13 February 2003

State Department to Sponsor Conference against Sex Trafficking, February 11, 2003

(February 23-26 conference in Washington, over 120 nations invited)

More than 120 nations will be represented at the international conference on "Pathbreaking Strategies in the Global Fight against Sex Trafficking" February 23-26 in Washington.

The meeting will highlight strategies from throughout the world that have been successful in the prevention and prosecution of trafficking, or in the protection of its victims," according to a State Department notice.

The conference is being sponsored by the U.S. State Department in partnership with the non-governmental War Against Trafficking Abuse.

Following is a State Department announcement:
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U.S. Department of State
Office of the Spokesman
February 11, 200

Notice to the Press

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON "PATHBREAKING STRATEGIES IN THE GLOBAL FIGHT AGAINST SEX TRAFFICKING"

Washington D.C. February 23-26, 2003

Secretary of State Colin L. Powell has invited from around the world participants to an international conference, "Pathbreaking Strategies in the Global Fight Against Sex Trafficking" from February 23-26, 2003 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, 400 New Jersey Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC. Mandated by Congress to underscore the commitment of the United States to fighting trafficking in human beings, the conference is being held in partnership with the non-governmental War Against Trafficking Abuse.

The meeting will highlight strategies from throughout the world that have been successful in the prevention and prosecution of trafficking, or in the protection of its victims. It will also recognize those who have devised practical solutions to the increasing problem of modern-day slavery.

The conference will be unique in a number of ways. It will for the first time bring together representatives of the diverse communities that combat trafficking. Participants were selected on the merit of their practical achievements in the field, not because of rank or office: Ministers of Justice may be seated next to parish priests; immigration officials and judges working together with former victims; activists exchanging views with chiefs of police. More than 120 nations will be represented.

MEDIA EVENTS: Five events will be open for media coverage. Senior officials scheduled to address the conference include Attorney General John Ashcroft, Secretary of Health and Human Services Tommy Thompson, USAID Administrator Andrew Natsios, Congressman Frank Wolf (R-Va.), and Congressman Chris Smith (R-NJ). The Vice President of Colombia, Franciso Santos Calderon and the Deputy Prime Minister of Sweden, Margareta Winberg will speak at the February 24 dinner. All other speakers are confirmed, but appearances are subject to final scheduling.

Events open for media coverage include:

- Opening reception, Sunday, February 23, 7:00 pm at the Hyatt Regency
- Opening plenary, Monday, February 24, 8:15 am at the Hyatt Regency
- Dinner, Monday, February 24, 7:30 pm at the Hyatt Regency
- Plenary, Tuesday February 25, 8:15 am at the Hyatt Regency
- Dinner, Tuesday, February 25, 7:00 pm at the Hyatt Regency

Media interested in covering any portion of the conference should complete the attached registration form and fax it to (202) 293-2656 or email it to media@gcjpr.com no later than Sunday, February 18.

A copy of the "MEDIA REGISTRATION FORM" is available at: http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2003/17631.htm

 

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