RICKY MARTIN FOUNDATION: Human Trafficking in Puerto Rico Study

The Ricky Martin Foundation in partnership with the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, and the Protection Project at the School of Advanced International Studies of Johns Hopkins University released today the first research conducted in Puerto Rico on human trafficking.

The research, led by Dr. César Rey, serves the country pursuant to a 91-page document titled “Trafficking in Persons in Puerto Rico: An Invisible Challenge” which was presented to a select audience that attended the Amphitheater of the University of Puerto Rico School of Law.

The United States Government was represented by Ambassador-at-Large to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, Luis C.de Baca, renowned expert on this global phenomenon and John Hopkins University was also represented through Dr. Mohamed Mattar, Executive Director of the Protection Project. They both traveled to the island at the invitation of Mr. Ricky Martin.

The study, which had the participation of researchers from the Graduate School of Public Administration, University Puerto Rico, RMF Personnel and the Protection Project team, highlighted among its findings various forms of human trafficking: commercial sexual exploitation, labor exploitation and purchased marriages.

Said findings were the result of a three year comprehensive work which involved 10 researchers who compiled actual cases of survivors of this crime, which is inserted as part of the country’s informal and underground economy.

Dr. Rey emphasized that this investigation has “the purpose of educating members of academic institutions about this global phenomenon. And propose amendments to existing legislation to protect prevent and rehabilitate potential victims. We are confident we will achieve awareness in the society and strengthen the capacity of government officials and non-government sector organizations to combat a ruthless industry. It is the tip of the iceberg, the beginning of the profile to a crime we cannot deny.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Mattar added that the study “provides a deep exploration of the human trafficking problem in Puerto Rico through valuable research. The first of its kind in Puerto Rico, this study is therefore of great relevance and importance in the area of human trafficking.”

Dr. Ana R. Guadalupe, Acting Dean of Río Piedras Campus, noted that the participation of the Campus in this study demonstrates the continued commitment of the University to research and to acquire knowledge in the search for solutions to the most pressing problems facing society in the Caribbean and the international arena.

“Awareness of the extent of trafficking in children and presenting new multidisciplinary and multisectorial approaches to address this abhorrent practice is an important advance. From this perspective, we are very pleased that our Graduate School of Public Administration, through our investigators, César Rey and Luisa Hernández, have played such an important role in this effort. ”

“I am very pleased that through my Foundation we can bring awareness to the crime of human trafficking in my island. I am confident that the seeds we sow today will germinate in a Puerto Rico that ponders on this issue and acts for the sake of our children and for the good of our society,” said Ricky Martin.

The Board of Directors of the Foundation is grateful for the sponsorship of Doral Bank and DACO in this important study, as well as the volunteers who had the courage to tell their stories in order to set an example for future generations.

About the Organizations:

The Protection Project at the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS)

The Protection Project focuses on promoting human rights values throughout the world by engaging in academic research and conducting training, exchange, and fellowship programs related to issues of trafficking in persons and child labor, human rights education including human rights studies in university, secondary and elementary curricula, women’s empowerment, state compliance with internationally recognized human rights and capacity building for civil society in developing and transition countries. (www.protectionproject.org)

Ricky Martin Foundation

We are a non-profit organization whose mission is to advocate for the well-being of children around the world in critical areas such as social justice, education and health. Our principal project People for Children condemns child exploitation. (www.rickymartinfoundation.org)

University of Puerto Rico

UPR is the oldest and largest university in Puerto Rico, and the first public university in Puerto Rico. The School of Public Administration will lead the investigation focusing on the issue of trafficking in persons in Puerto Rico and in developing strategies to effectively assess its scope and develop effective solutions. (www.uprrp.edu)

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