Meridian Hosts 2018 TIP Heroes for Dinner Dialogue

On June 27, 2018, Meridian had the honor of co-hosting a dinner to celebrate the work of the 2018 Trafficking in Persons Report Heroes together with the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) and the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons at the State Department. Meridian’s President and CEO, Ambassador Stuart Holliday, joined ECA Assistant Secretary of State, Marie Royce and Acting Director for the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, Kari Johnstone, in welcoming the TIP Heroes during opening remarks. The salon dinner offered guests from the public and private sector the opportunity to share diverse perspectives and engage in thoughtful conversation on priorities in the global movement to combat trafficking in persons. 

Meridian designed and arranged an engaging International Visitor Leadership Program itinerary for the 2018 TIP Heroes. During that U.S. tour, they met with high-level government officials and non-profit activists based in Washington, D.C., Atlanta and Seattle.  Topics included strategies for investigating, detecting and deterring human trafficking, establishing effective legal frameworks, increasing public/private collaboration in the battle against trafficking, and more.    

About the Trafficking in Persons Report and Heroes

The Trafficking in Persons Report, published each year in June, is considered the benchmark index for global anti-trafficking efforts, as it ranks 170 nations according to their willingness and efforts to combat trafficking and slavery. It is an important diplomatic tool in the U.S. government’s efforts to engage foreign governments in the battle against human trafficking and serves as the guide on U.S. foreign assistance for governments and NGOs in countries working to eradicate trafficking. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo unveiled the 2018 Trafficking in Persons Report at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C., on June 28, 2018. Secretary Pompeo also honored the 2018 TIP Report Heroes, 9 men and women whose tireless efforts have made a lasting impact on the global fight against modern slavery. These individuals are NGO workers, lawmakers, police officers, and concerned citizens who are committed to protectingh victims, punish offenders, and raise awareness of ongoing criminal practices in their countries and abroad - despite resistance, opposition, and threats to their lives.