23rd Parliamentary Intelligence-Security Forum – Human Trafficking
Congressman Burgess Owens addressed the issue of human trafficking, underscoring the significance of engagement, education, and participation as essential strategies. He recounted a personal family history of survival and resilience, illustrating how his great-great-grandfather overcame enslavement, established a life in Texas, and transmitted hope and opportunity to subsequent generations. Owens emphasized that even in seemingly secure, family-oriented environments such as Utah, malevolent forces persist, rendering awareness and education paramount. He commended collaboration among federal, state, local, and private entities in combating trafficking and highlighted the importance of providing survivors with a second chance, encompassing support, safety, and avenues for reclaiming their lives. Owens expressed gratitude for the bravery of survivors, lauded the efforts of state leadership, including Attorney General Shawn Reyes, and stressed that education, empathy, and collaboration are indispensable in empowering survivors and fostering freedom and hope.
