The United States has expressed support for a newly adopted resolution related to the United Nations' efforts against human trafficking. Acknowledging the resolution’s importance, U.S. representatives praised the leadership involved in its facilitation.
The United States has reiterated its commitment to the fight against human trafficking, highlighting the harmful impact trafficking has on communities, its contribution to criminal activity, and the threat it poses to national security. The statement emphasized the need for international cooperation to address this global issue, assist victims, and ensure traffickers are held accountable.
The U.S. statement pointed out the alignment between its domestic Trafficking Victims Protection Act and the Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons. This global plan stresses how trafficking negatively affects development, peace, security, and human rights.
However, the U.S. articulated reservations about parts of the resolution, particularly the reaffirmation of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) mentioned in PP5. The U.S. expressed concern that these frameworks could potentially encroach upon U.S. sovereignty and adversely affect the rights and interests of its citizens.
Additionally, the United States noted its decision to disassociate from OP9 due to the language regarding gender parity. While emphasizing support for women's rights and empowerment, the U.S. voiced opposition to quotas as a means of achieving gender parity and expressed regret that the resolution did not more clearly articulate language regarding meaningful participation by both women and men at the high-level conference.
###