11:19 | Washington D.C. (U.S.), Jun. 16.
Paola Hittscher, a provincial prosecutor in Peru's Public Prosecutor Office, specializing in human trafficking crimes in Loreto region, has been honored with a prestigious award in the United States for her efforts to end human trafficking.
The recognition came as
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday presented the
2023 Trafficking in Persons Report Hero awards to eight recipients whose work to end human trafficking, despite great challenges, is worthy of special recognition.
"Congratulations to the 2023 Trafficking in Persons Report Heroes! We commend your devotion to fighting human trafficking. Congratulations to the Heroes," the U.S. Department of State posted on Twitter.
During the ceremony, U.S. Ambassador-at-Large to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons Cindy Dyer affirmed that Paola Hittscher receives the Trafficking in Persons Report Hero award in recognition for her powerful use of innovative partnerships with the Peruvian Navy, National Police, and civil society to advance the investigation and prosecution of human trafficking cases in Peru's Loreto region.
Moreover, Dyer said the award recognizes the Peruvian prosecutor's efforts despite a challenging environment of limited funding, security concerns, and limited state presence.
"Paola Hittscher was honored as a 2023 TIP Report Hero today in recognition of her work to end human trafficking. Congratulations!" reads another tweet by the U.S. Department of State.
About Hittscher
According to the latest Trafficking in Persons Report released by the United States, Ms. Hittscher has been a key figure in the fight against human trafficking in Loreto since 2016, and a crucial actor in the design, planning, and implementation of the U.S.-Peru Child Protection Compact Partnership.
The magistrate is renowned for her collaboration and cooperation with the Peruvian Navy, Peruvian National Police, Ministry of Women and Vulnerable Populations, and civil society.
Despite limited funding and minimal staff, she has made significant strides to advance investigations and seek prosecutions of human trafficking cases.
Furthermore, Paola Hittscher has taken steps to help child trafficking victims feel at ease as they go through police interviews.
Additionally, she has faced down major security concerns.
She regularly travels into the jungle with police officers to conduct operations, despite knowing the potential for gunfire, injury, and even loss of life. She endures indirect and direct threats to her life and still perseveres, and in spite of the risks, drives remarkable progress.
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Publicado: 16/6/2023