|
In September, Congressmembers Chris Smith and Karen Bass introduced this year’s Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (the TVPRA). The landmark legislation was first passed in 2000 and provides the legal definition and framework for prosecuting and addressing human trafficking in the United States. Since its initial passage, the Trafficking Victims Protection Act has been reauthorized five times and each reauthorization gives survivors, advocates, activists, and legislators the opportunity to create and expand crucial programs that support trafficking victims and help create a safer world for children.
ECPAT-USA worked directly with Congress on this year’s bill to ensure necessary tools and reporting procedures are made available to the hotel industry to equip staff with information to identify and disrupt suspected instances of trafficking. Additionally, the 2021 TVPRA expands the definition of child trafficking to include online exploitation and grooming. Online usage amongst youth has increased dramatically, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, ultimately making them more vulnerable to predators on the internet.
Programs that are currently being funded by the previous TVPRA are set to expire soon. It is critical that this legislation is brought to a vote by Congress before survivors lose access to these much-needed services.
|
