value and immeasurable worth 03:54.551 --> 03:56.800 of human beings for each of us created 03:56.800 --> 03:58.578 in the image of God makes human 03:58.578 --> 04:01.350 trafficking a truly wicked act . 04:02.470 --> 04:04.414 The United States , throughout our 04:04.414 --> 04:06.359 history , have stood in defence of 04:06.359 --> 04:08.526 human rights like no other nation , as 04:08.526 --> 04:10.526 a commission on a naval rights will 04:10.526 --> 04:12.470 elaborate on its upcoming report , 04:12.470 --> 04:14.350 America was founded on a promise 04:15.020 --> 04:17.242 promise to uphold unalienable rights of 04:17.242 --> 04:19.430 life , liberty and the pursuit of 04:19.430 --> 04:21.500 happiness . And the Trump 04:21.500 --> 04:23.389 Administration's worked and human 04:23.389 --> 04:25.760 trafficking is an important part of 04:25.760 --> 04:28.810 that noble tradition . Last year , 04:28.820 --> 04:30.764 President Trump restricted certain 04:30.764 --> 04:32.931 types of assistance to the governments 04:32.931 --> 04:34.931 of 15 countries that were ranked in 04:34.931 --> 04:36.764 Tier three , the lowest possible 04:36.764 --> 04:40.620 designation in the 2019 tip report . In 04:40.620 --> 04:42.676 January of this year , the president 04:42.676 --> 04:44.731 hosted a White House summit on human 04:44.731 --> 04:46.787 trafficking . He signed an executive 04:46.787 --> 04:48.842 order to combat human traffic online 04:48.842 --> 04:50.953 Child exploitation Here in the United 04:50.953 --> 04:53.320 States . This administration has 04:53.320 --> 04:55.340 insured that nearly half a 04:55.340 --> 04:57.284 $1,000,000,000 is dedicated to the 04:57.284 --> 04:59.600 global fight against both sex and labor 04:59.600 --> 05:03.120 trafficking . Today . Today we continue 05:03.120 --> 05:05.510 this good work . I'd like to share just 05:05.510 --> 05:07.510 a few highlights from this report , 05:07.510 --> 05:09.621 starting with some really good news . 05:09.700 --> 05:12.000 22 countries received upgrade this year 05:12.010 --> 05:14.450 13 of them from sub Saharan Africa 05:15.220 --> 05:17.276 maybe received a Tier one rating the 05:17.276 --> 05:20.170 best possible . It is the first and 05:20.180 --> 05:22.350 only African country to do so since 05:22.350 --> 05:25.260 2012 . Congratulations on that good 05:25.260 --> 05:27.680 work . I also want to recognize 05:27.680 --> 05:29.680 Singapore , the reports other newly 05:29.680 --> 05:32.140 ranked tier one country and Bolivia for 05:32.140 --> 05:34.307 their progress to increase convictions 05:34.307 --> 05:36.251 and identify victims , among other 05:36.251 --> 05:37.751 significant improvements . 05:38.890 --> 05:41.001 Unfortunately , the report also calls 05:41.001 --> 05:42.946 out a group of nations whose state 05:42.946 --> 05:45.168 sponsored pattern of forced labour have 05:45.168 --> 05:47.057 designated them in the Tier three 05:47.057 --> 05:49.430 category . Among them are China , with 05:49.430 --> 05:51.430 the Chinese Communist Party and its 05:51.430 --> 05:53.430 state owned enterprises , often for 05:53.430 --> 05:55.208 citizens toe work in horrendous 05:55.208 --> 05:57.319 conditions on belt and road project . 05:57.620 --> 06:00.390 Then there's Cuba . Up to 50,000 Cuban 06:00.390 --> 06:02.557 doctors have been forced by the Castro 06:02.557 --> 06:04.223 regime into human trafficking 06:04.223 --> 06:06.279 situations in more than 60 countries 06:06.279 --> 06:08.501 around the globe . They're the regime's 06:08.501 --> 06:11.250 number one source of income . And in 06:11.250 --> 06:13.640 Central Asia , sub governments have a 06:13.640 --> 06:15.640 long standing history of compelling 06:15.640 --> 06:17.751 people to work in the cotton industry 06:17.751 --> 06:19.720 and other sectors . Uzbekis Stan's 06:19.730 --> 06:21.952 significant efforts to address this are 06:21.952 --> 06:24.008 setting a new standard for others in 06:24.008 --> 06:26.700 the region . We take government 06:26.700 --> 06:28.910 sponsored trafficking very seriously . 06:29.440 --> 06:31.384 It's a perverse of any governments 06:31.384 --> 06:33.662 reason for existence to protect rights , 06:33.662 --> 06:36.160 not crush them . The United States will 06:36.160 --> 06:38.570 not stand by as any government policy 06:38.570 --> 06:40.348 or pattern of human trafficking 06:40.348 --> 06:42.348 subjects its own citizens . To this 06:42.348 --> 06:44.730 kind of oppression , we will work 06:44.730 --> 06:46.730 Tirlea in the United States to free 06:46.730 --> 06:49.300 those who are still in slight . We will 06:49.300 --> 06:51.300 help restore the lives of those who 06:51.300 --> 06:53.356 have been freed , and we will punish 06:53.356 --> 06:56.410 their tormentors . And now it's my 06:56.410 --> 06:58.632 honor to have joining us for the fourth 06:58.632 --> 07:00.688 year in a row to honor some of those 07:00.688 --> 07:02.854 doing this heroic work . It is a truly 07:02.854 --> 07:05.021 passionate advocate for the vulnerable 07:05.021 --> 07:07.188 adviser to the president . Miss Ivanka 07:07.188 --> 07:09.243 Trump . Ivanka , thank you for being 07:09.243 --> 07:13.190 here . Thank you , Mr 07:13.190 --> 07:15.900 Secretary , Your leadership at the 07:15.900 --> 07:18.310 State Department has significantly 07:18.320 --> 07:20.450 significantly advanced the fight 07:20.460 --> 07:22.860 against human trafficking in all of its 07:22.860 --> 07:25.027 grotesque and an evil forms . We thank 07:25.027 --> 07:27.070 you for your great work , and we're 07:27.070 --> 07:28.959 also incredibly grateful . Teoh . 07:28.959 --> 07:31.126 Ambassador Richman for being here with 07:31.126 --> 07:33.780 us today . Your commitment is 07:33.790 --> 07:36.940 unwavering , and we feel fortunate to 07:36.950 --> 07:39.061 have you serving in the role in which 07:39.061 --> 07:42.670 you are . The US government is 07:42.680 --> 07:44.920 efforts across the board to stop this 07:44.920 --> 07:47.530 heinous crime is done in partnership , 07:47.540 --> 07:49.596 of course , with Congress , and it's 07:49.596 --> 07:51.290 great today . Teoh . Have 07:51.300 --> 07:53.356 representative Christmas . Join us , 07:53.356 --> 07:55.500 one of the earliest advocates in 07:55.500 --> 07:58.740 Congress to really combat this 07:58.740 --> 08:00.684 horrendous evil , so thank you for 08:00.684 --> 08:03.150 being here today . This year marks a 08:03.150 --> 08:04.872 milestone in our fight against 08:04.872 --> 08:07.490 trafficking in persons . 20 years ago , 08:07.500 --> 08:09.333 the Landmark Trafficking Victims 08:09.333 --> 08:11.389 Protection Act was signed into law , 08:11.389 --> 08:13.556 establishing the office to monitor and 08:13.556 --> 08:15.680 combat trafficking in persons within 08:15.890 --> 08:18.057 the U . S . Department of State . This 08:18.057 --> 08:20.279 past January , the White House convened 08:20.279 --> 08:22.334 a historic summit a secretary Pompeo 08:22.334 --> 08:24.557 mentioned on human trafficking honoring 08:24.557 --> 08:26.720 this 20th anniversary . During the 08:26.720 --> 08:28.609 summit , we heard from incredible 08:28.609 --> 08:31.270 survivors , including Jessica Hamlet , 08:31.460 --> 08:34.170 who I met just this past spring in 08:34.170 --> 08:36.059 Atlanta , Georgia . At Wellspring 08:36.059 --> 08:39.490 Living . Jessica shared her 08:39.670 --> 08:41.392 horrendous experience of being 08:41.392 --> 08:43.281 trafficked for sex domestically , 08:43.281 --> 08:45.660 beginning at the age of 12 after 08:45.660 --> 08:47.530 suffering a childhood of abuse , 08:47.760 --> 08:49.816 ultimately losing custody of her own 08:49.816 --> 08:53.060 Children and facing serious challenges 08:53.070 --> 08:56.260 with drug abuse and addiction . Despite 08:56.260 --> 08:58.150 all this , Jessica has recently 08:58.150 --> 09:00.206 completed an apprenticeship at Delta 09:00.206 --> 09:02.260 Airlines , regained custody of her 09:02.260 --> 09:03.982 beautiful daughter , which the 09:03.982 --> 09:05.982 president and I was so fortunate to 09:05.982 --> 09:08.093 meet at the summit and now works full 09:08.093 --> 09:09.982 time in the city of Atlanta . Her 09:09.982 --> 09:12.149 resilience , just like that of Ted's , 09:12.430 --> 09:15.850 is truly inspiring . During the summit , 09:15.850 --> 09:17.572 President Trump also signed an 09:17.572 --> 09:19.517 executive order on combating human 09:19.517 --> 09:21.128 trafficking and online child 09:21.128 --> 09:23.150 exploitation in the United States . 09:23.830 --> 09:25.552 This is critically important , 09:25.552 --> 09:27.774 especially now , in a time when so many 09:27.774 --> 09:29.552 off our country and the world's 09:29.552 --> 09:31.760 Children are learning digitally . This 09:31.760 --> 09:33.860 administration is focused on driving 09:33.860 --> 09:36.082 forward the directives put forth in the 09:36.082 --> 09:37.971 executive order through an all of 09:37.971 --> 09:40.082 government approach . Most recently , 09:40.082 --> 09:42.249 we welcomed the first ever White House 09:42.249 --> 09:44.580 adviser solely focused on human 09:44.580 --> 09:47.040 trafficking issues as established in 09:47.040 --> 09:49.560 the president's executive order . We're 09:49.560 --> 09:51.616 thrilled that the State Department's 09:51.616 --> 09:53.616 own Heather Fisher joins us today . 09:53.616 --> 09:55.671 Thank you , Heather , for being here 09:55.820 --> 09:58.140 and will be a great addition to the 09:58.140 --> 10:00.251 team at the White House . Thank you , 10:00.251 --> 10:02.730 Heather . This year we also celebrate 10:02.980 --> 10:04.924 the State Department's 20th annual 10:04.924 --> 10:07.010 Trafficking in Persons Report . A 10:07.010 --> 10:08.899 secretary Pompeo mentioned , This 10:08.899 --> 10:11.066 report serves as a key diplomatic tool 10:11.066 --> 10:12.954 for the U . S . To engage foreign 10:12.954 --> 10:14.732 governments through its country 10:14.732 --> 10:16.510 specific recommendations to end 10:16.510 --> 10:19.150 trafficking in persons each year since 10:19.150 --> 10:21.360 2000 for the tip , report has 10:21.360 --> 10:23.700 recognized extraordinary heroes who 10:23.700 --> 10:25.811 have devoted their lives to the fight 10:25.811 --> 10:27.820 against human trafficking . The TIP 10:27.820 --> 10:30.210 report heroes from around the world and 10:30.210 --> 10:32.154 recognized by the US Department of 10:32.154 --> 10:34.154 State for their tireless efforts to 10:34.154 --> 10:36.700 pursue justice for victims , prosecute 10:36.700 --> 10:39.070 traffickers and educate the public 10:39.270 --> 10:41.492 about human trafficking trends in their 10:41.492 --> 10:44.310 countries and abroad . They're faced 10:44.310 --> 10:47.670 resistance , opposition and often to 10:47.680 --> 10:49.791 threats to their own lives . Thes air 10:49.791 --> 10:52.740 Truly , truly brave individuals . Since 10:52.740 --> 10:55.240 the inception of the tip report Heroes , 10:55.600 --> 10:58.840 the State Department has honored 146 10:58.850 --> 11:01.480 incredible men and women from 75 11:01.480 --> 11:04.220 countries . These individuals include 11:04.220 --> 11:06.053 leaders from the NGO community , 11:06.240 --> 11:08.240 government officials , survivors of 11:08.240 --> 11:10.462 human trafficking lawmakers , doctors , 11:10.462 --> 11:12.760 religious leader , civilians and even 11:12.760 --> 11:14.871 more who have committed themselves to 11:14.871 --> 11:17.850 ending modern day slavery this year 11:17.860 --> 11:20.082 were honored to acknowledge the work of 11:20.082 --> 11:21.860 10 heroes from nine countries , 11:21.890 --> 11:24.690 including prosecutors , social workers 11:24.830 --> 11:26.719 and victims , service providers , 11:26.719 --> 11:29.220 advocates , nonprofit leaders and a law 11:29.220 --> 11:31.750 enforcement officer amongst others . 11:32.540 --> 11:34.540 Although we wish we could celebrate 11:34.540 --> 11:36.651 these incredible champions in D . C , 11:36.651 --> 11:38.762 as we typically do during the release 11:38.762 --> 11:40.984 of the tip report , we're excited to be 11:40.984 --> 11:43.151 able to recognize the Tipper Hort port 11:43.151 --> 11:45.373 heroes in a virtual capacity to each of 11:45.373 --> 11:48.070 these years here as we thank you . Your 11:48.070 --> 11:50.670 lives are testaments to the fact that 11:50.670 --> 11:52.837 one person has the power to bring hope 11:52.837 --> 11:54.726 to survivors around the world and 11:54.726 --> 11:57.059 ensure traffickers are held accountable . 11:57.740 --> 11:59.907 Without further ado , I'd like to turn 11:59.907 --> 12:01.684 it over to investor Richmond to 12:01.684 --> 12:03.851 announce this year's tip report here . 12:03.851 --> 12:05.240 US . Thank you bastard . 12:09.420 --> 12:11.253 Thank you , Secretary by Trump . 12:11.760 --> 12:13.593 Grateful to both of you for your 12:13.593 --> 12:16.850 leadership on this issue . It's now my 12:16.850 --> 12:18.850 pleasure to join the secretary an 12:18.850 --> 12:20.906 adviser Trump , as we recognize this 12:20.906 --> 12:22.961 year's trafficking in persons report 12:22.990 --> 12:25.650 heroes . The first 12:26.640 --> 12:29.640 karma Rigzin in recognition of her 12:29.640 --> 12:32.190 extraordinary leadership in pioneering 12:32.190 --> 12:34.580 Bhutan's victim centered , specialized 12:34.580 --> 12:37.260 national police unit on women and 12:37.260 --> 12:39.430 Children that led to the first ever 12:39.440 --> 12:41.680 criminal human trafficking case and her 12:41.680 --> 12:43.970 pivotal role in significantly 12:43.980 --> 12:45.980 increasing anti trafficking efforts 12:45.980 --> 12:47.647 across all departments of the 12:47.647 --> 12:50.860 government Ari 12:51.210 --> 12:54.610 Valera and not a Lino Coria , in 12:54.610 --> 12:56.443 recognition of their outstanding 12:56.443 --> 12:58.640 leadership in combating forced labor 12:59.030 --> 13:00.752 and their tremendous diligence 13:00.900 --> 13:03.067 throughout . An investigation of Kabul 13:03.067 --> 13:05.233 varies first , successful forced labor 13:05.233 --> 13:07.180 prosecution despite extraordinary 13:07.180 --> 13:09.400 challenges and personal threats . 13:11.740 --> 13:15.440 Radha Shakur of Egypt , in recognition 13:15.450 --> 13:17.660 of her exceptional efforts to empower 13:17.660 --> 13:20.290 human trafficking survivors and embody 13:20.300 --> 13:22.460 a survivor informed approach in her 13:22.460 --> 13:24.550 programs and services and her 13:24.550 --> 13:26.850 unparalleled commitment to fighting to 13:26.850 --> 13:28.961 ensure victims of trafficking are not 13:29.130 --> 13:32.770 wrongfully charged . Patricia 13:32.770 --> 13:36.590 Ho in Hong Kong in recognition of her 13:36.600 --> 13:38.620 dynamic leadership in defending the 13:38.620 --> 13:40.842 rights of human trafficking victims and 13:40.842 --> 13:42.800 marginalized groups by challenging 13:42.800 --> 13:45.250 government policies and laws , and her 13:45.250 --> 13:48.010 relentless work to promote the better 13:48.010 --> 13:50.220 treatment of victims through elevation 13:50.220 --> 13:52.100 of survivor voices and a trauma 13:52.110 --> 13:53.280 informed approach . 13:55.600 --> 13:59.190 Nina Bobble Eva in recognition of her 13:59.190 --> 14:01.700 enormous achievement to build the 14:01.700 --> 14:03.660 country's first human trafficking 14:03.660 --> 14:05.720 shelter that set the standard across 14:05.720 --> 14:07.940 the region and her impressive ability 14:07.940 --> 14:10.540 to navigate bureaucracy and to build 14:10.540 --> 14:13.020 networks and strengthen communities to 14:13.020 --> 14:14.798 combat trafficking in persons . 14:16.640 --> 14:19.590 Sophie O . T . And A . In recognition 14:19.600 --> 14:21.360 of her leadership role in the 14:21.360 --> 14:23.304 development of victim assistance , 14:23.304 --> 14:25.050 Infrastructure Resource is and 14:25.050 --> 14:27.230 practices in Kenya to ensure human 14:27.230 --> 14:29.452 trafficking survivors received the best 14:29.452 --> 14:31.286 possible care and her unwavering 14:31.286 --> 14:33.286 efforts to raise awareness of human 14:33.286 --> 14:35.250 trafficking in local communities . 14:38.540 --> 14:41.480 La Asthma Sabina , in recognition of 14:41.480 --> 14:43.450 her critical role , is the driving 14:43.450 --> 14:46.490 force behind mafias , improved anti 14:46.490 --> 14:48.680 trafficking response and leadership in 14:48.680 --> 14:50.810 many international projects , as well 14:50.810 --> 14:53.032 as her impressive ability to expand the 14:53.032 --> 14:54.866 country's partnerships and build 14:54.866 --> 14:56.977 networks to prevent human trafficking 14:56.977 --> 15:00.800 in Lafayette Maxwell 15:00.990 --> 15:03.650 motto , wary in recognition of his 15:03.650 --> 15:05.680 tireless commitment to improving 15:05.680 --> 15:08.150 Malawi's anti trafficking response 15:08.150 --> 15:10.150 through his advocacy efforts and by 15:10.150 --> 15:11.817 leveraging relationships with 15:11.817 --> 15:13.990 government agencies and his selfless 15:14.260 --> 15:17.380 acts in serving as a reliable ally of 15:17.380 --> 15:19.324 anti trafficking victims and their 15:19.324 --> 15:22.550 family . Ali 15:22.990 --> 15:26.250 Strat Tova of Moldova , in recognition 15:26.250 --> 15:28.028 of her unwavering commitment to 15:28.028 --> 15:30.194 advancing women's rights and assisting 15:30.194 --> 15:32.361 victims of human trafficking , and her 15:32.361 --> 15:34.528 relentless resolve to achieve positive 15:34.528 --> 15:36.139 outcomes for survivors in an 15:36.139 --> 15:38.250 exceptionally challenging environment 15:38.250 --> 15:40.361 that carries constant personal risk . 15:42.680 --> 15:44.847 It's now my great honor to direct your 15:44.847 --> 15:46.950 attention to Miss Sophie Attend a 15:47.640 --> 15:49.529 survivor . Leadership in the anti 15:49.529 --> 15:51.640 trafficking movement is a priority of 15:51.640 --> 15:53.529 the United States government as a 15:53.529 --> 15:55.696 survivor , leader , Miss O . T . And a 15:55.696 --> 15:57.862 selection to be a hero , and this year 15:57.862 --> 15:59.862 speaker reflects that priority . So 15:59.862 --> 16:01.973 Tienda is a champion for survivors of 16:01.973 --> 16:04.196 human trafficking . She's assisted more 16:04.196 --> 16:06.418 than 400 victims of human trafficking , 16:06.418 --> 16:08.418 and her leadership over the past 10 16:08.418 --> 16:10.140 years has been integral to the 16:10.140 --> 16:11.807 development of Kenya's victim 16:11.807 --> 16:13.973 assistance infrastructure were honored 16:13.973 --> 16:16.029 to have the opportunity to hear from 16:16.029 --> 16:18.196 this 10 day as she speaks on behalf of 16:18.196 --> 16:22.160 this year's tip report . Heroes fast I 16:22.160 --> 16:24.327 would like to thank Secretary of State 16:24.327 --> 16:26.560 Miss Up uncle on the stuff at the US 16:26.570 --> 16:28.181 Department of State for this 16:28.181 --> 16:30.126 recognition . I would also like to 16:30.126 --> 16:32.410 commend my fellow 2020 people report 16:32.420 --> 16:34.600 hearing . Looking at the body of work 16:34.600 --> 16:36.500 that we've done other group from 16:36.500 --> 16:39.470 prosecuting human trafficking cases to 16:39.470 --> 16:41.192 advocating for stronger victim 16:41.192 --> 16:43.350 protections for raising public 16:43.380 --> 16:45.550 consciousness of the crime is a 16:45.550 --> 16:48.200 reminder that we all have the ability 16:48.200 --> 16:51.120 to change the world in our own small 16:51.390 --> 16:54.960 but powerful . It took 15 16:54.960 --> 16:56.970 years from when I experienced 16:56.970 --> 16:59.530 trafficking personally toe when I 16:59.530 --> 17:01.641 couldn't properly defined unnamed the 17:01.641 --> 17:03.530 crime you want . Trafficking is a 17:03.530 --> 17:06.060 relatively new town for something real . 17:06.440 --> 17:08.496 Exploitation have been with humanity 17:08.640 --> 17:10.862 since there was a humanity , whether we 17:10.862 --> 17:13.530 call it slavery servitude that wanted 17:13.550 --> 17:16.170 traffic matter . Listen to its victims . 17:16.380 --> 17:19.560 However , I know being able to live the 17:19.570 --> 17:22.270 crime is a party on for someone like me . 17:22.730 --> 17:26.130 It gave me the language and truth to 17:26.130 --> 17:28.570 not only complete my healing process 17:28.940 --> 17:31.980 but also begin to fight for other 17:31.990 --> 17:35.260 survivors like me , who I need help . 17:36.040 --> 17:38.350 This award is in recognition of the 17:38.350 --> 17:40.294 work that have done with awareness 17:40.294 --> 17:42.790 against human trafficking , which is an 17:42.790 --> 17:44.780 organization in Kenya that focuses 17:44.790 --> 17:46.734 exclusively on human trafficking . 17:47.040 --> 17:48.596 Their work that press which 17:48.596 --> 17:50.596 organizations do to eradicate human 17:50.596 --> 17:52.040 trafficking should not be 17:52.040 --> 17:54.040 underestimated . It is in grassroot 17:54.040 --> 17:55.984 organizations that receive passion 17:55.984 --> 17:58.151 innovation on people like my colleague 17:58.151 --> 18:00.420 that had who go above and beyond to 18:00.420 --> 18:02.476 ensure that survivors of trafficking 18:02.476 --> 18:05.040 received the best care . My fast made a 18:05.040 --> 18:07.220 case . We've had assisting a group of 18:07.230 --> 18:09.510 Kenyan women who has trended Libya 18:09.510 --> 18:11.790 during the civil war after having been 18:11.790 --> 18:13.957 subjected to human trafficking there , 18:14.170 --> 18:16.170 with most of them being held in the 18:16.170 --> 18:18.980 list exhibited , it was T planning Cup , 18:19.200 --> 18:21.367 but we were able to bring most of them 18:21.367 --> 18:23.589 back home with the support of different 18:23.589 --> 18:25.644 organizations . One of those women , 18:25.644 --> 18:27.860 whom I had not spoke into since 2015 18:28.080 --> 18:30.530 recently contacted me that successfully 18:30.530 --> 18:32.586 said , have a small business , had a 18:32.586 --> 18:34.641 full time job and those were writing 18:34.641 --> 18:36.141 for herself and have 100 . 18:36.290 --> 18:39.030 Unfortunately , due to covet 19 she 18:39.030 --> 18:41.640 lost her job on her business , so Hot 18:41.640 --> 18:43.640 is now providing support for half , 18:43.820 --> 18:45.987 just as she had done after leaving her 18:45.987 --> 18:47.764 trafficking situation , she has 18:47.764 --> 18:49.876 personified resilience and is well on 18:49.876 --> 18:53.500 her way to rebuilding her business . On 18:53.660 --> 18:56.650 happening has story proves that it is 18:56.650 --> 18:58.960 possible to recover under Sucks 18:58.960 --> 19:01.450 restored with lost and in many cases , 19:01.460 --> 19:04.030 it doesn't take a lot . Examples are 19:04.040 --> 19:06.207 the names that we need to be proactive 19:06.240 --> 19:08.462 and with the land to protect and assist 19:08.462 --> 19:10.750 those at risk of human trafficking , as 19:10.750 --> 19:12.306 well as some I waas who are 19:12.306 --> 19:14.528 particularly affected by the pandemic . 19:14.890 --> 19:18.610 The 2020 tip report heroes recognize 19:18.610 --> 19:20.990 today have also possibly witnessed 19:21.230 --> 19:24.460 numerous example . Where I live in help 19:24.620 --> 19:26.842 went a long way in protecting survivors 19:26.842 --> 19:29.410 of trafficking . We all have a 19:29.410 --> 19:31.870 responsibility toe advocate for more 19:31.880 --> 19:34.240 equal well that doesn't allow slavery 19:34.240 --> 19:37.650 of any kind . This includes actions 19:37.650 --> 19:39.483 like supporting local grassroots 19:39.483 --> 19:41.261 organizations that are open and 19:41.261 --> 19:43.483 offended but play a key role in solving 19:43.483 --> 19:45.550 trafficking . Survivor 11 shredding 19:45.940 --> 19:48.250 that the products we buy are not 19:48.260 --> 19:50.430 produced with forced labor or other 19:50.440 --> 19:52.700 forms of exploitation . On this day , 19:52.710 --> 19:55.040 I'm especially grateful from the many 19:55.040 --> 19:57.151 heroes like my grandmother , Leslie . 19:57.151 --> 19:59.550 The courtroom activity lives on clue me , 19:59.580 --> 20:01.524 my family and friends who provided 20:01.524 --> 20:04.100 support on me again as Maya Angelou 20:04.100 --> 20:06.170 Safe , I come as one , but this time 20:06.170 --> 20:08.226 Dustin told us the work that we have 20:08.226 --> 20:10.226 done so far by a vote of teamwork , 20:10.226 --> 20:12.448 partnerships and support . When we have 20:12.448 --> 20:15.400 each person being on that today , we 20:15.400 --> 20:19.020 call on everyone to dream and work for 20:19.020 --> 20:21.160 a while . Field human trafficking . 20:24.410 --> 20:26.870 Thank you , Miss O . T and A and all of 20:26.870 --> 20:29.050 our tip report heroes , We honor you . 20:30.410 --> 20:32.660 We've accomplished so much in the last 20:32.660 --> 20:34.980 20 years . We think about it . 20 years 20:34.980 --> 20:37.460 ago , we did not have the Trafficking 20:37.460 --> 20:39.682 Victims Protection Act that created the 20:39.682 --> 20:41.738 trafficking in persons office at the 20:41.738 --> 20:43.960 State Department . And it mandated that 20:43.960 --> 20:45.960 stopping traffickers and caring for 20:45.960 --> 20:48.016 victims should be prioritized in the 20:48.016 --> 20:50.250 United States foreign policy The 20:50.250 --> 20:53.070 passage of the T v p A . At the end of 20:53.070 --> 20:55.420 the year 2000 established the annual 20:55.430 --> 20:57.541 Trafficking in persons report , which 20:57.541 --> 20:59.970 has become a critical tool of diplomacy 20:59.980 --> 21:03.040 in action . 20 years ago , we did not 21:03.040 --> 21:05.400 have a United Nations Protocol against 21:05.400 --> 21:07.710 trafficking in persons . In a few weeks 21:07.710 --> 21:09.877 after the United States passed the T v 21:09.877 --> 21:11.932 p . A , the U . N . Protocol against 21:11.932 --> 21:14.043 Trafficking persons was adopted in 80 21:14.043 --> 21:16.820 countries signed on right away . In the 21:16.820 --> 21:19.020 last 20 years , that number has more 21:19.020 --> 21:22.940 than doubled in now , 177 countries 21:22.950 --> 21:25.380 have joined as parties to the protocol 21:26.010 --> 21:28.121 in this protocol now stands is one of 21:28.121 --> 21:30.343 most widely adopted international legal 21:30.343 --> 21:34.110 instruments . Since 2000 we've had 100 21:34.110 --> 21:36.650 and 54 countries passed comprehensive 21:36.660 --> 21:39.050 anti trafficking legislation . Our 21:39.050 --> 21:41.140 engagement on this has made a 21:41.140 --> 21:43.460 difference . This report and the United 21:43.460 --> 21:45.820 States have made a positive difference . 21:46.840 --> 21:49.050 I also want to thank the team at the 21:49.050 --> 21:51.250 trafficking in Persons office . The 21:51.250 --> 21:53.370 office is comprised of deeply devoted 21:53.380 --> 21:55.213 individuals who are working with 21:55.213 --> 21:57.436 governments , an NGO , those around the 21:57.436 --> 21:59.269 world toward our common cause of 21:59.269 --> 22:01.491 freedom . I wish they could all be here 22:01.491 --> 22:04.060 in the room today to be celebrated for 22:04.060 --> 22:05.838 their professionalism and their 22:05.838 --> 22:08.860 unending zeal . Secretary Pompeo has 22:08.860 --> 22:11.160 made it clear that we are one team and 22:11.160 --> 22:14.060 the department's talent matters . It's 22:14.060 --> 22:16.282 an honor to serve alongside the tip off 22:16.282 --> 22:18.338 his team as they work to improve the 22:18.338 --> 22:20.116 delivery systems of justice and 22:20.116 --> 22:22.171 protection that make the promises of 22:22.171 --> 22:24.227 laws and protocols a reality for the 22:24.227 --> 22:26.393 people they were intended to protect . 22:26.940 --> 22:28.940 I also want to recognize the team's 22:28.940 --> 22:30.662 family members who support and 22:30.662 --> 22:32.710 encourage and sometimes endure are 22:32.710 --> 22:35.680 difficult work . We do not do this work 22:35.690 --> 22:37.746 alone , and we're grateful to them . 22:39.100 --> 22:41.322 The production of this report is always 22:41.322 --> 22:43.530 a heavy lift , but this year the team 22:43.530 --> 22:45.641 has produced a fantastic report under 22:45.641 --> 22:48.360 circumstances that were difficult to 22:48.370 --> 22:51.040 have been foreseen even at mid stay at 22:51.040 --> 22:53.220 home orders in so many parts of the 22:53.220 --> 22:55.442 globe . Shut down our team at the State 22:55.442 --> 22:57.664 Department , pressed on to produce this 22:57.664 --> 23:00.220 report in the department . Put this 23:00.220 --> 23:02.680 report out on time without any delays 23:02.690 --> 23:04.912 in the midst of a global pandemic , and 23:04.912 --> 23:07.560 that itself serves to show the priority 23:07.560 --> 23:09.282 of this administration and the 23:09.282 --> 23:11.338 secretary has placed on this issue . 23:12.430 --> 23:14.540 The call of the 20th anniversary is 23:14.540 --> 23:17.300 clear . We must commit ourselves to our 23:17.300 --> 23:20.240 goal of freedom . What traffickers are 23:20.240 --> 23:22.351 doing is an affront to the dignity of 23:22.351 --> 23:25.160 every human life . And we can stop 23:25.160 --> 23:27.460 traffickers , protect victims and work 23:27.460 --> 23:30.500 to prevent this crime in our work 23:30.510 --> 23:33.320 generates the tangible hope that 23:33.320 --> 23:35.730 victims need as we try and care for 23:35.730 --> 23:38.860 them . Thank you for joining us today . 23:39.120 --> 23:42.450 Please download the 2020 tip report and 23:42.450 --> 23:44.339 use it as a tool in your advocacy 23:44.339 --> 23:46.561 towards our common mission . And please 23:46.561 --> 23:48.783 know that I and our colleagues that the 23:48.783 --> 23:50.672 trafficking of Persons Office are 23:50.672 --> 23:52.617 available to you . We want to be a 23:52.617 --> 23:54.839 resource and we want to learn from your 23:54.839 --> 23:56.728 experiences . So please reach out 23:56.728 --> 23:58.783 connect Because we know we're all in 23:58.783 --> 23:59.760 this together . Thank you .