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Good morning, officials of the International Organization for Migration, honorable representatives from the various Caribbean islands, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, it is a pleasure and an honor for me to welcome you, on behalf of the people and Government of St. Maarten. Human trafficking is one of the worst offenses against human dignity. Deliberations during the next three days will focus on the strategies that are needed to fight trafficking. In today's world, nations have to face multiple challenges. Human trafficking is one such challenge that has consequences both in terms of the life of the individual as well as in the social cohesion and stability of our societies. It is a global problem which requires a multilateral approach. No country can resolve the problem alone. Human trafficking violates universal human rights: the right to liberty and freedom from slavery in all its forms.
The worse part of this activity is the trafficking of children. Human traffickers rob children of their innocence. They expose them to the worst of life before they have seen much in life. 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.
Human life is the gift of our Creator, and it should never be for sale. Traffickers treat their victims as nothing more than goods and commodities for sale to the highest bidder. Law abiding countries will not tolerate slave traders who bring women and children into our nations for abuse. The struggle against human trafficking is more than a fight against crime. It's a struggle for the lives and dignity of innocent women and children. The dedication from all of us during the next three days of deliberations, will lead to the development of strategies that will enable us to prevail, continuing to work in the most assertive and collaborative manner in order to address the devastating effects of this crime. During the next three days, innovative strategies, important tools and crucial information regarding cooperation efforts in the fight against human trafficking will be presented.
This form of comprehensive dialogue underscores the importance for more effective legislation, public policies, prevention tools and cooperation mechanisms among national and international partners in striving to end human trafficking.
Once again, on behalf of the people and Government of St. Maarten, welcome, and I would also like to use this opportunity to commend the IMO for their work and commitment, dedication and compassion with respect to fighting this ill of the global community. Thank you and God Bless
Mr. M. Voges,
Acting Lt. Governor |
