On June 17th, 2010, Deputy Mayor Carol Robles-Roman and Deputy Counsel Norma Abbene welcomed and honored the 2010 Trafficking in Persons Report Heroes on behalf of Mayor Michael Bloomberg. The 2010 heroes were first honored by Secretary Clinton and Ambassador CdeBaca of the U.S. State Department upon the release of its 2010 Trafficking in Persons Report on June 14th. Each hero was identified by the State Department as an individual whose extensive commitment in the fight against human trafficking has fostered a global expansion of human rights. After the release of the Trafficking in Persons Report, the heroes traveled to New York City as part of the State Department’s International Visitor Leadership Program.
The international delegation of hero attendees included:
- Brother Xavier Jean Marie Plassat, National Antislavery Campaign -- Brazil.
- Ms. Christine Sabiyumva, National Police Women’s and Children’s Brigade -- Burundi.
- Ms. Iren Adamne Dunai, Ministry of Social and Family Affairs -- Hungary.
- Ms. Linda Al-Kalash, Tamkeen for Legal Aid and Human Rights -- Jordan.
- Mrs. Aminetou Mint Moctar, Association of Women Head of Families -- Mauritania.
- Ms. Natalyya Abdullaeva, Isenim NGO -- Uzbekistan.
- Mr. Keith Hughes, Department of State – United States.
- Ms. Catherine G. Ugarte, Office of the Mayor – New York, United States.
The heroes met with Deputy Mayor Carol Robles-Roman and Deputy Counsel Norma Abbene to discuss New York City’s efforts to combat human trafficking and to learn more about the Let’s Call an End to Human Trafficking public awareness campaign. The heroes discussed the necessity of raising awareness and expanding victim services, as well as the obstacles and best practices in identifying and assisting victims of domestic violence and human trafficking locally and around the world. The heroes were happy to learn about the many state and federal laws designed to protect victims, about public awareness-raising measures such as Let’s Call an End to Human Trafficking, and about the provision of comprehensive victim services at the NYC Family Justice Centers. The meeting concluded with a renewed call for continued action and collaboration in this ongoing struggle to eradicate human trafficking.
