Limtiaco keynotes FLAG induction rites

U.S. Attorney Alicia A.G. Limtiaco, Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, was invited by the Filipino Ladies Association of Guam to be the keynote speaker at their 53rd induction of executive officers and board of directors on Jan. 12, 2014.

Limtiaco congratulated and commended the association for their commitment to fostering unity among its membership, and improving the bonds of friendship among the people of Guam. FLAG members have supported and advocated for important fundamental issues—as evidenced by the over 50 years of community service, accomplishments, and meaningful contributions involving human rights and human dignity, cultural preservation, education, health, and international goodwill and understanding.

Limtiaco spoke about the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the importance of a community’s commitment to equality and the advancement of human rights and human dignity for all.

“On Jan. 20, we pay tribute to the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., to honor his legacy—his everlasting and steadfast contributions to the struggle and achievement of equality and freedom for human kind, and racial, social and economic justice. It is then appropriate that we come together as one community to dialogue and take action against all forms of oppression of the human spirit—to combat against human trafficking, family violence, sexual assault, and child abuse,” stated Limtiaco.

She also spoke about President Barack Obama’s proclamation of January 2014 as “National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month.”

“Human trafficking is a severe crime that deprives and violates victims of their fundamental human dignity, and is a global international issue. To combat human trafficking in our Pacific region, the nation, and globally—we must all be aware of the harsh realities of trafficking and mobilize collaborative efforts to end it. All federal and local law enforcement, social services, victim advocacy groups, medical, mental and public health professionals, educational institutions, faith-based organizations, private sector, civic organizations and fellow community stakeholders, must work together to effectively prevent human trafficking, protect and be responsive to the needs of victims, and hold offenders accountable,” said Limtiaco.

She shared the commitment of the Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work collaboratively with all stakeholders to prevent human trafficking, family violence, sexual assault, and child abuse in our island communities; to protect victims and survivors; and to hold offenders accountable. She also emphasized that public education and outreach are critical to sensitizing the community and ourselves about the importance of, and the role and responsibility each and every one of us has as individuals and in our professional and official capacities, in prevention and enforcement efforts. [I](USAO)[/I]