Media Note Office of the Spokesman, Spokesman Washington, DC April 25, 2007 United States Chairs Regional Conference on MigrationThe United States is hosting the 2007 Regional Conference on Migration (RCM) in New Orleans, Louisiana, April 24-27 with the theme of "Effective Cooperation in Combating Trafficking in Persons." Made up of governments in North and Central America and the Dominican Republic, the RCM provides an opportunity for member states to strengthen bilateral and regional relationships for the purpose of addressing migration challenges. This week, RCM member states will discuss specific initiatives they have undertaken, as well as successes and difficulties they have encountered in combating the crime of trafficking in persons. The Conference will touch on the three essential components to combat trafficking in persons effectively: prevention, protection, and prosecution. Member states will finalize the Regional Guidelines for Special Protection in Cases of the Repatriation of Child Victims of Trafficking. The Department of State's Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration Assistant Secretary Ellen Sauerbrey and Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement Assistant Secretary Julie Myers will serve as co-chairs. For further information on U.S. participation in the conference and media opportunities, please contact Peter Eisenhauer at (202) 663-1979, or Marc Raimondi at (202) 616-7339. Additional details on the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration are available at www.state.gov/g/prm. |