Trafficking in persons is an egregious violation of human rights that treats human beings as commodities to be bought and sold. The International Labor Organization (ILO) estimates that there are 12.3 million adults and children in forced labor, bonded labor, and commercial sexual exploitation at any given time. Of these victims, according to the ILO, 56 percent are women and girls, and at least 1.39 million are victims of sex trafficking. The U.S. Government has been at the forefront of efforts to stop trafficking in persons throughout the world. Since 2001, the United States has provided approximately $528 million in counter-trafficking assistance overseas. USAID has been a major part of this effort, providing more than $163 million in assistance in 68 countries between 2001 and 2010.

In Belarus, USAID assistance works to prevent trafficking and protect and reintegrate human trafficking victims into their communities. Emphasis is also placed on raising awareness of trafficking among the general population, and providing job skills training to the most-at-risk for trafficking groups of population and trafficking victims. Counter-trafficking assistance is reinforced by one of the USAID programs that support economic development, education, health, and community development.

Click here for more information on USAID programming in counter-trafficking in persons.