Ambassador L. Cromer was speaking on Wednesday at the start of a two-day high-level stakeholder session on the United States Department 2023/24 Trafficking-In Persons Questionnaire at Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre, Bijilo.
This commendable recognition, she says, highlights the dedication and progress made in the ongoing battle against trafficking in persons.
The US Diplomat made reference to the conviction of two perpetrators of trafficking in the country this year and that stands as a testament to “our unwavering commitment to justice and the rule of law”.
“Furthermore, I wish to express my deep appreciation for NAATIP’s proactive endeavors in commemorating the World Day Against Human Trafficking last July,” she said. “Their initiative, which included specialised training sessions for health and social workers on identifying trafficking indicators and effectively supporting victims, underscores the holistic approach taken to tackle this issue. Such initiatives are pivotal in building a more resilient and informed front against the scourge of human trafficking.”
While eagerly looking forward to the forthcoming responses to this year’s questionnaire, Ambassador Cromer re-echoed that the aim is to present a comprehensive report back to Washington, showcasing significant advancements across all prioritised recommendations outlined in this year’s report.
“With a steadfast commitment from all stakeholders involved, I am optimistic about our ability to demonstrate substantial progress in our ongoing efforts to combat trafficking in persons,” the US Ambassador stated.
She also acknowledged the collaborative efforts of institutions such as the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare, the IOM, the European Union (EU), and the NAATIP, who, she said, have been instrumental in driving forward the fight against trafficking in persons.
