A unique tool to help fight human trafficking across the world is
today being officially launched by the International Organization
for Migration (IOM) at its 92nd Council session in Geneva.

The IOM Counter-Trafficking Training Modules are a cost
effective, comprehensive tool that draw on IOM's extensive
knowledge on the subject, offering a ‘how to' approach on
issues relating to victims' protection and assistance.

The Modules have been developed for target audiences with
varying levels of knowledge. Each one begins with basic concepts
and definitions related to human trafficking, including activities.
The Modules enhance understanding of some of the key elements
necessary in building a comprehensive counter-trafficking
strategy.

They were developed with funding from the US Department of
State, Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM), through
a participatory, field based approach that involved experts from
Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America.

"Despite increasing awareness of the problem, there is still
tremendous misinformation about human trafficking. The complexity
of trafficking requires targeted education and awareness-raising,
training and capacity building at a variety of levels in order to
develop an effective, multi-pronged approach - from victim service
providers to law enforcement officers, media and advocacy groups to
legislators and policy advisors within government agencies," said
Richard Danziger, who heads IOM's Counter-Trafficking Division.

Pilot trainings have already successfully been held in the
Netherlands Antilles, Jamaica, South Africa, Indonesia, Cambodia
and Suriname.

The Modules will be presented by Richard Danziger at a press
conference today at 11h30 local time at the Palais des Nations,
Press Room 3.

Ellen Sauerbrey, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for
Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM), Kelly Ryan, Deputy
Assistant Secretary of State of PRM, and Vernon E.L. Burrows,
Director of The Bahamas Immigration Department will join Danziger
during the presentation. (
href="http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2006/76893.htm" target=
"_blank" title="">Read related media note here)

"I am very proud that the United States is a world leader in the
fight against trafficking in persons. The Department of State's
Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration has chosen IOM as our
primary implementing partner for anti-trafficking programmes
because of IOM's extensive expertise in the field. We have
contributed approximately $30 million to IOM since 1998 in support
of anti-trafficking activities. The Modules reflect the excellent
collaboration between IOM and PRM and the strong commitment of IOM
and the U.S. government in combating the global phenomenon of
trafficking," said Assistant Secretary Sauerbrey.

For the past decade, IOM has worked with governments and
communities to combat human trafficking. IOM is currently carrying
out more than 150 counter-trafficking projects in some 70 countries
of origin, transit, and destination. To date, the Organization has
provided direct assistance to more than 10,000 persons.