Smith Praised for Leadership in Humanitarian Causes

            “Congressman Smith has earned our highest respect and admiration for his outstanding work and national leadership in combating the scourge of human trafficking and bringing hope and assistance to torture survivors in the United States and throughout the world,” said  Nicholas Mantalto, the President and CEO of the International Institute of NJ.  

            “I can think of no one other than Chris Smith who better fits Webster’s definition of humanitarian  -- one who is devoted to the promotion of human welfare and the advancement of social reforms," Mantalto said.

            Established by the YWCA in 1918, The International Institute of New Jersey has been a leading agency providing an array of humanitarian services for new immigrants and refugees to New Jersey for more than 85 years.  The institute has several departments promoting the integration of immigrants and refugees by tutoring the newly arrived, providing interpreting services, working in health clinics and promoting American citizenship. Another program provides culturally and linguistically appropriate mental health and community-based psycho-social services for refugee survivors of torture and trauma, and has received federal assistance under Smith’s legislation to help victims of torture.

            “It is an honor to work along with, and for, the dedicated staff and volunteers of the International Institute of New Jersey,” Smith said.  “For close to hundred years they have been a beacon for those coming to America’s shores, especially through the gates of  New Jersey.  They have never stopped helping the poor huddled masses arriving in the United States and I thank them for their great work in keeping alive America’s tradition as a welcoming nation for real immigrants and refugees.”

            Smith is the author of several laws that promote human rights both here and abroad.  His Trafficking Victims Protection Act (PL-106-386) is groundbreaking legislation that moved the US government and several countries around the world to establish new and meaningful penalties for those who traffic in persons, mostly women and children, for the purposes of commercial sex or forced labor. 

            The anti-human trafficking legislation, which was expanded and enhanced by Smith’s subsequent law, PL 108-193, also provides significant counseling, shelter, and humanitarian assistance to the victims of trafficking.  Since taking office, the Bush Administration has provided more than $295 million to support anti-human trafficking programs domestically and in more than 120 countries.

            To avoid the penalties established by Smith’s legislation, 24 nations have thus far enacted new laws to combat the trade in human lives.  Thirty-two are in the process of drafting or passing such laws.  Last year nearly 8,000 traffickers were prosecuted worldwide; 2,800 have been convicted.

            Smith is also the author of three separate laws that provide specific aid to torture victims and a comprehensive strategy for global efforts to eliminate torture.  There are an estimated 500,000 survivors of torture in the US who are aided through federally funded torture treatment centers throughout the US, including one in Jersey City, New Jersey.