Senator Says He is “Somewhat Appalled” by Dismissive Reaction to Human Trafficking Concerns

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today released the following statement after a breakfast meeting with Burmese leader Aung San Suu Kyi and congressional leaders at Vice President Joe Biden’s residence in Washington, D.C.

“While we certainly appreciate the work Aung San Suu Kyi has done to ensure a democratic transition in Burma, I am somewhat appalled by her dismissive reaction to concerns I raised this morning about the problem of human trafficking in her country,” said Corker. “After witnessing her lack of regard for Burma’s dismal track record on this issue, I plan to pay very close attention to her government’s efforts to prevent innocent human beings from being trafficked and sold into forced labor and sex slavery.”

Corker has long been a supporter of efforts to fight human trafficking and modern slavery. Last year, Corker introduced The End Modern Slavery Initiative Act of 2015 (S.553), which would create a powerful effort in concert with the private sector and foreign governments to help eliminate modern slavery around the world. Corker’s legislation passed unanimously out of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and in December 2015, the Senate passed the fiscal year 2016 “omnibus” appropriations bill, which included funding for the initiative.