Ambassador Kirby Speeches

Inauguration of the CCTIP
Remarks by Ambassador Kirby

April 27, 2007

Mr. President, Mr. Minister, Colonel Plop, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen:

I am very pleased to participate in the inauguration of the Center for Combating Trafficking in Persons.  And, I am honored to be in the company of individuals who serve the noble cause of fighting the scourge of human trafficking.  Congratulations on this exciting day.

I couldn't express the evils of trafficking better than President Bush did when he said:  "Human trafficking is one of the worst offenses against human dignity.  Our nation is determined to fight that crime abroad and at home.  In our 21st century world, where freedom and democracy are spreading to every continent, it is unacceptable that hundreds of thousands of men, women, and children are exploited, abused and enslaved."

As Secretary Rice said:  "Protecting the non-negotiable demands of human dignity is the equal calling of every country and everyone must be held to the same high standards of moral conduct, including the United States.  We in America recognize that we, too, are a destination for the victims of human traffickers and we are taking measures to hasten the coming of the day when no man, woman or child is denied their rights and their common humanity on American soil."

Effective action against human trafficking requires comprehensive and integrated approaches. The transnational character of this crime means that countries of origin, transit and destination must work in partnership to prevent trafficking, protect its victims and prosecute those responsible.  Well-trained law enforcement officers and prosecutors, knowledgeable about the special issues of human trafficking are an indispensable part of such a strategy. 

Acknowledging the huge mission before us, the U.S. Government jointly with the Government of Moldova, agreed to establish this Center.  This project, based on the Task Force Principle, has brought together the resources and capabilities of all of your Government’s professional law enforcement and security organizations. We are confident that this concept will maximize investigative and prosecutorial efforts.  We know that the Task Force idea is new to Moldova – and is not without its challenges – but we firmly believe that if we don’t work together, we won’t succeed.

This Center will bring together law enforcement and government officials, international organizations, and NGOs that have made great strides in fighting this growing threat.  Within the near term, I am confident that the Center for Combating Trafficking in Persons will serve as the model anti-trafficking law enforcement entity in the region.
The Center’s physical renovation has been accomplished.  However, our partnership will not end here.  The U.S. Government will continue to provide robust infrastructure support in the area of policy development, technical assistance, equipment provisions and sustained professional training initiatives. 
The United States remains committed to help countries that demonstrate a determined commitment to strengthen their domestic capabilities to combat human trafficking.  I am confident that our ongoing shared commitment and collaboration will result in continued progress in the coming years.  As President Bush has said, “every nation that fights human trafficking has a friend in the United States.”

Congratulations and on behalf of the United States, I would like to present this plaque, highlighting our continued collaboration in the area of combating trafficking in persons, to the men and women of the Center.

To the Center for Combating Trafficking in Persons – In recognition of your efforts to combat trafficking in persons and your fight to protect the non-negotiable demands of human dignity.

Thank you.