Human trafficking videoconference Friday

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services would hold a videoconference session on human trafficking and other crimes on Friday from 8:30am to 1pm (CNMI time) at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement office at the Mariana Business Park.

Community-, faith-based organizations and legal service providers are invited to attend the conference that would be broadcast live via videoconferencing to Guam and Saipan. The live session will be at the USCIS field office in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Lawyers, health clinic personnel, congressional staff, social and case workers, domestic violence shelters, and other public service providers are also invited to attend the conference, hosted by USCIS-ICE’s Blue Campaign.

The conference is also open to other individuals and organizations that work with victims of immigration and other related crimes.

An overview on human trafficking and types of immigration relief for victims, process updates and helpful filing tips, referral and contact information, and training and immigration remedies for victims are some of the topics included in the training session.

The Blue Campaign is the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s efforts against human trafficking where they partner with government and other law enforcement agencies, non-profit groups, and other private organizations.

The campaign aims to protect the basic human right of freedom and bring to justice individuals who exploit others for their personal gain. It also creates awareness on the issue of human trafficking by educating the public on how to recognize and report a suspected incident aside for training law enforcement agencies to detect and investigate related crimes, and protect victims.

CNMI Gov. Ralph DLG Torres is also set to sign a proclamation declaring February 2017 as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month on Jan. 30 at 9am at the Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe.

The CNMI Human Trafficking Intervention Coalition is at the forefront of the event. “As we work to end human trafficking in our community, let us come together to remember the survivors and vow to bring the perpetrators to justice so that no one is denied their inherent human rights of freedom and dignity,” said HTIC member Lauri B. Ogumoro in a statement.

She added that human trafficking takes place in different countries around the world. “The injustice of modern slavery and human trafficking tears at the social fabric of communities. Addressing human trafficking in all its forms is a priority of [HTIC] members and our community.”

Ogumoro asked the community to join their efforts against human trafficking. “As we aim to make the whole world aware of modern day slavery, we seek the cooperation of businesses, religious groups, and families to join us in our efforts.”