For Immediate Release
Press Release
On September 30, the United States government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), launched a new partnership with the Palau Chamber of Commerce to combat human trafficking.
This new partnership will raise awareness about trafficking in persons, improve protection for victims, and ensure collaboration among partners. USAID Deputy Administrator Isobel Coleman announced the partnership during a meeting with Palau Chamber of Commerce President Vivien Ngirarsaol-Protine; Chief Wandalynn Remeliik of the Ministry of Human Resources, Culture, Tourism, and Development; private sector partners; and representatives from The Asia Foundation.
“This critical funding will enable us to enhance our efforts in combating human trafficking, protecting vulnerable populations, and promoting a safer, more equitable society,” said Palau Chamber of Commerce President Vivien Ngirarsaol-Protine. “Together, we can make a lasting impact in preventing human trafficking and ensuring that our communities remain resilient and informed.”
Through this new partnership, USAID and the Palau Chamber of Commerce will promote awareness and prevention of trafficking in persons, train members of the business community on victim protection, and work with partners to ensure prevention and protection mechanisms are in place to create a safe environment for all individuals. USAID and the Palau Chamber of Commerce will also help increase knowledge about how to identify victims and what people should do if they suspect someone is a victim of trafficking or forced labor. “USAID recognizes the important role the private sector plays in preventing trafficking, and identifying victims and survivors,” said Deputy Administrator Coleman. “It’s incumbent on us all, together, to identify challenges and implement solutions to end trafficking in persons.”
During her time in Palau, USAID Deputy Administrator Coleman also served as U.S. Head of Delegation to Palau’s National Day celebrations, demonstrating America’s commitment to the people of Palau and to the North Pacific; met with President Surangel Whipps, Jr. to discuss how USAID’s partnerships help tackle the climate crisis, build community resilience, and improve economic opportunities in the region; and visited an undersea fiber-optic cable project site, where USAID is partnering with Palau, Japan, and Australia to improve internet connectivity. Assistant Secretary of the Department of the Interior Carmen Cantor, Special Assistant to the President Paula Tufro, Deputy Under Secretary for International Trade Diane Farrell, Regional Director of the U.S. Trade Development Agency Verinda Fike, and Chief of Staff of the U.S. Development Finance Corporation Jane Rhee also joined the trip.
In Palau, USAID partners the government, private sector, and local organizations to increase resilience to climate change impacts, promote good governance and economic growth, increase digital connectivity, and support the country’s disaster preparedness and assistance priorities.