FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Confronting Transnational Organized Crime and Human Trafficking in a Global Society
November 6th, 2012 Posted by Tracy Russo
On November 5th, Deputy Attorney General James M. Cole addressed the 81st INTERPOL Ministerial and General Assembly meeting in Rome, Italy. This gathering of INTERPOL member countries marked an important opportunity to recognize joint achievements, build relationships, discuss issues critical to our domestic and global security, and develop a path forward on international law enforcement.
Deputy Attorney General Cole noted the unprecedented level of cooperation between INTERPOL member countries which has led to the development of critical law enforcement tools of 24/7 communication, information sharing and coordinated responses. He also emphasized two important areas that would benefit greatly from INTERPOL’s continued leadership and support and member countries’ investment, vigilance and cooperation: Transnational Organized Crime and Human Trafficking.
To respond to the threat of transnational organized crime, Deputy Attorney General Cole called for a "whole-of-government approach" focused on coordinating resources and expertise:
Deputy Attorney General Cole also stressed the need for "enhanced global attention and a unified law enforcement response" to fight against human trafficking:
Although the specific details may differ, these heinous crimes often have two common elements. First, human trafficking is hidden in plain sight – behind the veil of a prostitution offense, a domestic abuse incident, a physical or sexual assault, a labor dispute, or an immigration crime. Second, victims are often traumatized, and can be weary of – and reluctant to corporate with – law enforcement officials for fear of repercussions from their captors. This is why educating first responders about the factors that may indicate a potential human trafficking offense is a critical step in improving our ability to identify and help trafficking victims.
In front of an international audience, Deputy Attorney General Cole reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to preventing and fighting human trafficking in all of its forms. Last year, the department set a new record in the number of defendants charged in human trafficking cases. Additionally, over the last three years, there has been a 30 percent increase in the number of forced labor and human trafficking cases charged.
The United States has also partnered with law enforcement officials from Mexico and Ukraine, to Germany and Canada to dismantle sex traffic networks and successfully bring perpetrators behinds these crimes to justice. This work – which showcases the value of engaging in global partnerships to combat human trafficking –sends an unmistakable message: we will relentlessly pursue those who trade in the misery of other human beings and we will rescue their victims and bring the perpetrators to justice.
However, these efforts are only the beginning. To successfully combat human trafficking, as Deputy Attorney General said, "prosecution alone is not the answer," which is why we are bringing a renewed focus to preventative measures like:
prevention through deterrence so that our prosecutions dissuade others who may consider engaging in this crime;
prevention through public awareness; and, lastly,
prevention through the education of potential victims who, driven by fear, poverty, or lack of education, often unwittingly place their lives in the hands of exploitative traffickers.
No single country or law enforcement agency has the power, or the means, to tackle the global criminal enterprises we face. Only by communicating effectively, sharing intelligence and combining resources – within our own governments and with our law enforcement partners around the globe – can we truly understand current and emerging trends and build effective strategies to anticipate, combat and put an end to these crimes.