[Stop-traffic] US Request for Information US Government Trafficking in Persons Office

[stop-traffic@friends-partners.org]

STATE DEPARTMENT
REQUEST FOR INFORMATION


The U.S. Department of State's Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in
Persons (TIP Office) is compiling information for the fourth annual
Trafficking in Persons Report 
(TIP Report). Realizing that often the best sources of information on this
subject are outside of government, we invite you to provide input that will
contribute to a more complete and accurate assessment of global efforts to
fight this heinous crime. 


Last year, we obtained information from NGOs, academic institutions, news
media, and foreign government officials, including immigration and police
officers. This office reviewed the information with extensive support from
numerous other bureaus of the Department of State. This year, we are
striving to further expand our information network.


The TIP Office seeks specific and detailed facts involving instances of
severe forms of trafficking in persons, as defined by statute. We also seek
details regarding anti-trafficking actions, or lack thereof, involving
governments. We are especially interested in what governments are doing to
prevent trafficking, protect victims, and prosecute traffickers to full
conviction with appropriate sentencing.


Submissions should include numbers of victims and references to sources,
where available. As you know, the TIP Report addresses foreign government
practices and not the United States, except in general terms. However, any
U.S.-related information you provide will be shared with relevant U.S.
government agencies.


Please let us know if any information you provide, including your or your
organization's name, should NOT be shared with host governments who might
inquire into our information sources used for the TIP Report.


The TIP Office has established an e-mail address, TIPREPORT@state.gov, to
enable you to send trafficking information directly to the office. We invite
you to utilize this e-mail address to send information on trafficking in
persons globally. Alternatively, you can send hard-copy information to:


        The Department of State (SA-22)
        Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons
        Attention: TIP Report Section
        1800 G Street NW, Ste. 2201
        Washington, DC 20520


The Trafficking Victims Protection Act mandates report submission to
Congress by June 1. Thus, we need all information on trafficking for the
2004 report by March 15 to allow sufficient time to complete our country
assessments. We welcome and appreciate information throughout the year, but
please note any information submitted after the deadline will be considered
for inclusion in the 2005 report instead.


Thank you for your interest, dedication, and hard work on combating human
trafficking. The U.S. government aims to eradicate modern-day slavery
worldwide, and we need global and domestic partners such as you in this
fight. We appreciate any help you can give and invite you to send this
request on to others who might contribute to this process.


The TIP Office looks forward to working with you to further expose and
address this serious crime and global human rights scourge that threatens
public health and undermines international security.