MANILA, Philippines — The fight against human trafficking has been boosted by different government agencies, private sector and civil society groups with the holding of the event dubbed: “Commitment Against Trafficking in Persons” held Tuesday at the Crown Plaza Manila Galleria in Ortigas, Pasig City.
Led by the Visayan Forum and the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT), the fight against modern-day slavery got a shot in the arm with the holding of Commitment Week, which will run from March 13 to 18.
Cecil Flores-Oebanda, Visayan Forum president and executive director, said the Commitment Week is expected to generate concrete commitments from more than 200 private companies, faith-based organizations, and civil society groups on practical measures against human trafficking.
She added that the week-long event will serve as platform to convene diverse leaders in their respective sectors and fields to commit towards providing immediate and appropriate response mechanisms to address human trafficking in the areas of prevention, protection, and healing and reintegration.
“The Commitment Week will serve as a venue for forging creative partnerships among the public and private sector. The events will celebrate milestones and good practices that have made substantial impact in protecting Filipinos against human trafficking,” Flores-Oebanda, who is an internationally-recognized human rights advocate and multi-awarded freedom fighter, said at the sidelines of the event.
IACAT head Justice Undersecretary Jose Vicente Salazar emphasized the need for a united and closer cooperation among the various agencies, more importantly the private sector, in the fight against human trafficking.
“We are all stakeholders in the battle to eradicate the menace of modern day slavery,” Salazar said.
United States Ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomas, who graced the event, also assured United States commitment to help the Philippine government in its fight against human trafficking.
“This is a global challenge of modern day form of slavery that all nations face. So we are all pleased that President Benigno (“Noynoy”) Aquino III, Vice President (Jejomar) Binay and (DoJ) Secretary Leila de Lima and the others are committed and we will continue to work with them on this challenge that will be take many years to eliminate not only the Philippines and the United States but all around the globe,” Thomas told reporters during an interview.
Other key government officials who were set to grace the event and speak to give ideas and commitments on the fight against Trafficking include Binay, DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo, Zamboanga City Mayor Celso Lobregat and Commission on Filipinos Overseas chairperson Imelda M. Nicolas.
Members of the diplomatic community were also present which include United Kingdom Ambassador Stephen Lillie, Australian Ambassador Rod Smith and the Kingdom of Netherlands Charge d’ Affaires Ruth Emmerink.
Organizations who also delivered concrete commitments include Microsoft Philippines, the Manila International Airport Authority, Manpower, MTV EXIT, Negros Navigation-Aboitiz Transport System Corporation, and Philippine Ports Authority.
According to Flores-Oebanda, the 2007 International Labor Organization – Forced Labor Fact Sheet reports that over 12 million adults and children all over the world are victims of forced labor, sexual exploitation, bonded labor and forced prostitution.
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