Canadian Benjamin Perrin Named a Hero in the U.S. State Department 2009 Trafficking in Persons Report

Released on June 16, 2009

Full Report

Press Release - US Embassy Ottawa

U.S. Embassy Canada congratulates University of British Columbia Professor Benjamin Perrin for his selection as a hero in the U.S. State Department's 2009 Trafficking in Persons Report, released today, in Washington, D.C. The 175-country report is the most comprehensive worldwide report on the efforts of governments to combat severe forms of trafficking in persons, a modern-day form of slavery. Its findings are intended to raise global awareness and spur countries to take effective actions to counter trafficking in persons.

Professor Perrin is one of only nine individuals worldwide to be so honored this year, and is the first Canadian to receive this recognition. He is a leading anti-trafficking activist in Canada and founder of The Future Group, an NGO dedicated to combating human trafficking and the child sex trade around the world. Mr. Perrin has advocated for the adoption of a Canadian national action plan and has pushed for stronger enforcement and more effective victim services.

Professor Perrin’s investigations have identified a nationwide sex trafficking ring and dozens of cases in which Canada has been a transit and destination country. He has several ongoing research projects that will provide Canada’s first comprehensive account of human trafficking and propose concrete policy recommendations to increase the prosecution of traffickers and the protection of victims.

The U.S. continues to work closely and collaboratively with Canada, both with governments, private sector NGOs and activists like Professor Perrin, to combat the scourge of human trafficking in both our countries and around the world.

The 2009 Trafficking in Persons report may be viewed in full on the State Department website at: www.state.gov/g/tip.