Agencies participate in Task Force to Monitor and Combat Human Trafficking

Today, the President’s Interagency Task Force to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (PITF) convened at the White House. This was the final cabinet-level meeting of the PITF during the Obama administration.

The PITF reported on the progress made within four priority areas: rule of law, victim services, procurement and supply chains, and public awareness and outreach. The PITF also released a fact sheet earlier this year that provided an update on their efforts.

Secretary of State John Kerry said in his remarks “This all-of-government effort has really been very, very significant. Everybody here has contributed significantly in their agencies, and I think this Administration can be extraordinarily proud of what we have done to raise the profile of this challenge and to have an impact on countries all around the world.” He went on to say that human trafficking is an assault on human rights and a threat to global stability.

Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson also attended the PITF meeting. Johnson discussed the progress that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has made in combating human trafficking, including DHS’s Blue Campaign. At the PITF meeting, Johnson announced revision to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Directive on Continued Presence. This revision will extend the duration of this important immigration designation for non-U.S. citizen victims of human trafficking from one year to two years, providing crucial stability and greater support to victims as they aid in the investigation and prosecution of their traffickers.

The PITF was formed following President Obama’s March 2012 call to strengthen federal efforts to combat human trafficking through the cooperation and collaboration of government agencies, the private sector, advocates, survivors, faith communities, civil society, law enforcement, and academia.

For more information on the PITF, please follow the links below.
FACT SHEET: Building a Lasting Effort to End Modern Slavery, White House
Remarks at the Annual Meeting of the President’s Interagency Task Force to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (PITF), U.S. Department of State
Secretary Johnson Participates in President’s Interagency Task Force to Monitor and Combat Human Trafficking, Department of Homeland Security
Fact Sheet: Combating Human Trafficking at DHS, Department of Homeland Security