Op-Ed on the 2013 U.S. Trafficking in Persons Report

Brent Hardt

By Ambassador D. Brent Hardt

Yesterday Secretary of State John Kerry released the 2013 United States Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report reviewing the efforts of countries worldwide to combat the scourge of modern day slavery.  The theme of this year’s report — “Victim Identification: The First Step in Stopping Modern Slavery” — highlights the continuing challenge all countries face in bringing to light this shadowy crime by identifying and protecting victims, while investigating and prosecuting perpetrators.

Eradicating modern slavery remains an uphill struggle.  Based on the information governments have provided,