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Ambassador Wayne honored by the U.S. Department of State as the 2008 Paul Wellstone Anti-Slavery Ambassador of the Year
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AMBASSADOR WAYNE RECEIVES THE 2008 PAUL WELLSTONE ANTI-SLAVERY AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR
December 4, 2008
The US Embassy in Buenos Aires is proud to announce that Ambassador E. Anthony Wayne today has been honored by the U.S. Department of State as the 2008 Paul Wellstone Anti-Slavery Ambassador of the Year, on December 4. Ambassador Wayne took the opportunity to praise the work of the countless dedicated individuals who are fighting against the labor and sexual exploitation of men, women, and children in Argentina.
“I am grateful for this honor, which in reality, goes to the many people in Argentina who have dedicated their consciences and energy to fight against those who profit from human suffering. The collaborative efforts of NGOs and international organizations who work to fight human trafficking; Argentine leaders. government officials and Members of Congress who have taken up the cause and who are now implementing vigorously Argentina’s new anti-trafficking law; media journalists who investigate the problem; editors who keep it in the public eye; and artists who produce film, songs, and theater to deepen public awareness; Susana Trimarco, the winner of the Secretary of State’s 2007 International Women of Courage award, for all she has done to bring her nation together to save men, women and children from this tragedy. I am also grateful to the many members of the Embassy staff, led by Political Officer Heidi Gómez, who have worked so hard as a team to give this issue the attention it deserves.
The difficult, life-saving work being done in Argentina to stop trafficking and to free and help victims has expanded, with new levels of collaboration among government agencies and civil society. This is a vital effort and I am full of praise for those carrying their work ahead. ”
Background
Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte and Ambassador Mark P. Lagon, Director of the State Department's Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, presented the award to Ambassador Wayne at a ceremony at the State Department on December 4, 2008. Ambassador Wayne was selected from an impressive field of U.S. ambassadors in all six geographic regions in the world and at international organizations. The honor is awarded annually by the State Department's Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, headed by Ambassador Mark P. Lagon. This annual award is named after the late Senator Paul Wellstone in honor of his passion for defending human rights and justice around the world. His support of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 and his vital role in the creation of the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons were catalysts for our the U.S. Government’s continuing struggle to end human trafficking.”
In the award citation, the Department of State noted that:
"From advocating for tougher anti-TIP legislation in Argentina’s Congress to intervening for the safety of anti-TIP activists, Ambassador Wayne has exhibited a deep commitment to fighting and, ultimately, abolishing all forms of trafficking in persons. He is a model for other U.S. ambassadors seeking to make a serious impact on one of the greatest human rights issues of our time."
Information for the press: The Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons provides the tools to combat trafficking in persons and assists in the coordination of anti-trafficking efforts both worldwide and domestically. Please visit www.state.gov/g/tip or call 202-312-9639 for more information.
