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Tier-Ranking Mandated by Smith Law Topic of April 22 hearingRating the World’s Efforts to Fight Human Trafficking

State Department’s Annual TIP Report Approaches; House Panel to Hear from Human Rights Groups @ Wednesday hearing

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Washington, Apr 21, 2015 | Jeff Sagnip ((202) 225-3765) | comments
The U.S. State Department’s main effort to combat human trafficking will be the topic of a hearing planned by U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04), Chairman of the House congressional panel that oversees global human rights issues, and author of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, a law which mandates the State Department’s annual Trafficking in Persons Report (TIP).

 

“Accountability and Transformation: Tier Rankings in the Fight Against Human Trafficking,” is the title of the hearing to be held before the House Foreign Affairs Committee subcommittee on global human rights. The 2015 TIP report is being compiled and expected to be released soon.

 

Who:           Members of the House global human rights subcommittee, and witnesses:

 

  • The Honorable Mark Lagon, President of Freedom House (Former Ambassador-at-Large for Trafficking in Persons Office at the U.S. Department of State). Founded in 1941 as the first American organization to advocate the advancement of freedom around the world, Freedom House is an independent watchdog organization dedicated to the expansion of freedom around the world and promoting democracy and fundamental human rights.

 

  • Matt Smith, Executive Director, Fortify Rights. Fortify Rights  investigates and documents human rights abuses, proving information to the public and government policy makers to identify, prevent and remedy human rights abuses.

 

  • The Rev. Shay Cullen, President/Chief Executive Officer, PREDA (People’s Recovery, Empowerment and Developmental Assistance) Foundation. PREDA is a 40-year organization dedicated to free children and women from sexual slavery in the Philippines.

 

When:             Wednesday, April 22 at 1:30 p.m.

 

Where:            Rayburn House Office Building, Room 2200 (second floor)

 

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