ECPAT-USA

End Child Prostitution, Child Pornography and Trafficking of Children for Sexual Purposes

US Trafficking in Persons Report Released Today

Another Stride towards Ending Modern-Day Slavery

The Department of State released some compelling reading today. The annual Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report is one of the best resources for gauging the global state of modern-day slavery, and its country rankings are often a powerful diplomatic tool in persuading nations to combat human trafficking within their borders.

Such a report exists at all because modern slavery is a flourishing, $32 billion industry, and the world’s second largest organized crime affecting as many as 27 million victims each year. It will require bold measures to bring it to its knees, and the report’s threat of sanctions, and naming and shaming, combined with adroit diplomacy and targeted foreign assistance, has proven to inspire real change. For example:
• In Cambodia, a recent survey suggests that once-rampant trafficking of children into prostitution is all but eliminated.
• In the Dominican Republic, a poor TIP ranking inspired law reform and led to the first-ever prosecutions of forced labor.
• In Nigeria, the nation’s first lady took on the issue and compelled significantly increased prohibitions of women being trafficked to Europe.
• In the Philippines, threats of an automatic downgrade led to rapid improvements in efforts to combat both sex and labor trafficking.

Of course, the TIP report is only as effective as it is honest, and there have been suspicions about whether its tiered ranking system is influenced by geopolitical considerations. Briefly: Tier 1 countries are deemed to meet minimum standards in preventing human trafficking; Tier 2 nations are making significant efforts to meet those standards; Tear 2 Watch List countries are making such efforts but require special scrutiny; and Tier 3 countries are making no significant efforts.

In the past, numerous countries appeared to be “parked” on the Watch List for years. So, in 2008, Congress mandated that nations on the Watch List for four straight years and still haven’t demonstrated progress, must be automatically downgraded to Tier 3 and face sanctions and moral opprobrium.
This year, that mandate created a real test for Secretary Kerry and the Obama Administration, and a wide range of human rights groups were deeply concerned that politically sensitive countries such as Russia, China, Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan would never be allowed to fall to Tier 3. And beyond the six countries facing “automatic downgrade,” many of us also suspected that sensitive countries like Thailand and Malaysia, which have been on the Tier 2 Watch List for three straight years, would get “early upgrades” to avoid being the focus of attention next year.

We are glad to be proven wrong, however, and commend Secretary Kerry and the Administration for getting this year’s report mostly right.

Russia, which has done little since last year, was automatically downgraded. This is especially important as the world’s attention focuses on the Sochi Olympics—certainly an event to celebrate, but also a known magnet for sex and labor traffickers. Uzbekistan, which eliminated government-sanctioned child labor but filled the gap by forcing older children, university students and others into labor, was also automatically downgraded. Thailand, which continues to have widespread reports of forced labor in its fishing industry, did not earn an early upgrade. Assessing such sensitive countries honestly will make the TIP Report an even more effective tool in the years to come, and could spur action over the next year in countries that will be on the Tier 2 Watch List for four consecutive years in 2014.

We are assessing nations for which we have less public information, like Azerbaijan and Iraq, to see if some geopolitical assessments crept in.
For the third year in a row, the United States also ranked itself, awarding a Tier 1 ranking. While we feel this ranking is justified at this time, there is still cause for concern, and we are keeping a watchful eye. There is no question that the Administration has taken a number of steps since the President’s speech on human trafficking in September 2012, including initiatives to combat trafficking in federal procurement, launching an effort to put together a strategic plan for victim services, and proposing an increase to woefully underfunded federal anti-trafficking programs.

However, we do not know how federal funding will work out this year, and the budget conflict threatens to undermine a $20 million increase for victims in the United States. In order to really earn its top ranking, the President and Congress must now prove itself this summer by passing a proposed appropriations bill that funds anti-trafficking programs.

We’ll monitor progress as that story unfolds, working to make sure the United States earns its Tier 1 ranking this year and every year.

Click here to read the ATEST Coalition Press Release

This blog post was originally published by the ATEST Coaliton, of which ECPAT-USA is a member.

Action alert – Crucial hours and days for protecting children from trafficking in NY State Legislature

by Camelia Tepelus, PhD – State Policy and Program Development Director

ECPAT USA has been working hard since the beginning of the NY 2013 legislative session, to extend safe harbor protections to 16- and 17-year-olds arrested for prostitution which are not always considered victims of trafficking in NY State – as the federal legislation provides. Together with other advocates including NYSATC, NYCJJ, Covenant House and may others – we would like to see protections provided by federal legislation (TVPRA) applicable also in New York State.

Today, as reported by the New York Times, there is a real possibility that Governor Cuomo’s Women’s Equality Act will recognize 16- and 17-year-old prostituted children as the victims they are, and provide them with treatment instead of criminalization. A decision about this provision will take place in the coming hours, so we urge you to call the offices of Senator Dean Skelos now at (518) 455-3171 with the following message:

In New York, a 16- or 17-year-old arrested for prostitution is exposed to the lifetime stigma of a criminal record, which arms the pimps with a threat they can make good on: any future employer will be able to find out about her degrading past. New York law also does not provide for specialized services for these vulnerable children, giving the pimps the benefit of knowing the state will not effectively intervene to help these teenagers move from sexual slavery to freedom. I urge you to use your considerable leadership to ensure that the Women’s Equality Act includes a safe harbor provision that protects 16- and 17-year-olds arrested for prostitution from criminalization, according to federal anti-trafficking legislation.

Check @ECPAT USA https://twitter.com/ecpatusa for frequent updates over the next couple of days until the Legislative Session is closing on June 20.

Check also below today’s NY Times article “Keep the Women’s Rights Bill Intact”

By the New York Times Editorial Board Published: June 13, 2013

Gov. Andrew Cuomo has proposed an excellent 10-point bill to protect women’s rights in New York State. The problem now is that legislators are trying to chip away at his effort, piece by piece, nibble by nibble. (…)

There are some  in the Senate and Assembly who are trying to weaken protections, including those for young victims of sex trafficking. Some in the Assembly apparently object to raising the penalty for sex trafficking to make it a violent felony crime. That is the wrong move. They are also wrong to try to remove sections that would make certain drivers who deliver prostitutes in “brothels on wheels” covered in the trafficking statute. And, Senate leaders are inexplicably resisting a section that would make sure girls ages 16 and 17 engaging in prostitution would be treated as victims, not criminals.

Governor Cuomo’s entire bill, which pushes for equal pay for women and provides safeguards against housing discrimination among other features, deserves to be passed as is. With less than a week to go before the official end of the session, lawmakers should stop trying to dismantle the Women’s Equality Act.

For further information contact: Camelia Tepelus, PhD – State Policy and Program Development Director, ctepelus@ecpatusa.org

Action alert – Rally at the NY City Hall on funding for youth services in FY 2014

 

By Melissa Blackerby and Camelia Tepelus

Every night in New York City, over 3800 youths under 18 years struggle to find a safe place to sleep. With no adequate shelter, a staggering number of runaway and homeless minors will have no choice but to resort to extremely unsafe practices for survival. A study released last month from Covenant House and Fordham University reports that one in four homeless youths have subjected themselves to trafficking or commercial sex to fulfill their basic survival needs – a place to sleep and a warm meal. Almost half of those attribute these actions to lack of a responsible adult in their lives and their inability to find a place to stay.

The runaway and homeless youths of NYC are an easy target for manipulation and exploitation, and traffickers recognize this. According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, within 48 hours of fleeing their homes, one-third of runaway youths are at risk of being kidnapped and forced into sex slavery. Pimps will often use the information that shelters are full to convince their victims to follow them, with the promise of a place to stay. With no social safety net or reliable access to shelter, these kids can easily fall prey to trafficking, exploitation, and violence.

Currently, New York City provides shelters with the funding to supply only 250 beds. This fiscal year, this funding could be cut even further, taking away 160 of these beds. This would leave NYC shelters with only enough city-financed beds to support approximately 0.02% of homeless youth in the city—not even one percent! The public perception is that the demand it is usually for girls to be trafficked and sexually exploited. But a 2008 study of John Jay College and the Center for Court Innovation found that in New York City over 50% of the vulnerable population is boys. ECPAT USA State Policy and Development Director Camelia Tepelus recently testified for the NY City Council on this topic (see testimony here Testimony to the NYCity Council – June 10 2013)  presenting a recently issued ECPAT USA qualitative study exploring in further detail characteristics of the commercial sexual exploitation of boys. (read here the recent ECPAT USA report ‘And Boys Too’ – AndBoysToo_FINAL_single pages).

Join ECPAT-USA and many other service providers and children’s rights organizations in a rally to demand the restoration of funding by the Mayor’s Office for NYC Runaway and Homeless Youth Services. On Wednesday, June 19th at 12:00 PM on the steps of City Hall, advocates from across the city will gather to show support for increased city funding for NYC shelters and to raise awareness about this great injustice. Help us show the city that SHELTER BEDS FOR HOMELESS YOUTH ARE NOT NEGOTIABLE!

See below flyer for additional information on the rally on June 19:

RHY rally flyer FINAL

ECPAT testifies for NYC Council Youth Services Committee on June 11, 2013

by Camelia Tepelus, PhD – State Policy and Program Development Director

On June 11, 2013, ECPAT USA testified at the New York City Council Committee on Youth Services hearing Chaired by Lewis A. Fiddler. The hearing was focused on T2013-6366 “The Prevalence of Sex and Labor Trafficking Among New York City’s Homeless Youth Population” and ECPAT provided testimony on the prevalence of sexual exploitation of boys in New York City.

The testimony highlighted findings of the ECPAT report “And Boys Too” which explored the under-reported issue of boys as victims of sexual exploitation. The report built on a John Jay College and the Center for Court Innovation 2008 study which estimated that over 50% of commercially sexually exploited youth in NYC are boys, far more numerous than is commonly acknowledged.

At the City Council hearing Camelia Tepelus stated: ‘despite boys being present in all communities where there are girls, and that they suffer similar outcomes, there is insufficient contact with the anti-trafficking community and service providers (..) ECPAT USA recommends NYC Council extending its support to the pending bill  ‘Trafficking Victims Protection and Justice Act (Paulin/Lanza A.2240/S.2135), that will  help correct important problems in NY State Safe Harbor implementation, particularly with respect to 16- and 17- year old sex trafficking victims. We further call for support to the ‘Raise the Age’ legislative initiative of NY Chief Judge Lipmann, to raise the age of criminal liability in the state of NY from 16 to 18 (S.4489, sponsored by Sen. Nozzolio). NY is one of the last two states in the country that did not yet reform its juvenile justice system to this effect. This change will also address important gaps in protection of all youth under 18 years old from all forms of sexual exploitation.’

The TVPJA legislation is currently pending in Albany.  You can make a difference by joining our letter writing campaign here ecpatusa.org/nys and donating to support our work for the protection of children http://ecpatusa.org/take-action/donate/

US Department of Homeland Security Revamps Blue Campaign Initiative

Written by Melissa Blackerby, ECPAT-USA Intern
On June 5, the US Department of Homeland Security officially relaunched The Blue Campaign, which focuses on preventing human trafficking in the United States.

Since its creation in 2010, the Blue Campaign has worked in both the private and public sectors to prevent human trafficking. A spokesperson from DHS explained the initiative; “The Blue Campaign is the unified voice for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) efforts to combat human trafficking. Working in collaboration with law enforcement, government, non-governmental and private organizations, Blue Campaign strives to protect the basic right of freedom and to bring those who exploit human lives to justice.”

Through its partnership with these agencies, The Blue Campaign strives to prevent human trafficking through intensive training sessions for the agencies’ employees. This training gives employees insight on how to accurately identify trafficking victims and effectively handle any situation involving human trafficking. In addition, the agencies also formed several anti-trafficking coordination teams (ACTeams), which specialize in investigations and prosecutions in human trafficking cases. These ACTeams include members of the FBI, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, and several other influential organizations.

A significant component of the Blue Campaign’s educational initiative is the development of an online training program for law enforcement officers. As of early 2013, six states have included the training program into their system.
The Department of Homeland Security and Customs and Border Protection also collaborated on developing a training program specific for companies in the travel industry. This program, called the Blue Lightning Initiative, is a voluntary course for airline personnel. So far, several airline companies have committed to adapting this training for their employees. Delta Air Lines was among the first to implement the program.

“It is very exciting to see the private sector partnering with the United States government to identify victims of trafficking,” said Michelle Guelbart, Private Sector Project Coordinator of ECPAT-USA. “Training employees on the signs of human trafficking is a great start for companies in becoming responsible brands. These training and awareness resources will encourage more companies to step up and strengthen their programming to fight trafficking.” ECPAT-USA has been partnering with the travel industry to implement programs and policies to mitigate the risk of child sex trafficking since 2004, when Carlson Companies signed the Tourism Child-Protection Code of Conduct.

Since its formation three years ago, the Blue Campaign has made significant strides to prevent human trafficking. However, these past initiatives have dealt primarily with professional settings, focusing on training those who could be directly involved with a case of trafficking as a part of their job. Because human trafficking is a widespread issue that is steadily growing in prominence, it is possible that anybody could be privy to a situation involving trafficking or a trafficking victim. Therefore, it is imperative that the general public be aware of the horrors of trafficking and be armed with the knowledge needed to stop it. DHS has recognized the demand for a stronger public campaign to increase societal awareness of the issue and has responded with the implementation of a newly redesigned website for the Blue Campaign. The official Blue Campaign website now features a new logo, mission statement, and web design to better communicate the campaign’s objective.

One interesting and attention-grabbing component of the newly redesigned Blue Campaign website is the Human Trafficking Awareness Training program, an interactive educational course that can be accessed by the public. The training can also be printed for future reference or distribution.

In addition to its Internet-based initiatives, the DHS has taken a more traditional approach to its campaign by issuing posters, tip sheets, and public service announcements to ensure a balanced presence on both the physical and digital spheres.

One of the new posters refers specifically to sex trafficking. It features the image of a young-looking girl with the powerful slogan “Lured by fairy tale promises, she learned not every prince is charming.”

The public response to the campaign’s relaunch has been overwhelmingly positive.

New York Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney expressed her support for the new initiative, “I applaud the Department of Homeland Security and Secretary Janet Napolitano for expanding the Blue Campaign, which aims to raise awareness of and prevent the horrors of human trafficking. Human trafficking is modern-day slavery and we need to use every tool at our disposal to eradicate this terrible scourge. I welcome the Blue Campaign’s efforts to unite government, law enforcement, private organizations and the public in the fight to stamp out human trafficking.” Congresswoman Maloney is well known as a prominent advocate in the fight against the commercial sexual exploitation of children, having contributed to much legislation on the issue.

The new website for the Blue Campaign can be accessed on the Department of Homeland Security official website at http://www.dhs.gov/blue-campaign/.

Delta to Implement New Anti-Human Trafficking Program in Partnership with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Department of Transportation

By: Michelle Guelbart, MSW
Adapted from Delta press release, posted here.

Today, June 6, 2013, Delta Air Lines reaffirmed their commitment to fight human trafficking by announcing a new training program. They will implement a sensitivity and awareness training for employees this summer as part of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Blue Lightning Initiative.

Delta was the fist airline company in the world to sign the Tourism Child-Protection Code of Conduct in 2011. The Code is a set of six guidelines travel companies implement to put in place policies and programs that can effectively deter and react to instances of child sex trafficking. The Code was created by ECPAT in partnership with the tourism industry.

CEO Richard Anderson with U.S. DOT Secretary Ray LaHood

CEO Richard Anderson with U.S. DOT Secretary Ray LaHood

Delta’s CEO, Richard Anderson highlighted the importance of Delta’s efforts to lead the fight against human trafficking in a recent Delta press release, “Guided by our values, Delta is proud to be among the first airlines to adopt this new training program to help raise awareness and combat the problem of human trafficking,” said Richard Anderson. “Delta strongly condemns all forms of human rights abuses, including human trafficking. Our core values along with the responsibility that comes with our global reach have led us to be at the forefront among airlines in this fight against human trafficking.”

The press release went on to explain the newly launched DHS Blue Lighting Campaign: “The Blue Lightning Initiative is a computer-based training program that provides airlines with added tools to help identify and report suspected instances of human trafficking. The press release explained that Blue Campaign material will be woven into Delta’s training program: The program, combined with Delta’s current safety and security training initiatives, will help prevent air transportation from being used as a vehicle to commit human trafficking and other forms of human rights abuses. All customer-facing Delta employees will complete the training program by the end of 2013.”

In addition to Delta’s Code membership, they are a founding member of the Global Business Coalition Against Human Trafficking and a member of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Transportation Leaders Against Human Trafficking program.

ECPAT-USA applaud’s Delta’s efforts and is proud to continue partnering with them to protect children worldwide!

Learn more about by the Code here.
Follow us on Facebook for an upcoming story on the Blue Campaign: http://www.facebook.com/ecpatusa.

Tonight: Panel Discussion on the Global and Local Sex Trade

Thursday, June 6, 6:30 pm
2 W. 64th Street, New York City

The New York Society for Ethical Culture presents a Panel Discussion on the Global & Local Atrocity of Sex Trafficking. This event is open to the public. Panel Members to include:

Stuart Perin, Author
Mara Schneider, FBI Agent, Violent Crimes Against Children Squed
Gloria Browne-Marshall, Professor, John Jay College
Dipti Mehta, Performer/Writer
Max Walker, ECPAT-USA, Associate Director

Moderated by Dr. Joe Chuman, Ethical Culture Society Leader

Click here to see the flyer

NY Gov Cuomo supporting women’s equality and strengthening anti-trafficking laws

by Camelia Tepelus, PhD, State Policy and Program Development Director

In the Women’s Equality Act submitted to the NY legislature today, June 4, NY State Governor Andrew Cuomo addresses gender inequality and restores NY as a leader in women’s rights.

ECPAT USA, a member of the Women’s Equality Coalition, applauds Gov. Cuomo’s efforts to address and improve existing anti-trafficking legislation in the context of the Women’s Equality Act introduced today.

ECPAT USA State Policy and Program Development Director Camelia Tepelus, PhD noted “the bill addresses in a comprehensive way a wide range of issues that affect the lives of women and girls in New York state – legislators are called to acknowledge that increasing protections against human trafficking will improve not only women’s rights, but the lives of their children and families too”.

The op-ed published today by the Governor’s office states:protections for women and girls who fall victim to human trafficking can and should be strengthened. The Act builds on the State’s already comprehensive laws by increasing penalties for human trafficking to deter perpetrators, making prosecution and enforcement more effective, and providing an affirmative defense in prostitution prosecutions that a defendant’s participation was a result of having been a sex trafficking victim. These amendments will solidify New York’s status as a leader among the states in protecting vulnerable individuals subject to exploitation.” http://www.governor.ny.gov/press/cuomo-publehses-op-ed-womens-rights

If you haven’t already, please take a moment to like ECPAT USA and the Women’s Equality Coalition on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ECPATUSA and NY Women’s Equality and follow us on Twitter: @ECPATUSA https://twitter.com/ecpatusa/  and @NY4Women. By doing so you will be able to easily share/retweet the graphics, tweets, and pictures our social media team will be posting throughout the day.

We also encourage you to create your own content, share messages of support and photos of your favorite moments at the rally. When you do, please be sure to use our #hashtags so we can watch as our buzz spreads throughout the interwebs: #NY4Women, #WEA, #WomensEquality

This is our moment to make sure everyone knows just how important this legislation is to New York. Your share or re-tweet can make the difference between reaching a few hundred people as opposed to 5,000 people.  Looking for something to post? Here are some sample tweets:

#WEA support #WomensEquality bc the time is now for a more fair and just NY, @SenatorSkelos NY women deserve a vote. Bring it to the floor!

Camelia Tepelus, PhD – State Policy and Program Development Director

Vote Venza Group for Atlanta Business Chronicles Social Madness!

Our friends at Venza Group have entered to win Atlanta Business Chronicles’ Social Madness Competition. The Social Madness challenge began Monday and 60 metro Atlanta companies are ready for your votes in the head-to-head social media battle. If Venza Group wins, they receive $10,000 to the charity of their choice and they’ve chosen ECPAT-USA!

The winner is decided based on highest number of votes and the amount of interactions they receive via social media. The first round ends June 17th!
1. Vote DAILY for Venza Group at http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/socialmadness.

2. Interact with Venza Group on Twitter and Facebook as often as possible!

Thank you Venza Group! We’re rooting for you!
venzalogo
Update:
6/4: Venza Group is in 4th place with 64 points!
6/5: Venza Group still in 4th place with 83 points!
6/6: Venza Group in 3rd place with 155 points!

Carlson Companies Receives Inaugural Award For Extraordinary Efforts To Combat Trafficking In Persons

We are proud to Carlson Companies, who was the first United States company to sign the Tourism Child-Protection Code of Conduct in 2004, received the Inaugural Award For Extraordinary Efforts To Combat Trafficking In Persons. Congrats Carlson!

Originally posted: here.
Minneapolis | April 11, 2013
Carlson, a global hospitality and travel company, today announced that it is the first company to receive the Presidential Award for Extraordinary Efforts to Combat Trafficking in Persons. This prestigious recognition was presented at a ceremony at the White House.carlson award
Human trafficking is one of the world’s fastest growing crimes with an estimated $32 billion in revenue for the traffickers and an estimated 26 million people enslaved worldwide. Conservative estimates put the annual number of children sexually exploited at two million. In the United States alone, it is estimated that nearly 300,000 children are trafficked for sex annually.
In order to more effectively combat this issue, President Obama directed his cabinet to work more closely across departments to expand efforts and partnerships. The resulting interagency task force involving the State Department and the Departments of Justice, Labor, and Homeland Security is the first in the nation’s history to focus on the issue of human trafficking.
The Award for Extraordinary Efforts to Combat Trafficking in Persons is another component of President Obama’s commitment. Carlson received the award for its demonstrated commitment and corporate leadership in combating modern slavery through the adoption and promotion of business practices that seek to protect victims of human trafficking, and the development of proactive measures to train employees and encourage its partners and the broader business community to take a stand against human trafficking.
The company has been a leader and early supporter of efforts to recognize and prevent human and sex trafficking around the globe, and proactively trains its employees to be aware of the risks of sex trafficking, particularly of children.
“Carlson’s consistent and long-standing efforts to combat human trafficking have made our company a pioneer in this area, and while it is an honor to be recognized by the President for our efforts, the fight has just begun,” said Marilyn Carlson Nelson, former Chairman and CEO, Carlson, who was present at the ceremony. “As Carlson continues to do its part, it is my fervent hope that our work will inspire others to join us in combating this crucial, global issue.”
Secretary of State John Kerry, chair of the President’s Task Force on Trafficking, said of the award, “With this Presidential Award, we honor those who have played an extraordinary role in advancing our common cause. They have been pioneers in this effort—from developing the 3P approach of prevention, protection, and prosecution in the earliest days of this movement, to championing innovations in corporate social responsibility that will help carry this work forward for years to come. This award pays tribute to their leadership and their commitment.”
About Carlson
Carlson is a global hospitality and travel company headquartered in Minneapolis, Minn. Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group includes more than 1,300 hotels in operation and development, including, Radisson Blu, Radisson®, Park Plaza®; Park Inn by Radisson, Country Inns & Suites By CarlsonSM and Hotel Missoni; more than 900 T.G.I. Friday’s® restaurants; and a majority stake in Carlson Wagonlit Travel®, the global leader in business travel management. Carlson operates in more than 160 countries and territories and its brands employ more than 175,000 people worldwide. For more information, please visit Carlson’s website: http://www.carlson.com.
Contact
Heather Faulkner, Carlson, +1 (763) 212-1224, hfaulkner@carlson.com