Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary’s Discussion On Human Trafficking At The Danish Institute For International Studies

COPENHAGEN — Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano today delivered remarks about expanding international coordination to combat human trafficking at a forum hosted by Humanity in Action and the Danish Institute for International Studies.

“Human trafficking is a global problem that requires a global solution.” said Secretary Napolitano. “The United States, Denmark and all our international partners must continue to work together to better identify and dismantle criminal trafficking organizations.”

During the forum, Secretary Napolitano highlighted the efforts of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to dismantle global human trafficking infrastructure through close cooperation with the Danish National Police and international law enforcement partners and more than 300 ICE Victim Assistance Coordinators worldwide who work with non-governmental organizations to help provide long-term assistance efforts.

Secretary Napolitano discussed the critical role played by border officials in recognizing potential trafficking victims and criminals and highlighted U.S. Custom and Border Protection’s international Human Trafficking Awareness Campaign—designed to enhance transnational collaboration, educate the public and empower victims.

Secretary Napolitano also emphasized the shared public responsibility in remaining vigilant and aware about the prevalence of human trafficking. ICE recently unveiled the “Hidden in Plain Sight” campaign in the United States—designed to raise public awareness of trafficking victims in communities nationwide.

While in Copenhagen, Secretary Napolitano also held meetings with Danish Justice Minister Brian Mikkelson and Transportation Minister Lars Barfoed to discuss ongoing multinational efforts to address human trafficking and other criminal activity, as well as transportation security and bilateral criminal information sharing partnerships.

Later this week, Secretary Napolitano will travel to Belgium, Spain, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom to meet with her international counterparts to discuss information sharing and privacy protection; collaborative efforts to secure cyber networks worldwide; international response to the H1N1 global pandemic; and coordination to combat transnational criminal activity and the global threat of terrorism.