Let me begin by expressing my gratitude to the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela for hosting this very important meeting of National Authorities on Trafficking in persons and for the warm welcome received.

In particular I want to thank the Vice-Minister of Judicial Security, Mr. Rafael Jiménez Dan, and Ambassador Nelson Pineda Alternate Representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to the OAS and Chair of the Working Group on Trafficking in Persons for their role in preparing and conducting this important meeting. Also, let me praise the work and commitment of the Vice-Chairman of this meeting, Parliamentary Secretary Jon Odlum, Ministry of Health, Human Services and Family of Saint Lucia.

I am indeed impressed with the broad attendance and the high level of participation in the meeting as well as with the collective efforts and interest demonstrated by you all, Government representatives, civil society organizations and experts in several areas related to this issue.

The OAS thanks you all, as this has been very encouraging, because we sometime feel that we are in denial, that we acknowledge the gravity of the trafficking of persons in other countries, but not in our own.

I believe this exchange has been very instructive and useful, but most important it has provided the opportunity for a frank and open debate. Now, it is time for action, for follow up on the many initiatives proposed.

Let me also congratulate the Working Group that negotiated and drafted the conclusions and recommendations for their tireless efforts until late this morning, and of course my thanks also extend to those who logistically and technically supported these efforts.

In today's world, our countries and peoples have to face multiple challenges. Only too often we tend to focus exclusively on the political and economic ones, setting aside the social ones. Those are usually not in the forefront. They do not make headlines, but do have great consequences, both in terms of the life of individuals as well as in the social cohesion and stability of our societies

The issue of trafficking in persons is one of them, and the problem is not an isolated one. It is a global problem, and, therefore, requires a multilateral approach. No country can resolve the problem in isolation! It is one that has a great human and social cost but often tends to be sidelined. It is one that has a great impact on the breakdown of social structures, starting with the family. It also violates universal human rights: the right to liberty and freedom from slavery in all its forms. And in the case of trafficking in children it is even worse. It violates the inherent right of a child to grow up in a protective environment and the right to be free from all forms of abuse and exploitation.

It is a complex phenomenon that requires a multifaceted response - one in which local, state, national, and international programs geared toward fighting it must be effectively coordinated. It requires that we strive to draw broader public attention to the problem, so that governments, civil society and international actors can enlist the support of all in the fight against this crime.

During this meeting, all of you have carried out important deliberations regarding this delicate issue and it is important to continue to work in the most assertive and collaborative manner in order to address the devastating effects of this crime. The issue demands not only the utmost attention from the international community but also from the national authorities of our member states and all members of society. I call on our Governments and society at large to keep the political momentum alive and to promote an inclusive and holistic approach to tackle this problem.

But, in order to be successful in this endeavor we cannot approach it from the punitive perspective only. To be able to agree on the analysis and the measures to be adopted, we need to understand the underlying causes, the roots of the problem, and they can differ from country to country, from region to region and that is why we need this ongoing multilateral dialogue. Furthermore, we have to acknowledge that there is shared responsibility, and this includes the countries of origin, transit, and destination, but we have to approach it with the goal of strengthening and enhancing multilateral cooperation and national capacity.

With increased commitment and better coordination, we could do many things to prevent and combat this terrible activity. For example, we could generate awareness-raising campaigns, improve the registration system of trafficking cases, strengthen anti-trafficking legislation, improve prosecution, and build stronger networks for supporting and rehabilitating victims. With both technical and financial assistance, we could articulate comprehensive strategies for the prevention and protection of victims, as well the investigation and sanction of traffickers.

Unfortunately, trafficking in persons has not been placed sufficiently high on the national agendas of many of the countries in the region, and, furthermore, there are still some among us that have not yet ratified or acceded to relevant international legal instruments of the UN and Inter-American Systems to prevent and combat trafficking and address international organized crime. I take this opportunity to call on those countries to do so as soon as possible.

During the last four days, important tools, innovative strategies and crucial information regarding national, sub-regional and international cooperation efforts in the fight against human trafficking have been presented. This comprehensive dialogue that took place between national authorities, experts and civil society organizations, in a multilateral environment, working towards the prevention of human trafficking, underscores the importance for more effective legislation, prevention tools, assistance models, public policies and cooperation mechanisms among national and international partners striving to end human trafficking.

From our point of view, the approach has to have at least three components: Prevention, mitigation and assistance for the victims and prosecution of perpetrators.

In terms of prevention we must recognize that poverty is a fundamental factor in promoting conditions for human trafficking, and therefore it is important to promote the development of public policies that have high social content and are designed to protect vulnerable groups, especially women, children, adolescents, and migrants.

It is necessary for member states to develop national strategic plans to disseminate human trafficking issues in educational institutions at every level, underscoring education as an essential factor of prime importance in preventing this offense. In my view this is one of the most critical aspects, as it provides a unique channel to teach children at a young age to respect and honor, and to have high moral standards.

Regarding assistance to victims, the States should provide due protection and accord the necessary attention to the respect for their human rights. Protection and care of the victims has to be ensured. This is even more important when the victims of trafficking are children or adolescents. The member states should undertake to guarantee measures for their immediate protection, including their travel supervised by a competent authority.

On the issue of the prosecution of the perpetrators, the member states should strive to make the offense of human trafficking a criminal one in their domestic legislations, with a view to its prevention, suppression, and punishment, ensuring that procedural measures are in place not just for the prosecution of perpetrators but also for the effective punishment of this offense. Also, streamlined mechanisms should be strengthened for the exchange of reliable information that assists in identifying movements of traffickers from countries of origin to countries of transit or destination.

In addition, measures should be strengthened for inspection and monitoring of commercial transport to prevent its use for human trafficking. There is also need to, where absent, introduce legislation, to modernize existing laws and create cooperation mechanisms at the national level.

As we have witnessed here in this forum, anti-trafficking strategies and programs developed with input from all stakeholders will prove to be extremely effective and likely to succeed as they bring a comprehensive view to the problem.

Therefore, let us continue this important dialogue with a view toward the development and implementation of concrete actions to fight this crime decisively.

In closing, let me reiterate the OAS’ commitment to continue being an active participant and continue supporting this process and the initiatives coming out of it.

I also would like to commend the work and commitment of the members of the OAS Staff Members who diligently contributed to the success of this meeting.

Thank You