News Release
January 19, 2014
For Immediate Release
Human Trafficking Survivor, Advocate and Nonprofit Founder, Bukola Oriola, Selected to Participate in Human Trafficking Survivor Forum Held at The White House on January 14, 2014
“…We see you. We hear you. We insist on your dignity. And we share your belief that if just given the chance, you will forge a life equal to your talents and worthy of your dreams.” —President Obama speaking at the Clinton Global Initiative
MINNEAPOLIS – January 19, 2014 – Bukola Oriola of Minneapolis based nonprofit, The Enitan Story, which provides services to victims and survivors of human trafficking was one of 20 survivors selected to participate in the Human Trafficking Survivor Forum held in Washington, D.C. on January 14, 2014, in commemoration of National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month.
The Survivor Forum was conducted by the Office for Victims of Crime in collaboration with the White House, DHS, HHS’s Administration for Children and Families, the U.S. Department of State’s Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, and DOJ’s Executive Office for United States Attorneys.
The forum was developed in response to public comments received on the draft Federal Strategic Action Plan, which was announced and released during the event. The purpose of the Plan is to describe the steps that federal agencies will take to ensure that all victims of human trafficking in the United States are identified and have access to the services they need to recover and to rebuild their lives. The Plan focuses on providing and coordinating support for victims and it aligns with all other efforts of the Federal Government to eliminate human trafficking and prevent further victimization.
Speaking of her experience as a forum participant, Oriola said, “It was a very successful forum. I was glad that the federal government considers our opinions, as survivors, to be relevant in combating human trafficking in the U.S.” Survivors provided input on a number of issues, including how Federal Government agencies can collaborate to engage survivor groups and incorporate their perspectives in federal anti-trafficking efforts.
“The government agencies’ representatives di d as promised by listening to us without impressing their own opinion on to us, rather they were open to learn and know how to better serve victims and survivors or human trafficking in the U.S. I am hopeful that survivors will be empowered through leadership training, job opportunities, and other supportive ways that will eliminate re-exploitation of survivors of human trafficking in the U.S.” Ms. Oriola added.
About The Enitan Story
The Enitan Story is a Minneapolis-based nonprofit organization with the mission to advocate for victims and empower survivors of human trafficking. The Enitan Story is a partner of the Rescue & Restore Victims of Human Trafficking campaign, a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) initiative to increase the identification of trafficking victims in the United States and to help those victims receive the benefits and services they need to restore their lives. For more information: www.enitan.org.
Questions: 763.433.9454 or info@enitan.org
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