US State Dept. announces anti-human trafficking heroes, including Pinoy lawyer

A Filipino Lawyer Recognized as Anti-Human Trafficking Hero

A Filipino lawyer has been honored as an anti-human trafficking hero during the 20th anniversary of the Trafficking In Persons (TIP) Report Heroes awards program. The ceremony, hosted by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, recognizes individuals including NGO workers, lawmakers, government officials, survivors of human trafficking, and concerned citizens.

Emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The TIP Report website states that these heroes are recognized for their tireless efforts to protect victims, punish offenders, and address the underlying factors that make individuals vulnerable to trafficking. These efforts align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5 (Gender Equality), Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).

Samson Inocencio Jr.: Vice President of International Justice Mission Philippines Program Against Online Sexual Exploitation of Children

Samson Inocencio Jr., the vice president of International Justice Mission (IJM) Philippines Program Against Online Sexual Exploitation of Children, is one of the recognized heroes. According to the TIP Report, Sam’s leadership and dedicated service have strengthened the government and civil society’s response to trafficking, protecting thousands, especially children, from exploitation.

Since 2005, Inocencio has contributed to 147 convictions for commercial sexual exploitation and 220 for online sexual exploitation (OSEC) crimes. In 2016, as the IJM national director, he assisted in the rescue of 544 children from commercial sexual exploitation and 1,237 children at risk of OSEC.

Furthermore, Sam led IJM’s efforts under the U.S.-Philippine Child Protection Compact (CPC) Partnership to combat OSEC crimes and advocated for a 347 percent budget increase for the Philippine National Police – Women and Children Protection Center.

Inocencio also played a crucial role in assisting the Philippines in combating the commercial sexual exploitation of children and OSEC-related crimes. He worked with the Philippine government to develop a “roadmap to Tier 1” in the U.S. Department of State Trafficking in Persons Report. The Philippines has maintained its Tier 1 ranking for eight years, reflecting the country’s commendable efforts.

Other TIP Heroes

Aside from Samson Inocencio Jr., other individuals were recognized as TIP heroes:

1. Al Amin Noyon – Manager, BRAC Migration Centre
2. Marcela Martinez – Activist/Lawyer
3. Maria Werlau – Founder/Executive Director, Free Society Project
4. Mustafa Ridha Mustafa al-Yasiri – Director, Anti-Human Trafficking Directorate, Ministry of Interior
5. Edith Murogo – Founder/Chief Executive Officer, Centre for Domestic Training and Development
6. Oumou Elkhairou Niaré Samaké – Coordinator, National Integrated Program for the Fight Against Drug Trafficking and Organized Crime; National Committee for the Fight Against Trafficking in Persons and Similar Practices
7. Marijana Savic – Founder/Director, Atina
8. Rosa Cendón – Advisor, Human Trafficking and Gender-based Violence, Catalonia Regional Ministry for Equality and Feminism
9. Letitia Pinas – Inspector of Police/Head of the Trafficking in Persons Unit, Suriname Police Force

Past Filipino TIP heroes include the late Susan Ople, an advocate of Overseas Filipino Workers’ rights and founder of the Blas F. Ople Policy Center and Training Institute, as well as Prosecutor Darlene Pajarito, who achieved the first sex trafficking conviction in the Philippines in 2005.

The recognition of these heroes highlights the importance of collective efforts in achieving the SDGs, particularly Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Source: BAP, GMA Integrated News

Source: gmanetwork.com